The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
The proclamation, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, allowed for the appointment of an administrator to manage the state’s affairs during the period.
Delivering judgment on the case filed by Belema Briggs and four others, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs did not have the legal right to bring the case forward.
He explained that only the Supreme Court holds the constitutional authority to decide on such matters.
Additionally, the judge stated that none of the plaintiffs demonstrated that they were members of the state executive council, lawmakers, or had suffered any harm beyond what the general public experienced.
He also noted that the plaintiffs did not obtain the fiat of the Rivers State Attorney General before initiating the case.
Justice Omotosho observed that the plaintiffs failed to challenge President Tinubu’s justification that the emergency proclamation was necessary to avert a looming breakdown of law and order.
He dismissed the claims of breach of fundamental rights, stating that the President acted within the provisions of the law on emergency powers to safeguard the state.
Describing the suit as frivolous and baseless, the judge concluded that the plaintiffs lacked the mandate of Rivers people to sue on their behalf.