Rivers State’s emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu faces continued legal scrutiny as a civil society group signals plans to appeal a court’s dismissal of its suit.
The group, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, had filed the suit against President Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.). It sought to declare the president’s proclamation and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension as ultra vires, illegal, and in violation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
In March, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ibas was appointed to oversee the administration of the state during the suspension period.
Ruling on the suit, Justice Muhammad Turaki held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, as Governor Fubara was not joined as a party. He described the case as largely academic and declined to examine its merits.
Speaking after the hearing, counsel for the plaintiffs, Amegua Lezina, said they would study the judgment before deciding the next step.
“The court’s position was based on the fact that the governor, who was then suspended, was not a party. Therefore, the court did not consider the merit of the case. We will review the judgment, consult our client, and if necessary, proceed to the Court of Appeal”, Lezina said.
Meanwhile, a separate suit by the group challenging the National Assembly’s ratification of Ibas’ appointment has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for judgment.
Another case questioning the appointment and constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has been adjourned to December 5, 2025, for the adoption of processes.
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