A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit filed by the civil society group, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The suit sought to question Tinubu’s authority to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as his appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of the state.
In March 2025, Tinubu had declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor and his deputy while appointing Ibas to manage the affairs of the state during the period.
The plaintiffs asked the court to declare the actions ultra vires, illegal, and inconsistent with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Ruling on the matter on Friday, Justice Muhammad Turaki held that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi because Governor Fubara was not a party to the case.
He described the suit as largely an academic exercise and declined to address the substantive issues.
Speaking after the hearing, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Amegua Lezina, said they would review the judgment to determine their next steps.
“The court’s decision was based solely on the fact that the governor was not joined in the suit. The merits were not considered. We will study the ruling and, if necessary, proceed to the Court of Appeal,” Lezina stated.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned a separate suit by the same group, which challenged the National Assembly’s ratification of Ibas’ appointment, to January 23, 2026, for judgment.
Another case by the organisation regarding the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission was adjourned to December 5, 2025, for adoption of processes.
