The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the March 18, 2025, declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Tinubu’s proclamation led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, with an administrator appointed to oversee the state during the period.
Delivering judgment in the case brought by Belema Briggs and four others, Justice Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal authority to institute the suit.
He explained that only the Supreme Court could hear such a matter.
The court noted that none of the five plaintiffs were members of the State Executive Committee, lawmakers, or individuals directly affected beyond the general public.
In addition, they had no authorization from the State Attorney General to act on behalf of Rivers people.
Justice Omotosho further held that Tinubu’s justification—that the state of emergency was declared to avert a breakdown of law and order—was not disputed by the plaintiffs.
The judge also dismissed the claim of breach of fundamental rights, ruling that Tinubu had acted within the provisions of the Emergency Rule Order to stabilize the state.
Describing the case as frivolous and baseless, the court concluded that the plaintiffs acted without the mandate of the people of Rivers State in filing the suit.
