Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a suit challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
The declaration, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, also saw the appointment of an administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The suit, filed by Belema Briggs and four others, was struck out after Justice Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to initiate the case. The court held that only the Supreme Court could entertain such a matter and that the plaintiffs neither represented the State Executive Committee, the House of Assembly, nor had the authorization of the State’s Attorney General.
Furthermore, the judge noted that the plaintiffs failed to dispute Tinubu’s claim that the emergency rule was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order. He added that the alleged breach of fundamental rights did not stand, as the president acted within the law governing emergency powers.
Describing the case as “frivolous and baseless,” Justice Omotosho emphasized that the plaintiffs had no mandate from the people of Rivers State to sue on their behalf.
Details later.
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