Rivers Emergency Rule: President Tinubu Wins

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By Reporter

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu challenging the March 18, 2025, proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The judge said that only the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

It will be recalled that the declaration of the state of emergency by Tinubu temporarily sacked Gov Siminalayi Fubara, along with the members of the State House of Assembly, for a period of six months.

In the place of Fubara, President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator—Vice Admiral Iof an administrator who took charge of running the affairs for the period.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by Belema Briggs and four others against the emergency rule, Justice Omotosho held that the five plaintiffs lacked the legal power to institute the case.

In the judgment today, Thursday, October 2, the Court held that none of the five plaintiffs claimed to be members of the State Executive Committee, members of the House of Assembly, or suffered any injury greater than the rest of the people of Rivers State.

The Court also held that none of the plaintiffs claimed to have the fiat of the Attorney General of the State to initiate the case.

Continuing, Justice Omotosho said that President Tinubu’s claim that he imposed the state of emergency to avoid a looming breakdown of law and order was not challenged or disputed by the plaintiffs.

Justice Omotosho therefore held that the claim of breach of fundamental rights by the plaintiffs against Tinubu is weak because the appropriate law on Emergency Rule Order was invoked by Tinubu to save the unpleasant situation.

The judge concluded that the case was frivolous and baseless for failing to secure the mandate of Rivers people before instituting it on their behalf.