By IDNN Politics Desk | April 14, 2025
PDP Governors File Supreme Court Case Over Rivers Suspension
Eleven governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a suit at the Supreme Court. They are challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The suit, marked SC/CV/329/2025, requests the court to determine whether the President can suspend elected state officials and install a sole administrator under emergency powers.
President Declares Emergency, Replaces Governor with Sole Administrator
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising tensions and threats to security. Following the declaration, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members were suspended for six months.
Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the sole administrator to manage state affairs during the emergency.
The National Assembly later backed the declaration through a voice vote.
PDP Legal Team Seeks Constitutional Clarification
In response, 11 PDP governors from Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa challenged the legality of the move.
Their legal team includes seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and six other lawyers. Among them are Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Musibau Adetunbi.
The governors argue that the President’s actions may conflict with the Constitution. They claim it undermines democratic governance, federalism, and the separation of powers.
AGF Prepares Tinubu’s Legal Response
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has begun preparing the President’s response to the suit. A source at the Ministry of Justice confirmed that legal teams are actively working on the filings.
House of Representatives Sets Up Oversight Committee
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives plans to inaugurate an ad-hoc committee to oversee legislative duties in Rivers State during the emergency. The committee will begin work on Tuesday.
House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere will chair the committee, with the House Minority Whip as deputy. Members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi will serve as the committee’s secretary.
National Assembly Adjusts Oversight Role
According to House spokesperson Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly amended the President’s proclamation to strengthen democratic oversight. One key change assigns oversight responsibility to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.
The House stated that it is committed to ensuring the emergency rule remains within constitutional boundaries and supports transparency and accountability.
The Supreme Court has not yet set a date for the hearing.
IDNN | Journalism for Justice.
