The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding his March 18, 2025, declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation resulted in the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, with an administrator appointed to manage the state’s affairs during this period.
In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho dismissed the suit filed by Belema Briggs and four others, stating that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the case. The court held that only the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to determine such matters. The judge noted that none of the plaintiffs were members of the State Executive Committee or House of Assembly, nor did they demonstrate any unique injury compared to other Rivers State residents. Additionally, the plaintiffs failed to obtain the Attorney General’s fiat to initiate the case.
Justice Omotosho further ruled that the plaintiffs did not dispute Tinubu’s claim that the emergency was declared to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The court found no violation of fundamental rights, as Tinubu acted within the legal framework for emergency declarations. The judge described the suit as frivolous and baseless, noting that the plaintiffs did not secure the mandate of Rivers State residents to file on their behalf.
