Rivers Turmoil: Tinubu’s Suspension Of Fubara Faces Legal Challenge As Court Date Set

Rivers Turmoil: Tinubu’s Suspension Of Fubara Faces Legal Challenge As Court Date Set

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled May 21, 2025, for the commencement of hearings in a lawsuit filed by Belema Briggs and others against President Bola Tinubu,……..READ MORE

the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the Nigerian Navy.

The plaintiffs are seeking a judicial review of various sections of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 1, 4, 5, 11, 180, 188, and 305. They are challenging the legality of President Tinubu’s actions following the state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The plaintiffs question whether the President has the constitutional authority to suspend an elected state government and whether the National Assembly has the right to endorse such a move. Additionally, they seek clarification on the President’s power to appoint a Sole Administrator to oversee the state government.

They argue that these actions may violate constitutional provisions that protect the rights of elected officials, as well as international agreements like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The hearing will proceed as scheduled on May 21, 2025, after confirming that all relevant parties have been notified.