Court Dismisses Case Challenging Tinubu On Rivers Emergency Rule

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The case was filed by Belema Briggs and four others, who argued against the president’s proclamation of the emergency in March.

But Justice James Omotosho ruled that the applicants had no legal grounds to sue, stressing that only the Supreme Court has the authority to decide such matters.

According to the judge, none of the plaintiffs were members of the Rivers State Executive Council or House of Assembly, nor could they prove that they had suffered any direct harm.

He also pointed out that they had not obtained approval from the Attorney General before filing the suit.

Justice Omotosho further held that President Tinubu acted within the law when he declared the emergency to forestall a breakdown of order in the state.

He described the case as frivolous and without merit, noting that the claim of human rights violations could not hold since the President relied on the provisions of the Emergency Rule Order.

KanyiDaily recalls that Tinubu had announced the emergency in March, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers.

The president also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Sole Administrator to manage the state.

The decision, according to the presidency, followed political unrest and attacks on oil facilities that threatened both security and the economy.

The emergency lasted until September 17, when Tinubu lifted the order after citing improvements in political cooperation and security.

Governor Fubara and other suspended officials immediately returned to office, welcomed by jubilant supporters.

KanyiDaily recalls that during the emergency, many residents staged protests demanding the restoration of democratic governance.