Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A fierce legal and political showdown is unfolding as eleven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have mobilized top legal minds to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The governors, representing Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states, have jointly filed a case at the Supreme Court. Their aim is to test the constitutional legality of the president’s controversial actions.
President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months. He then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator—a move which received backing from both the Senate and House of Representatives.
To contest these developments, the PDP governors have assembled a formidable 13-member legal team, which includes seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs): Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. Others on the team include M.S. Atolagbe, Ezenwa Ibegbunam, Chiamaka Anagu, Olakunle Lawal, Abduljalil Musa, and H.A. Adeleke.
In their originating summons, marked SC/CV/329/2025, they are asking the Supreme Court to rule on whether the president holds the constitutional power to suspend elected state officials and impose a sole administrator.
As the case garners national attention, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reportedly begun preparing the Federal Government’s legal defense.
“We are treating the matter with utmost urgency, and the President’s position will be clearly defended before the court,” a senior legal aide confirmed under anonymity.
Separately, former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to nullify the president’s emergency declaration. Presiding over the case, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted an order for substituted service after personal service attempts failed. The case is scheduled for hearing on May 12, 2025.
Dagogo’s lead counsel, C.I. Enweluzo (SAN), revealed that all legal documents are to be sent via courier to the last known addresses of the President, the Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the sole administrator of Rivers State.
In a gesture of solidarity, Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa State, visited Governor Fubara and publicly called for calm. “This is not just a Rivers issue; it affects the stability of the entire Niger Delta,” Dickson shared in a statement.
Former militant leader and Tantita Security Services chairman, Government Ekpemupolo—popularly known as Tompolo—also voiced support for Fubara. Speaking during his 54th birthday celebration, he said, “I cannot betray the Ijaw nation. Talks are ongoing, and Fubara will return as governor.”
Tompolo called for unity and reconciliation between key players, urging them to prioritize dialogue over division. “Wike must bring his temper down. We will dialogue and resolve this. This is not the time for rebellion but for peace,” he added.
