A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has summoned President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and six others over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Among those named in the lawsuit are House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation, Rivers Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The case, filed under Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/45/2025, was initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of Peoples Life Improvement Foundation, Precious Elekima, and Inanna Wright Harry. The plaintiffs argue that the emergency declaration is unconstitutional and are seeking the court’s interpretation of its legality.
Key issues raised in the suit include whether Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, declaration of emergency violates the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The plaintiffs also seek an injunction preventing the Rivers administrator from appointing local government caretaker committees, forming a state executive council, or making financial decisions on behalf of the state.
Additionally, the lawsuit demands the reinstatement of the suspended executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers and a court order preventing future suspensions of elected officials.
The court has given the defendants 30 days to respond, warning that proceedings will continue in their absence if they fail to do so.
The plaintiffs are represented by lawyer Ebere R. Ugwuja.
