Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Suspension of Rivers Governor Fubara to May 26

Legal Battle Over Rivers State Leadership Crisis Continues

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned until May 26, 2025, a lawsuit challenging the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.

Background of the Case

The suit (FHC/PH/CS/50/2025) was filed by Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former federal lawmaker and 2023 PDP governorship aspirant, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

President Tinubu had cited security concerns as justification for suspending the state’s democratically elected leadership and appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator.

Court Proceedings

During Monday’s hearing, plaintiff’s counsel Mr. Cosmas Enweluzo (SAN) informed the court that all defendants had been properly served. The defendants include:

• President Bola Tinubu
• Senate President Godswill Akpabio
• The Senate
• House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
• Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas

Only Ibas appeared through his counsel, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who requested additional time to respond to the originating summons. Justice Adamu Mohammed granted the request but warned against further delays.

Plaintiff’s Arguments

Enweluzo argued that the President’s actions were unconstitutional: “The President cannot act as a ‘Tin god’. He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives.”

The counsel questioned the justification for the state of emergency, noting that more severe security situations in northern states hadn’t prompted similar actions: “In Benue, Plateau, and Borno States, serious security challenges persist… Yet no state of emergency was declared there.”

Next Steps

The case will resume on May 26, 2025. Enweluzo noted that while all defendants had been served, only Ibas had begun filing processes in response to the suit.

Source: Per Second News