Court Dismisses Suit Against President Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency Rule

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s March 2025 declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. Justice James Omotosho ruled on Thursday that the five plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to sue, noting they neither represented the state’s executive or legislature nor showed personal injury beyond that of the general public.

The judge also ruled that the plaintiffs failed to dispute Tinubu’s justification that the emergency was declared to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Describing the case as “frivolous and baseless,” the court noted that the plaintiffs did not obtain the required authorization from the state’s Attorney General to file the suit.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale