Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the judiciary to urgently determine the constitutional validity of the recently lifted emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that leaving the matter unresolved could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

Falana noted that without a judicial pronouncement, Section 305 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, could be misused for political purposes.

President Bola Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State on September 17, 2025, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. Over 40 legal cases challenging the emergency declaration were filed in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, some of which are still pending in court. “That is the way it should be in a democratic setting,” the president said.

Falana, however, stressed that the judiciary cannot sidestep its responsibilities as it had in past emergency rule cases.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara appealed to Rivers residents and the church to remain steadfast in prayers as he resumes governance. Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town his first public engagement since returning to office Fubara said, “We came simply to worship in our home church and to thank God quietly for His faithfulness toward my family, Rivers State, and Nigeria.”

The governor also emphasized the importance of peace for unity and development, urging continued prayers and support as his administration charts a renewed path of leadership.