The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members following his proclamation of a state of emergency in the state.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, was brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, all members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) and registered voters in Rivers State.
Also joined as defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who was appointed as the state’s Sole Administrator.
The plaintiffs are seeking:
- An order to set aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
- An order to nullify the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator.
- A declaration that Tinubu’s actions violate Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that no person or group can govern any part of Nigeria except as provided by the Constitution.
The suit, filed by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, argues that democracy and the rule of law are fundamental to Nigeria’s governance and that arbitrarily suspending elected leaders undermines these principles.
“The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation in governance can be arbitrarily suspended,” the plaintiffs stated.
The case adds to the growing legal and political debates surrounding the state of emergency declaration and its implications for Nigeria’s federal system.
