Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the March 18, 2025 proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Tinubu’s declaration had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, while an administrator was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
Delivering judgment on Thursday in the case brought by Belema Briggs and four others, Justice Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the action.
He noted that such a case could only be properly determined by the Supreme Court.
The court further held that none of the plaintiffs was a member of the State Executive Council or House of Assembly, nor had they demonstrated suffering any injury greater than that of the general populace.
Additionally, they did not obtain authorisation from the state Attorney-General to pursue the matter.
Justice Omotosho also observed that President Tinubu’s justification for imposing the state of emergency was to prevent a breakdown of law and order and which was neither challenged nor disproved.
He concluded that the claim of a breach of fundamental rights could not stand, as the President had lawfully invoked emergency powers to safeguard the state.
The judge described the suit as frivolous and baseless, stressing that the plaintiffs had no mandate to act on behalf of the people of Rivers State.