Suspension Rivers Governor Fubara: The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned a constitutional suit challenging the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The case has been rescheduled for hearing on May 26, 2025.
The suit, filed by former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant Dr. Farah Dagogo, challenges the legality of President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the democratically elected state officials and appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator of Rivers State. The suspension was based on the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, due to rising insecurity.
Dagogo’s legal action, under Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, filed on April 9, argues that the President’s actions are unconstitutional and exceed the powers granted to him under the Nigerian Constitution.
During Monday’s court proceedings, the plaintiff’s counsel, Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, confirmed that all five defendants had been properly served. The defendants include President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibas.
Of the defendants, only Vice Admiral Ibas appeared through his legal representative, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who requested more time to respond to the originating summons. Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the extension but warned that the court would proceed with the matter on the next adjourned date, regardless of any further delays.
Following the hearing, Enweluzo reiterated that the case centers on constitutional violations by the President. “The President cannot act as a ‘Tin god.’ He lacks the authority to suspend duly elected officials or take control of the governance of over four million citizens in Rivers State. This action is a constitutional aberration and cannot stand,” he said.
He also dismissed the justification of insecurity, pointing out that other states with worse security issues—such as Benue, Plateau, and Borno—have not been placed under emergency rule. “Rivers State remains relatively peaceful,” Enweluzo asserted.
Enweluzo commended Dr. Dagogo for initiating the legal challenge, emphasizing that Nigerians have the right to be governed by their elected representatives, not by presidential decree.
Regarding the adjournment, Enweluzo explained that the fifth defendant’s counsel had requested additional time to respond to the suit, and as this was their first application for an extension, they did not object. He further noted that, despite being served, none of the other defendants had filed a memorandum of appearance or legal response to the suit.
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