Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the case forward.
The suit, filed by Belema Briggs and four others, sought to invalidate the Tinubu emergency declaration in Rivers State, which was announced in March amid rising political unrest and attacks on oil infrastructure.
In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that only the Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to determine such matters involving a sitting president’s constitutional powers. He further noted that none of the plaintiffs belonged to the State Executive Council or the House of Assembly, nor did they suffer any direct or personal injury as a result of the emergency rule.
“The plaintiffs do not have the locus standi to initiate this suit,” the judge said. “Additionally, they failed to obtain the consent of the people of Rivers State or the Attorney General of the Federation, making their claims legally defective.”
The court also rejected arguments that President Tinubu’s emergency actions violated fundamental human rights, emphasizing that the Emergency Rule Order was enacted lawfully to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Justice Omotosho described the case as “frivolous and baseless,” and noted that the declaration of emergency was not disputed on factual grounds.
Background on the Rivers State Emergency Rule
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability, violent protests, and sabotage of key oil infrastructure. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly were suspended from office.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance and restore order during the period.
The declaration sparked widespread criticism and protests across the state, with citizens demanding a return to democratic governance.
On September 17, 2025, the President officially ended the emergency rule, stating that political stability had returned and cooperation among key stakeholders had improved.
Governor Fubara and other suspended officials resumed their duties the following day to a warm reception from their supporters.
