The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs, led by Belema Briggs, lacked the legal standing to institute the case.
The court held that the plaintiffs did not have the legal power to file the suit, as they were not members of the State Executive Committee, the House of Assembly, or suffered any unique injury.
Justice Omotosho stated that such a case could only be determined by the Supreme Court, not the Federal High Court.
The court described the suit as frivolous and baseless, noting that the plaintiffs did not obtain the consent of Rivers’ citizens before filing.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, citing rising political instability and attacks on oil infrastructure.
The emergency was ended on September 17, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Assembly members resuming duties the next day.
The declaration of the state of emergency led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all State Assembly members.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state. The emergency aimed to restore security and prevent further disruptions in the state.
The suit, filed by Belema Briggs and four others, sought to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of the emergency.
Justice Omotosho in his ruling, held that the President’s claimed that the emergency prevented a breakdown of law and order was undisputed.
The court also noted that allegations of breach of fundamental rights could not stand because the President acted under the appropriate Emergency Rule Order.
