The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a case challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state. The case is being heard by a seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro. The apex court adjourned proceedings after all parties adopted their written arguments on Tuesday.
The claimants in the suit are the Attorneys General of ten states, while the defendants are the Federal Government and the National Assembly. During Tuesday’s hearing, the fifth plaintiff, Delta State, withdrew from the case, a decision that was not opposed by counsel for the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), clarified that their case was not questioning the president’s authority to declare a state of emergency, but rather the scope of the proclamation, specifically, its impact on the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the State House of Assembly.
In his response, counsel to the Nigerian Government argued that Rivers State was engulfed in a crisis involving the executive and legislature, which necessitated the president’s intervention in March. He explained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly were not removed but suspended in an effort to restore peace.
The council to the Federal Government then urged the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety, a position also supported by counsel for the National Assembly, Charles Yohila. After hearing all arguments, the Supreme Court reserved judgment and stated that a date for delivery would be communicated to the parties.
