Rivers Tension Deepens As Court Halts Ruling On Fubara’s Suspension!

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has postponed hearing a constitutional suit challenging the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. According to Naija News, the matter has been rescheduled for May 26, 2025.

The suit was filed by Farah Dagogo, a former federal lawmaker and 2023 PDP governorship aspirant in Rivers State. Dagogo is contesting the legality of President Tinubu’s actions, which followed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The President cited escalating security concerns as the reason for his intervention.

On March 18, 2025, Tinubu suspended the elected state leadership and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s Administrator. In response, Dagogo filed Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 on April 9, arguing that the President acted beyond his constitutional powers.

During Monday’s session, Dagogo’s counsel, Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, confirmed that all defendants had been properly served and the legal team was prepared to proceed. The list of defendants includes President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibas.

Only Ibas appeared through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who requested more time to respond to the suit. Justice Adamu Mohammed approved the request but warned that the case would go forward on the next adjourned date, regardless of any further delays.

After the hearing, Enweluzo emphasized to reporters that the President’s suspension of elected officials and appointment of an administrator was unconstitutional and lacked legal justification.