Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Tinubu Over Fubara’s Suspension

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

The suspension, announced on March 18, 2025, followed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and elapsed on September 18, 2025. During the period, President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.

The case was filed by five indigenes of Rivers State, led by Mr. Belema Briggs, who asked the court to declare the suspension unconstitutional and unlawful.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho struck out the suit, holding that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi (legal right) to challenge the president’s action.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs, Were neither the governor nor members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Failed to prove any personal injury suffered beyond what every other indigene of the state experienced.

Did not obtain authorization from the Attorney General of Rivers State to institute the case.

Could not rebut the federal government’s argument that the state of emergency was necessary to avert a breakdown of law and order.

The court also rejected their claim that the suspension violated their fundamental human rights, noting that due legal processes were followed before the emergency rule was imposed.

Justice Omotosho further held that the nature of the case meant it could only be properly determined by the Supreme Court, not the Federal High Court.

Consequently, the suit was dismissed as frivolous and baseless, with the judge ruling that the plaintiffs had no mandate to act on behalf of the people of Rivers State.

VANGAUARD