The political drama in Rivers State has taken a major legal turn. The Federal Government has assembled a heavyweight legal team of 10 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including former Attorney General, Chief Akin Olujinmi, to defend President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
This move comes after 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dragged the Federal Government and National Assembly before the Supreme Court, questioning the legality of suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly.
Other SANs on the FG’s team include Prof Kanyinsola Ajayi, Jelili Owonikoko, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Tijani Gazali, Babatunde Obama, and others—each bringing serious legal firepower.
President Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers, citing a deepening political crisis that had grounded governance. He appointed retired military officer Ibokette Ibas as sole administrator, with the National Assembly quickly backing the decision through a voice vote.
But the PDP governors—representing states like Adamawa, Oyo, Osun, Delta, and others—want the Supreme Court to interpret whether the President can lawfully suspend elected officials and replace them with appointees during an emergency.
They’re arguing that such powers go against Nigeria’s Constitution and principles of federalism. They’re also contesting the legality of using a voice vote, rather than a two-thirds majority, to approve the emergency rule.
In response, the FG filed a preliminary objection urging the apex court to throw the case out, claiming the matter doesn’t fall under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction. According to the AGF, the governors have no legal standing and are simply speculating.
Backing the FG’s position, a presidential aide, Taiye Oloyede, detailed the crisis that led to the emergency declaration—from a broken-down House of Assembly to threats from militants and a governor who allegedly failed to act.
The National Assembly also filed its defence, calling the governors’ suit frivolous and urging the court to award N1bn in costs. They argued the plaintiffs didn’t follow due process, including failing to issue a pre-action notice.
The legal battle is now in full swing, with the Supreme Court expected to set a hearing date soon.
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