Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful suspension of democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State while exercising his constitutional powers to proclaim a State of Emergency in the state.”
The suit is brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog; Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal; and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who are members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers state.
The plaintiffs are registered voters who cast ballot in the 2023 general elections.
Joined in the suit as Defendants were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025 filed Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, the plaintiffs sought: “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state.”
The plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.”
The plaintiffs are also seeking: “a declaration that by virtue of section 1(2) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.”
In the suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that: “The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.”
The suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN read in part: “Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law.”(Daily trust)
