From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned a constitutional suit challenging the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to Monday, May 26.
The suit, filed by former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers governorship aspirant Dr Farah Dagogo, contests actions taken by President Bola Tinubu.
On Tuesday, March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns. He suspended the state’s elected leadership and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator. Dagogo filed Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, arguing that Tinubu’s actions were unconstitutional and lacked legal backing.
At Monday’s hearing, plaintiff’s counsel Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, confirmed that all defendants—Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Ibas—had been served and expressed readiness to proceed. Only Ibas, represented by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, appeared, requesting more time to respond to the originating summons. Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the request but warned that the case would proceed on May 26 regardless of further delays.
Enweluzo, speaking to reporters post-hearing, called Tinubu’s actions a “constitutional aberration”. “The president cannot act as a ‘Tin god’. He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives or govern over 4 million Rivers people and those doing business in Rivers State by fiat,” he said. He questioned the state of emergency, noting that Benue, Plateau, and Borno face worse insecurity without similar measures. “Rivers State has remained relatively peaceful,” he added.
Enweluzo praised Dagogo’s legal challenge, stating, “We are grateful for principled leaders like Dr Farah Dagogo who are willing to defend the Nigerian Constitution.” He explained the adjournment: “Counsel for the fifth defendant informed the court that their staff were at the registry filing processes in response to our originating summons. They requested an adjournment to complete their filings.” He noted that other defendants have not filed responses despite being served.