President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been taken to the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) in Abuja over the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State. The lawsuit, dated March 20, 2025, and marked ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, was filed by Harry Ibiso and 11 others on behalf of the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council.
The applicants are seeking the court to set aside the suspension of elected officials and the removal of democratic structures in Rivers State, arguing that these actions undermine democratic governance. They also want the court to nullify all decisions, actions, policies, and directives issued by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18.
The plaintiffs contend that President Tinubu, as an elected official, lacks the authority to remove or suspend a democratically elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They argue that these actions violate the fundamental rights of the applicants and the people of Rivers State, stripping them of their democratic rights and dignity.
The applicants emphasized that a state of emergency should not serve as a pretext for usurping the executive functions of the governor or the legislative powers of the state assembly.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing escalating unrest. The National Assembly approved the declaration on March 20, despite opposition from some leaders. Vice Admiral Ibas has since assumed office as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The case highlights concerns over the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law, with the plaintiffs seeking judicial intervention to restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
