The political battle over Rivers State has taken a dramatic legal turn as President Bola Tinubu and 11 PDP governors prepare to face off at the Supreme Court.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is leading the legal charge for the Federal Government, drafting a formal response to a suit filed by the governors challenging Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The PDP governors have assembled a powerful legal team made up of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and six other top lawyers. They argue that the President has no constitutional power to suspend a sitting governor or appoint a sole administrator, even during an emergency.
The Supreme Court suit, filed by governors from states like Osun, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara, questions whether Tinubu’s move violates sections of the 1999 Constitution and undermines Nigeria’s federal structure.
The controversy started after Tinubu, on March 18, suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. The Senate and House of Representatives endorsed the emergency rule via a voice vote.
Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit challenging the emergency rule has also been filed by ex-lawmaker Farah Dagogo at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The case will be heard on May 12.
The National Assembly has also announced an ad-hoc committee to take over legislative duties in Rivers, led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. The committee is expected to monitor activities during the emergency period.
In the midst of the political tension, former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson visited Fubara, urging calm and praising his peaceful stance. He warned that the peace in Rivers might be fragile and urged all parties to avoid violence.
Ex-militant leader Tompolo, who broke his silence during his birthday celebration, also promised that Governor Fubara would return to office. He said talks were ongoing between Fubara and his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, to resolve their differences.
Tompolo called for peace, urging the Ijaw nation to remain united and avoid destruction of oil and gas infrastructure in the region. He assured supporters that President Tinubu is not against the Ijaw people and should be seen as a potential ally, not an enemy.
