SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Suspension of Rivers State Governor and Lawmakers

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly following the declaration of a state of emergency.

President Tinubu had, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended all elected officials, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator to govern the state for an initial six-month period.

Legal Challenge

The lawsuit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lists the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as defendants.

The plaintiffs—Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho—are members of the SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State. They argue that the suspension of the governor and other elected officials is unconstitutional and violates the rights of citizens to participate in the democratic process.

Reliefs Sought

SERAP is seeking several legal remedies, including:

• The annulment of the suspension of elected officials.
• A declaration that the appointment of a sole administrator is illegal.
• A ruling that the President’s actions are unconstitutional under the Nigerian Constitution.

The plaintiffs argue that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State undermines democracy and the rule of law. They insist that the declaration of a state of emergency did not follow due constitutional process and must be reversed.

The case is being led by senior lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), who argues that the President’s actions set a dangerous precedent that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.