Adjournment Sparks Outrage: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers Remains in Legal Limbo!

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has shifted to October 13, 2025 the hearing of a suit filed by a civil society group challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and his appointment of a sole administrator to run the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The case, brought by the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, also contests the National Assembly’s role in confirming retired Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas as sole administrator and approving Rivers State’s 2025 budget.

Presiding Judge Justice Muhammad Turaki adjourned the matter after lawyers representing the President, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the sole administrator sought additional time to respond to an affidavit filed by the group.

During Monday’s session, counsel to the federal respondents, Hilton Urbah, informed the court that they had filed a memorandum of conditional appearance along with a preliminary objection and needed more time to prepare a detailed response.

Although the plaintiff’s lawyer, Amegua Lezina, opposed the request, the court granted it.

In a related suit filed by the same organisation—also challenging the National Assembly’s confirmation of Ibas and its approval of Rivers’ budget—the court likewise adjourned to October 13.

Justice Turaki instructed Kingdom Chukwueze, counsel for the plaintiffs in the second case, to ensure that the National Assembly is properly served with hearing notices, as it was not represented in court and has yet to enter a defence.

Speaking after the proceedings, Carlis Evans, Country Director of the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, said the group is seeking judicial interpretation of the constitutionality of the measures taken in Rivers State.

“We want the court to clarify whether the President can, under Section 179 (1 and 2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), appoint a sole administrator to act in the capacity of an elected governor,” Evans said.

The group is also challenging the legality of the National Assembly’s involvement in emergency governance and its approval of Rivers State’s 2025 budget.