By: Daure David
The political turmoil in Rivers State has escalated dramatically as eleven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a landmark suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the imposition of a sole administrator in the state.
This comes after President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator—a move ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
In response, governors from Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states approached the apex court with a strongly worded originating summons (SC/CV/329/2025). They argue that the president’s actions contravene the 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly concerning the separation of powers and the autonomy of states.
To reinforce their case, the PDP governors have assembled a formidable legal team comprising seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs): Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. They are supported by a team of six seasoned lawyers, including M.S. Atolagbe, Ezenwa Ibegbunam, Chiamaka Anagu, Olakunle Lawal, Abduljalil Musa, and H.A. Adeleke.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is reportedly finalizing the Federal Government’s counter-argument. Sources within the AGF’s office confirmed that legal teams are working “around the clock” to prepare a comprehensive defense of the president’s actions.
“We are treating the matter with utmost urgency, and the President’s position will be clearly defended before the court,” a senior legal aide said on condition of anonymity.
In a parallel legal move, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Farah Dagogo, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, seeking to nullify the emergency proclamation. Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed has granted an order for substituted service and scheduled the substantive hearing for May 12, 2025.
Dagogo’s lead counsel, C.I. Enweluzo (SAN), stated that direct service on the defendants—including the President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the sole administrator—had proven difficult, prompting the court to order delivery via DHL to their last known addresses.
As political and legal fireworks continue, voices of concern and mediation are rising. Former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator Seriake Dickson visited the embattled Fubara, praising his composure and urging calm.
“This is not just a Rivers issue; it affects the stability of the entire Niger Delta,” Dickson stated in a message shared via his verified Facebook page.
Adding a grassroots dimension to the crisis, ex-militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, voiced support for Fubara during his 54th birthday celebration.
“I cannot betray the Ijaw nation. Talks are ongoing, and Fubara will return as governor,” Tompolo affirmed, while simultaneously calling for unity.
“Wike must bring his temper down. We will dialogue and resolve this. This is not the time for rebellion but for peace,” he added, referencing the longstanding political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
As tensions mount, all eyes are now on the judiciary to determine whether President Tinubu’s intervention was a constitutional necessity or an overreach of executive power. The outcome is expected to set a critical precedent in Nigeria’s democratic history.
