The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned to May 26, 2025, a constitutional suit filed by former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, Dr. Farah Dagogo, challenging the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns. He subsequently suspended the state’s elected leadership and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator of the state.
Dr. Dagogo, in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 filed on April 9, 2025, is contesting the legality of the President’s actions, which he argues are unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the executive.
At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Cosmas Enweluzo, SAN, informed the court that all defendants had been properly served and expressed readiness to proceed with the matter.
The defendants in the suit include President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibas.
Only the fifth defendant, Vice Admiral Ibas, was represented in court through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who sought more time to respond to the originating summons.
Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the request but issued a caution, stating that the court would proceed with the matter on the next adjourned date regardless of any further delays.
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Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Enweluzo emphasized that the President’s actions were without constitutional basis.
“The case challenges the President’s unilateral appointment of an Administrator for Rivers State and the suspension of elected officials,” he said. “The President cannot act as a ‘Tin god’. He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives or impose governance by fiat.”
Enweluzo also questioned the justification for the state of emergency, comparing the situation in Rivers to other crisis-prone states.
“The insecurity narrative is unfounded,” he said. “In Benue, Plateau, and Borno, far worse security challenges exist, yet no state of emergency was declared there. Rivers State has remained relatively peaceful.”
He commended Dr. Dagogo for initiating the suit, describing it as a defense of constitutional democracy. “We’re grateful for leaders like Dr. Farah Dagogo who are standing up for the rule of law. The people of Rivers deserve governance by those they elected.”
Enweluzo clarified that the adjournment followed the request of Vice Admiral Ibas’s counsel, who indicated that their team was in the process of filing responses. He also noted that the other defendants have yet to file any response or appearance in court.
Counsel to the fifth defendant, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, declined to speak to the press following the proceedings.
