The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged President Bola Tinubu to court over what it describes as the “unlawful” suspension of Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members following the declaration of a state of emergency.
The lawsuit, filed by SERAP’s legal representatives in Rivers State, challenges the President’s decision to replace elected officials with a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. The suit also names Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi as a co-defendant.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025, SERAP is seeking an order to overturn the suspension, arguing that the move violates constitutional provisions and undermines democracy.
“Democracy thrives on participation, and the right of the people to elect and be governed by their chosen leaders must not be arbitrarily taken away,” the suit reads in part.
SERAP insists that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to suspend elected officials, even under a state of emergency. The legal team argues that such actions are unconstitutional and threaten the rule of law.
With no date set for the hearing yet, the case is expected to spark major legal and political debates across the country.
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