Rivers Residents To Appeal Court Ruling On Tinubu Emergency Rule

Some residents of Rivers State have resolved to challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja that upheld President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Their counsel, Tella Attoni, Managing Solicitor of D. Tella Attoni & Co., said in a statement on Thursday that while the ruling was delivered within the constitutionally required 90 days, it could not go unchallenged.

“I commend the court for its timeliness, but I respectfully disagree with the entirety of the judgment, particularly the finding that the court lacked jurisdiction,” Attoni said. He confirmed that his clients would immediately proceed on appeal.

Justice James Omotosho had earlier dismissed the suit, holding that the plaintiffs had no locus standi to question the President’s proclamation and that only the Supreme Court could entertain such matters. The court also ruled that only the state’s Attorney General or Sole Administrator could file such an action.

The judge further stated that once a state of emergency is declared, the President has the constitutional power to suspend both the executive and legislative arms of a state government. He described the suit as frivolous and baseless.

Attoni, however, argued that the judgment had raised serious constitutional questions that must be tested at the appellate level. “This ensures that both parties, and ultimately the higher courts, have a full record for careful scrutiny,” he said.

The case stems from President Tinubu’s March 2025 emergency proclamation, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, appointing a sole administrator in their place.