President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing a lawsuit at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice in Abuja. The case, which was filed on March 20, 2025, centers around the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which has led to the suspension of elected officials.


The lawsuit, identified by the reference number ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, has been initiated by a group of applicants, including Harry Ibiso and eleven others, representing the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council. They are urging the court to annul the suspension of local officials and restore the democratic framework in Rivers State, necessary for reestablishing a legitimate democratic governance.


The plaintiffs argue that the actions taken by President Tinubu, specifically the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights and the rights of the citizens of Rivers State. They claim the president lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally remove state officials who were chosen through democratic processes.


The legal arguments hinge on the premise that the adoption of a state of emergency should not serve as a cover for undermining established democratic governance. The applicants assert that this situation has stripped the residents of Rivers State of their politically generated rights and dignity, effectively disenfranchising them.


On March 18, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency, which was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly despite vocal opposition from various political leaders. The newly appointed Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, has since taken over the administration of Rivers State, escalating concerns about the erosion of democratic principles within the region. 


The outcome of this suit could have profound implications not only for the governance of Rivers State but also for the overall integrity of democratic processes in Nigeria.