SERAP Takes Legal Action Against President Tinubu Over Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Rivers State Legal Battle: SERAP Challenges President Tinubu’s Decision

Let’s talk about what’s happening in Rivers State right now. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu regarding the suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State. This all happened after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state. Now, this is a big deal because it’s not just about Rivers State—it’s about the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Naija News reported that on Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the bold move to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Along with this declaration, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all the lawmakers. To replace them, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to govern the state for an initial period of six months. But this decision hasn’t gone down without a fight.

Why SERAP is Taking Action

Now, here’s where SERAP comes in. Last Friday, they filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case names the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as defendants. The plaintiffs in this case are Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, all members of SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State. These folks are arguing that the suspension of the elected officials is unconstitutional and violates the rights of citizens to participate in the democratic process.

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The plaintiffs are asking for several things from the court. First, they want the suspension of the officials to be annulled. They also want the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to be declared null and void. It’s a tall order, but they believe it’s necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

Constitutional Violations and Democratic Principles

The plaintiffs argue that the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State is a direct violation of the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in their government. They emphasize that such actions go against the core principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the Nigerian Constitution. They believe these principles should guide every decision made by the government, especially when it comes to states like Rivers.

Represented by their lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, the plaintiffs claim that President Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State did not follow the necessary constitutional procedures. They argue that the suspension of elected officials undermines the country’s democratic framework and sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

They’re also seeking an injunction to stop Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas from acting as the Sole Administrator and to prevent the continuation of the suspension of the elected officials. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the rights of the people are protected and that the democratic process is respected.

What Happens Next?

As of this report, Naija News has not received any information on when the hearing for this case will take place. But one thing is for sure: this case will be closely watched by everyone in Nigeria and beyond. It’s not just about Rivers State—it’s about the future of democracy in the entire country. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for how states are governed and how emergency declarations are handled in the future.