‎On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja under Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit against President Bola Tinubu challenging the March 18, 2025, emergency rule declaration in Rivers State.

‎The suit was filed by Belema Briggs and four others to challenge the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers state which also led to the suspension of the state Governor,Fubara.

‎Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the five plaintiffs lacked the legal power to institute the case.

‎Recall that in March, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

‎He further appointed a sole administrator ran the affairs of the state for the period.

‎However, the plaintiffs dragged the president to court to challenge the declaration.

‎Meanwhile, the president ended the rule on September 18, 2025.

‎Tinubu also disclosed in a statement that over 40 lawsuits had been filed to challenge the declaration in the state, the most notable being the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s suit before the Supreme Court.

‎The judge further held that the plaintiffs were unable to dioute or challenge the claim that Tinubu imposed the state of emergency to avert a looming breakdown of law and order.

‎He therefore, ruled that the plaintiffs’ contention of breach of fundamental rights by the president did not hold water because the appropriate law on emergency rule was invoked by Tinubu to prevent an unpleasant situation.

‎He said the case was frivolous and baseless, stating that the mandate of the people of Rivers State was not obtained before it was instituted on their behalf.

‎He further held that none of the five plaintiffs claimed to be members of the State Executive Committee, members of the House of Assembly, or to have suffered any injury greater than that of the general populace of Rivers State.

‎The court also noted that none of the plaintiffs claimed to have obtained the fiat of the Attorney General of the state to initiate the case.