PDP Governors Sue Tinubu at Supreme Court Over Suspension of Rivers Governor, Deputy, and State Assembly, Call Action Unconstitutional
Seven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, contesting the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly. The suit directly challenges President Bola Tinubu’s authority to impose such a suspension following his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.
The PDP governors, through their respective state Attorneys-General, argue that President Tinubu’s actions are unconstitutional, citing violations of Sections 1(2), 5(2), 192 (4) (6), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They assert that the President lacks the power to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, or House of Assembly, and that the declaration of a state of emergency did not adhere to constitutional requirements.
Specifically, the governors seek the following declarations and orders from the Supreme Court:
- A declaration that President Tinubu has no constitutional power to suspend a state governor or deputy governor.
- A declaration that the President has no power to suspend a state House of Assembly.
- A declaration that the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly is unconstitutional.
- A declaration that the appointment of a sole administrator for Rivers State is null and void.
- A declaration that the National Assembly’s ratification of the suspension via a voice vote is invalid, requiring a two-thirds majority.
- An order nullifying the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
- An order restraining President Tinubu from implementing the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy.
- An order restraining President Tinubu from interfering with the constitutional duties of Governor Fubara and his deputy.
- An order restraining President Tinubu from attempting to suspend any other state governor, particularly the plaintiffs.
The governors contend that the state of emergency declaration was made for reasons outside those constitutionally permitted, and that the National Assembly’s approval was procedurally flawed. The respondents named in the suit are President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.
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 have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, contesting the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state's House of Assembly. The suit directly challenges President Bola Tinubu's authority to impose such a suspension following his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.){kind=link}