SERAP sues Tinubu over suspension of Rivers officials

DDM News

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended following a state of emergency.

President Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator.

This move has sparked controversy, with many describing it as unconstitutional and a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy.

Naija News reports that the lawsuit was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit names Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as defendants.

The plaintiffs, Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho, are members of the SERAP Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State.

They argue that the suspension violates the constitutional rights of Rivers citizens to participate in governance.

The plaintiffs are seeking a court order nullifying the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers.

They are also demanding the removal of Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The lawsuit challenges the legality of President Tinubu’s actions and their implications for democratic governance.

According to the plaintiffs, Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency did not follow the proper constitutional process.

They insist that suspending elected officials without due process undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and rule of law.

The legal team, led by human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, is pushing for an injunction preventing Vice Admiral Ibas from exercising authority in Rivers State.

Critics of the suspension argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state governance.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have condemned the move as an abuse of executive power.

Legal experts warn that the President’s actions could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic structure if left unchallenged.

Supporters of the federal government argue that the intervention was necessary to restore stability in Rivers State.

Public reactions remain divided, with protests and counter-protests occurring in various parts of the state.

Some residents have expressed support for the intervention, citing the political crisis in Rivers State.

Others believe the move is politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the governor and his allies.

Naija News reports that the Federal High Court has not yet set a date for the hearing.

Legal analysts believe that this case could define the limits of presidential authority in Nigeria.

As the legal battle continues, all eyes are on the judiciary to determine whether Tinubu’s actions will be upheld or overturned.

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