Lawyer heads to appeal court over Fubara’s suspension

DDM NEWS

Fubara

Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi has approached the Court of Appeal, frustrated by the delay in the Federal High Court’s handling of a substantive suit challenging the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Jideobi’s suit questions the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s actions in suspending Fubara and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

Jideobi’s suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, argues that the President’s actions violate the 1999 Constitution.

Specifically, it challenges the suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a Sole Administrator.

The appeal seeks to determine whether President Tinubu has the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and appoint a Sole Administrator.

Jideobi is asking the appellate court to decide on this matter and potentially compel the trial court to transmit the constitutional issues raised to the Court of Appeal for faster determination.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, amidst a political crisis in Rivers State.

The President also suspended the Deputy Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.

Other PDP governors have expressed support for Fubara’s cause, with some planning to challenge the suspension at the Supreme Court.

However, legal experts note that Fubara himself may not have the legal standing to challenge his suspension at the Supreme Court due to a 2006 precedent.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had been handling Jideobi’s suit but has been criticized for delays.

Jideobi’s decision to appeal is driven by frustration with these delays and a desire for a faster resolution.

The Court of Appeal has not yet fixed a date for hearing the appeal.

The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the governance of Rivers State and the interpretation of presidential powers under the Nigerian Constitution .

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