A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged plans to impose emergency rule in Rivers State. The suit, filed by a group of civil society actors and opposition stakeholders, sought to restrain the President from taking any steps that could disrupt democratic governance in the state.
In its ruling, the court held that the suit was speculative and lacked substantive evidence to support claims of imminent emergency declaration. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter, stated that the plaintiffs failed to establish a credible threat or constitutional violation by the President.
“The court cannot act on conjecture or political assumptions,” Justice Ekwo said. “There is no concrete action or directive from the Presidency indicating a move toward emergency rule in Rivers State.”
The Presidency has consistently denied any such plans, reiterating its commitment to upholding democratic institutions and the rule of law across all states of the federation. Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale described the suit as “a distraction from the real issues affecting the people of Rivers State.”