Tinubu Sued at ECOWAS Court Over Rivers State Emergency Rule

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been taken before the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja over the recent declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratically elected authorities in Rivers State. The suit, dated March 20, 2025, and filed under case number ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, was brought by Harry Ibiso and 11 others, acting on behalf of themselves and the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council.

The applicants are seeking an order from the court to nullify the suspension of elected officials and the dissolution of democratic institutions in Rivers State. They also want the court to set aside all actions, decisions, and directives issued by the newly appointed sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18.

Citing Articles III and IV of the ECOWAS supplementary protocol, the applicants argue that President Tinubu, although democratically elected, lacks the constitutional power to remove or suspend another elected official, including the state governor. They contend that the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights and those of the citizens of Rivers State.

According to the plaintiffs, the actions of the president have unlawfully stripped the people of Rivers of their democratic rights and dignity. They insist that the imposition of a state of emergency cannot be used as a cover to override the legitimate functions of a democratically elected government or to usurp legislative powers.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing unrest in the state. The move was subsequently approved by the National Assembly on March 20, despite objections from opposition lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibas has since assumed his role as the sole administrator of the state.