By Eric Moore
THE Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned to May 26, 2025, the constitutional suit filed by former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, Dr. Farah Dagogo, challenging the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns.
He further announced the suspension of the state’s democratically elected leadership and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
In response, Dr. Dagogo filed Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 on April 9, 2025, arguing that the president’s actions were ultra vires and lacked any constitutional backing.
At the hearing on Monday, counsel to the plaintiff, Cosmas Enweluzo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that all defendants had been duly served and expressed readiness to proceed with the case.
The defendants in the suit include, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President; Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), Rivers State Administrator.
Of all the named defendants, only the fifth defendant, Vice Admiral Ibas, appeared through his counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who requested additional time to respond to the originating summons.
After hearing from both counsels, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the request, but cautioned that the matter would proceed on the next adjourned date regardless of further delays.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Enweluzo reiterated that President Tinubu acted outside the bounds of the Constitution.
“The case challenges the President’s unilateral appointment of an Administrator for Rivers State and the suspension of duly elected officials, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members. The President cannot act as a ‘Tin god’. He does not have the constitutional authority to suspend elected representatives or govern over 4 million Rivers people and those doing businesses in Rivers State by fiat. It is a constitutional aberration and must not be allowed.”
Enweluzo questioned the justification provided by the President for declaring a state of emergency.
“The insecurity narrative is unfounded. In Benue, Plateau, and Borno States, serious security challenges persist, people are being killed, and some local governments remain under Boko Haram control. Yet, no state of emergency was declared there. Rivers State has remained relatively peaceful.”
He praised Dagogo for taking legal action in defence of the Constitution.
“We are grateful for principled leaders like Dr. Farah Dagogo who are willing to defend the Nigerian Constitution. Citizens have a right to be governed by officials they have elected and represented by legislators of their constituencies in Degema, Bonny, and others.”
Explaining the reason for the adjournment, Enweluzo stated:
“Counsel for the fifth defendant informed the court that their staff were at the Registry filing processes in response to our originating summons. They requested an adjournment to complete their filings. In fairness, and since it was their first request, we agreed. The court, therefore, adjourned to May 26, 2025. If delays persist beyond that, the court will be entitled to proceed with the case.”
He added that while all other defendants have been duly served, none has filed a memorandum of appearance, conditional appearance, or any legal response to the suit.
Counsel for the fifth defendant, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, declined to comment on the proceedings.