Supreme Court Reserves Judgement in Suit Challenging State of Emergency in Rivers

October 21, 2025

By Ademola Adekusibe

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

A seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro adjourned proceedings on Tuesday after parties in the case adopted their final addresses.

The suit was filed by the Attorneys General of ten states against the Federal Government and the National Assembly. During Tuesday’s session, the Attorney General of Delta State, who is the fifth plaintiff, announced the state’s withdrawal from the case — a move that was not opposed by counsel to the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), clarified that the suit does not challenge the President’s power to declare a state of emergency. Rather, it questions the scope and implementation of the proclamation, especially regarding its effect on the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and the State House of Assembly in Rivers State.

The apex court is expected to announce a date for its final judgment soon.