The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment in a suit filed by ten states 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 the matter after taking arguments from the parties involved. The plaintiffs, represented by their respective Attorneys General, are contesting aspects of the proclamation, with the Federal Government and the National Assembly listed as defendants.
During the proceedings, Delta State—one of the initial plaintiffs—formally withdrew from the suit, a move that was not opposed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who appeared for the Federal Government.
Arguing on behalf of the remaining states, Chief Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) clarified that the plaintiffs were not questioning the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency. Rather, they are seeking judicial interpretation of the declaration’s reach, particularly as it affects the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and the state legislature in Rivers.
The apex court will communicate a date for its judgment in due course.
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