By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Tinubu Dragged to ECOWAS Court Over “Illegal” Suspension of Rivers State Democracy
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
NewsPolitics

Tinubu Dragged to ECOWAS Court Over “Illegal” Suspension of Rivers State Democracy

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Published: March 22, 2025
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been taken to the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) in Abuja over the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.

The lawsuit, dated March 20, 2025, and marked ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, was filed by plaintiffs Harry Ibiso and 11 others on behalf of the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council. The applicants are seeking an order from the court to quash the suspension of elected officials and the removal of democratic structures in Rivers State, arguing that these actions undermine democratic governance.

The plaintiffs are also requesting the court to set aside all decisions, actions, policies, and directives issued by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025. They contend that the president lacks the constitutional authority to remove or suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, or state assembly members.

In the application, filed under Articles III and IV of the Supplementary Protocol Amending the ECOWAS Court’s Protocol, Article II of the Protocol of the Court, and Article 33 of the Rules of the Court, the applicants argued that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly violates the fundamental rights of the plaintiffs and the people of Rivers State.

- Advertisement -

“By removing elected officials, the defendant has unlawfully stripped the applicants and the people of Rivers State of their democratic rights, both individually and collectively,” the plaintiffs stated. “The declaration of a state of emergency cannot be used as a pretext to usurp the executive functions of the governor or the legislative powers of the state assembly.”

The affidavit supporting the suit was deposed by constitutional lawyer Festus Ogwuche and others. The ECOWAS Court has yet to fix a date for the hearing of the case.

The lawsuit follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and the subsequent approval of the declaration by the National Assembly on Thursday, March 20, despite opposition from some lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibas, the Sole Administrator, has since assumed office.

The plaintiffs argue that the emergency rule has politically disenfranchised the people of Rivers State, depriving them of their right to democratic governance and the leadership they elected.

- Advertisement -

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:ECOWASFubaraRivers StatetinubuWike
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Code-sharing agreement Nigeria, Canada Forge New Skies: Code-Share Deal Boosts Air Travel
Next Article Money Laundering $193,000 Cash Stashed in Yogurt Carton Seized at Abuja Airport

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Okay.ng Logo

Parallel Market Rates

USD
Buy₦1,550.00
Sell₦1,560.00
GBP
Buy₦2,130.00
Sell₦2,170.00
EUR
Buy₦1,750.00
Sell₦1,790.00

Updated: 23 hours ago

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

Quick Converter

0.00
ShareShareShare

Rates are for informational purposes only.

Okay.ng Logo Parallel Market Rates
USD
Buy
Sell
GBP
Buy
Sell
EUR
Buy
Sell
| okay.ng
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Tensions Mount in Senate as Senator Natasha Set to Make Controversial Return
News
ADC Accuses Presidency of Undermining Opposition Amidst Coalition Turmoil
Politics Top stories
Flood Devastation in Ondo Communities Sparks Urgent Calls for Government Intervention
News
Security and Electoral Bodies Confirm Full Preparedness for Upcoming Anambra Elections
News
Ruth Kadiri
Ruth Kadiri Reveals Why She Keeps Her Marriage Private
Celebrities
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

International

Trump Rages at Elon Musk’s ‘America Party’, Calls Move a “Train Wreck”

Damilola A.
Damilola A.
July 7, 2025
NewsSecurity

Anambra Police Intensify Crackdown on Cult Activities Amid Security Concerns

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
July 7, 2025

Babiana Trending Video: What You Should Know

Okay.ng
Okay.ng
July 7, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?