The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed October 31, 2025, to deliver its ruling on whether it has the jurisdiction to hear a suit filed by Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former member of the House of Representatives and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s constitutional authority to suspend democratically elected officials during the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.
The case, Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, names the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who served as the sole administrator during the six-month emergency rule period in Rivers State, as defendants.
During Friday’s proceedings, Barrister Babafemi Adegbite, counsel to Dr. Dagogo, adopted written arguments supporting the court’s jurisdiction. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, heard submissions from both sides and subsequently reserved his ruling for October 31.
Speaking with journalists after the session, Adegbite maintained that President Tinubu exceeded his constitutional powers by suspending elected executive and legislative officials in Rivers State.
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“We have shown through various legal authorities that the President erred in suspending duly elected officials,” Adegbite said. “Even though they have been reinstated, the act remains unconstitutional. We seek a clear judicial pronouncement to prevent such violations in the future.”
He further argued that the reinstatement of the affected officials does not render the matter moot, as the core issue revolves around constitutional integrity and the limits of presidential authority.
“If we stay silent, what prevents a future President from doing the same thing? The judiciary must clearly state that such actions are illegal, null, and void,” Adegbite added.
The lawyer also clarified that this case differs from previous emergency rule suits dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, stressing that Dr. Dagogo’s case presents distinct facts and legal grounds.
Originally filed at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the case was later transferred to the Abuja Division following a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
As Nigerians await the court’s decision, the outcome could set a constitutional precedent on the scope of presidential powers during emergency declarations.