The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s delay in addressing a significant constitutional lawsuit. The case, filed by 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, challenges President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s legislature.​
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability. This action included suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all members of the State House of Assembly, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator. In response, attorneys general from 11 PDP-controlled states filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, arguing that the president’s actions violated constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution.​….CONTINUE READING
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s failure to schedule a hearing nearly a month after the case was filed. He described the delay as “ominous and toxic,” suggesting it might be a tactic to pressure the governors into seeking a political resolution rather than a judicial one. Onwubiko warned that such inaction could set a dangerous precedent, undermining constitutional democracy and potentially leading to “total state capture.”​
The delay has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians and international observers, who view the judiciary’s inaction as a threat to democratic principles. HURIWA emphasized that the Supreme Court’s reluctance to address the case could erode public trust in the judiciary and embolden the executive branch to act without legal restraint.​
HURIWA urges the Chief Justice of Nigeria to promptly constitute a panel and set a hearing date for the case. The organization insists that timely judicial intervention is crucial to uphold the rule of law and prevent further erosion of democratic institutions in Nigeria
