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PDP governors are heading to the Supreme Court to challenge President Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State, arguing that suspending Governor Fubara and appointing a sole administrator is unconstitutional. The lawsuit also targets the National Assembly’s approval, seeking to restore elected officials and prevent similar actions in the future.

PDP Governors have initiated a legal challenge against President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State. According to TheCable, the governors argue that the move violates constitutional provisions and undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.

The legal action, expected to be filed at the Supreme Court this week, also lists the National Assembly as a defendant. PDP governors from Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara are leading the suit, insisting that the president has no legal authority to suspend elected state officials.

President Tinubu declared the emergency on March 18, citing political instability and damage to vital oil infrastructure. His directive led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly. He then appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

The PDP governors are contesting the legality of the decision, arguing that Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president powers to remove a sitting governor or install an unelected official to govern a state. They are also questioning the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s approval, which was done via a voice vote instead of the required two-thirds majority.

The plaintiffs want the Supreme Court to nullify the emergency rule and prevent the federal government from taking similar actions in other states. While legal analysts debate whether the governors have the standing to challenge the move, sources say they are determined to push forward, arguing that the case will set a crucial precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

As tensions rise, political observers are closely watching the Supreme Court’s next steps, as its ruling could redefine the limits of presidential authority in state affairs.