By Nnasom David

Legal representatives of Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former federal lawmaker and 2023 governorship aspirant in Rivers State, have again questioned the constitutionality of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During the resumed hearing of Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, Dagogo’s legal team insisted that the suspension of Rivers State’s elected executive and legislative arms, and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, violated the Nigerian Constitution.

Originally filed in Port Harcourt, the case was transferred to Abuja following a directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

At the proceedings, counsels for the first and fifth defendants—Prof. Kanyinsola Ajayi, SAN, and Abduljabar Aliyu—were present, while the third and fourth defendants were absent. After considering a motion for extension of time to file responses, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter to July 9, 2025.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Barrister Babafemi Adegbite, a member of Dr. Dagogo’s legal team, underscored the plaintiff’s position.

“Dr. Farah Dagogo is challenging the constitutionality of the President’s actions in Rivers State,” he said. “We are contesting the imposition of an administrator in a state governed by an elected administration. The President does not possess constitutional authority to unilaterally suspend a democratically elected government and replace it with an appointed administrator.”

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing worsening security conditions. The move led to the suspension of the elected state government and the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator.

In response, Dr. Dagogo filed a suit on April 9, 2025, listing five defendants: the President, the President of the Senate, the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the appointed Administrator.

The case, initially scheduled for hearing before Justice Turaki Mohammed in Port Harcourt on May 26, was reassigned to Abuja before the date.

Justice Omotosho will resume hearing on the matter on July 9.