By Muhammad Mamman
The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s March declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
A seven-member panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, adjourned the matter on Tuesday after hearing arguments from all parties involved. The case was brought by the Attorneys General of ten states, with the Federal Government and the National Assembly listed as defendants.
During proceedings, Delta State — the fifth plaintiff — withdrew from the suit. The decision was not opposed by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the Federal Government.
Speaking for the remaining plaintiffs, K.O. Jegede (SAN) clarified that the suit does not contest the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency. Rather, it challenges the scope of the declaration, particularly its implications for the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and the State House of Assembly in Rivers State.
