A Nigerian court will rule on 18 July whether to block the National Assembly from approving budgets and appointments in Rivers State, which is currently governed by a Sole Administrator following a controversial state of emergency.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) was named Sole Administrator by President Bola Tinubu after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The decision led to protests and a legal challenge filed by local residents and the group, Registered Trustees of Hope Africa Foundation.
The plaintiffs, including several traditional leaders, argue that the declaration of emergency lacked constitutional legitimacy. Their lawyer, Ambrose Owuru, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the National Assembly’s use of a voice vote to endorse the emergency fell short of the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority.
They are seeking an interlocutory injunction to halt further legislative approvals for appointments or spending proposals submitted by Ibas until the court rules on the broader legality of the emergency administration.
In supporting affidavits, the plaintiffs allege that the National Assembly has since approved “illegal” budgets and appointments, deepening unrest and undermining democratic governance in Rivers State.
Defence lawyer Mohammed Galadima, representing the National Assembly and its Clerk, urged the court to reject the motion. He argued that the plaintiffs’ claims were based on “misrepresentation” and warned that halting legislative actions could spark confusion and harm governance in Rivers.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the hearing, has set 18 July for his decision.
Despite the legal challenge, the Senate passed the ₦1.485 trillion 2025 budget for Rivers State on 25 June, highlighting the continuing political divide over the state’s administration.
