PORT HARCOURT — A fresh legal battle has emerged over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, as a civil society group, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Preservation and Social Integration, has dragged the National Assembly to the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The group is challenging the legislative body's approval of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of the state.
The lawsuit questions both the legality of Ibas’ appointment and the National Assembly’s handling of the 2025 budget for Rivers State, which the group claims was done under a "purported" state of emergency not properly declared in accordance with the Constitution.
Listed as defendants in the suit are Vice Admiral Ibas, the National Assembly, and the Attorney General of the Federation. Curiously, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—who made the controversial appointment—had no legal representation in court during Monday’s proceedings.
At the session, the counsel for the defendants, Ola Faro, requested an extension to enable them to file their responses. Presiding judge, Justice Muhammad Turaki, adjourned the matter to July 21 for hearing.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, the plaintiff’s counsel, Kingdom Chukwuezi, said the suit seeks to clarify what the group describes as a "constitutional overreach" by the National Assembly in assuming executive powers in a federating unit.
"This is not just about Rivers State," Chukwuezi said. "It is about protecting the federal principle enshrined in the Constitution. What we are witnessing is an unlawful centralisation of power in the name of emergency."
This legal action follows a broader trend of escalating tensions in Rivers State, where political and administrative authority has been sharply contested. It also comes just one month after all litigation connected to the Rivers crisis was transferred to Abuja, raising concerns about judicial interference and forum shopping.
With this new suit, the battle over constitutional roles and the limits of emergency powers in Nigeria's democracy enters a new phase—one that could have lasting implications beyond Rivers State.