Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court contesting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

President Tinubu, on March 18, declared the emergency due to ongoing political instability in the state. As part of the measures, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period. 

He also appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

The PDP governors from Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara argue that the president has no constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor. They also contend that appointing a sole administrator is unconstitutional.

Also, they are challenging the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule, arguing that a voice vote is unconstitutional, as the law mandates a two-thirds majority vote from all members of each legislative chamber.

Meanwhile, the sole administrator of Rivers State has suspended all political officeholders in the state with immediate effect.

A statement signed by the chief of staff to the administrator on Wednesday announced that the suspension applies to the secretary to the state government, chief of staff, commissioners, heads and members of boards, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals, as well as special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants.