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Rivers emergency rule: N’Assembly counters PDP govs’ lawsuit, demands N1bn
The federal legislature, in its response, contended that the plaintiffs’ suit was procedurally flawed and lacked merit.
The National Assembly said this in a preliminary objection dated April 22, 2025.
It argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and should award N1bn in costs against the plaintiffs for filing what it termed a “frivolous and speculative suit.”
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed Rear Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the suspension period.
The National Assembly ratified the President’s declaration through a voice vote.
The PDP governors, in suit number SC/CV/329/2025, approached the Supreme Court to challenge the President’s powers to suspend a democratically elected state institution and replace it with an unelected one.
The plaintiffs in the suit are the governors of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa States.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly are listed as the 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively, in the suit.
All 11 states in the suit asked the apex court to determine six constitutional questions, including whether the President of Nigeria can lawfully suspend or interfere with the offices of a governor and deputy governor and replace them with an unelected appointee under the guise of a state of emergency proclamation.
They further requested the court to determine whether the Attorney-General’s threat, acting on behalf of the President, to suspend the offices of governors and deputy governors by virtue of such proclamations contravenes the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and principles of constitutional federalism.
The plaintiffs also questioned whether the National Assembly could approve a state of emergency proclamation, including suspension of state executives and legislatures by a simple voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of all members of each chamber.
In their reliefs, the plaintiffs sought the declarations that the President cannot lawfully suspend or interfere with the offices of governors and deputy governors or replace them with unelected nominees under a state of emergency.
They argued that the President cannot lawfully suspend a State House of Assembly under such circumstances.
They further contended that the Attorney-General’s threats to suspend state officials are unconstitutional and violate the principles of federalism and that the National Assembly cannot approve such proclamations through voice votes without a two-third majority.
Additionally, they prayed for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with state offices through state of emergency proclamations.
The plaintiffs sought an order nullifying the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State as published in Official Gazette No. 47 of 2025.
The governors are asking for “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from suspending or approving the suspension or in any way interfering with the offices of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and /or the House of Assembly of any of the Plaintiffs States by way of a Proclamation of State of Emergency or in any manner whatsoever or by any method howsoever.
“An order setting aside and nullifying the Official Gazette No.47 of 2025, State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025 made by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wrongfully approved by the 2nd Defendant and upon which the ominous threat by the 1st defendant against the Plaintiffs is predicated.”
However, the National Assembly, in its preliminary objection, faulted the plaintiffs’ suit and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it, arguing that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case, particularly against the second defendant, (NASS).
Declaring that it holds a memorandum of conditional appearance, the National Assembly argued that due process was not followed in instituting the suit, emphasising that the plaintiffs failed to issue the statutorily required three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly, as mandated under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.
It stated that “A person who has a cause of action against a Legislative House shall serve a three-month’s notice to the office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and reliefs sought.”
Additionally, NASS argued that the plaintiffs did not secure resolutions from their respective State Houses of Assembly, a prerequisite for approaching the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction provisions outlined in the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.
Citing alleged threats referenced in the plaintiffs’ suit, which borders on a statement attributed to the Attorney-General during a press briefing, NASS noted that since the threat did not emanate from them or its officers, the suit has no business with them.
The objection read, “Considering the affidavit in support and the threats alleged, which did not come from the 2nd Defendant, there is no cause of action against it.
The N’Assembly further contended, “With the objection amongst others submitted, due process of instituting the action in the suit was not followed by the plaintiffs before taking this steps against the 2nd Defendants as the plaintiffs failed to issue the requisite three months pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly and took no steps to obtain the resolutions of the Houses of Assembly of each of the States to enable the plaintiffs each join to approach this busy Court pursuant to the provision of the Supreme Court (Original Jurisdiction) Act 2002 on the matters.”
NASS asserted that the plaintiffs were attempting to use the Supreme Court to dictate how it exercises its constitutional role, particularly regarding the use of voice votes to ratify states of emergency under section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The objection described the suit as speculative and an abuse of the court process.
“In the suit, the Plaintiffs seek to use the court to curtail the manner in which the 2nd defendant votes or make approval to ratify proclamations of State of Emergency declared pursuant to section 305 of the CFRN 1999, to get the 2/3 majority of their votes.
“It also seeks that the Court dictates how much roles are to be performed by the 2nd Defendant. The suit seeks to restrain the 2nd defendant from using voice votes to get majority approval for future or anticipated Proclamations of States of Emergency in the States of the Plaintiff.
“The suit also seeks by perpetual injunction, to restrain the second defendant’s Houses (Senate /House of Assembly) from carrying out their constitutional duties of approval of Proclamations of State of Emergency and seeks that the approval given by the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of March, 2025, ratifying the proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State be set aside for being wrongfully approved.”
NASS further added, “The 2nd Defendant/Applicant having observed the several deficiencies in the suit of the Plaintiffs which go contrary to the provisions of the laws and the jurisdiction of the Court raises objection and submits that the 11 States (Plaintiffs) approached the Court wrongly and in abuse of court process.”
It predicated its objection on six grounds, stating that the plaintiffs’ suit lacks a cause of action.
The National Assembly further stated that the plaintiffs lack locus standi to proceed against the second defendant on the issues raised in the suit.
It also argued that the plaintiffs failed to comply with due process as stipulated under section 2, Schedule 2 of the Supreme Court (Additional Original Jurisdiction) Act, 2002.
The 2nd defendant noted that the “court lacks jurisdiction.”
In an affidavit supporting the notice of preliminary objection deposed by Godswill Onyegbu, a legal officer in the Directorate of Legal Services, National Assembly, he argued that due process was not followed in instituting the suit.
Onyegbu maintained that no dispute exists between the plaintiffs and either the Government of Nigeria or the second defendant, (NASS).
He further deposed that, “The plaintiffs did not obtain the required resolutions from the Houses of Assembly in their respective states to authorise the suit under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.
“There is no cause of action against the second defendant, as no threat emanated from the second defendant’s office.
“That the plaintiffs lack the locus standi to institute this suit as none of the plaintiffs has shown that it has suffered anything far and above any other persons or people of Rivers State.
“There are no disputes involving questions of law or fact upon which the existence or extent of a legal right depends between the parties.
“The plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the second defendant to warrant equitable relief such as a perpetual injunction.”
He noted that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter against the second defendant as constituted.
In addition to requesting the dismissal of the suit, Onyegbu called for a cost of N1b to be awarded jointly and severally against the plaintiffs in the interest of justice.
“That the Plaintiffs’ States’ Houses of Assembly did not pass any resolution by a simple majority of the members present and sitting at the time of the resolution authorising the plaintiffs to institute this action.
“That the plaintiffs have not established any legal rights against the 2nd defendant to enjoy the equitable remedy of perpetual injunction.
“That the suit of the plaintiffs is speculative, unfounded, frivolous and a vexatious waste of resources, time and energy of the 2nd defendant.
“That the present court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this matter as presently constituted against the 2nd defendants.
“That it is in the best interest of justice for the Court to dismiss or strike out this suit against the 2nd defendant with a cost of N1b only, jointly and severally against the plaintiffs,” the affidavit read.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.
During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.
The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.
Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.
“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.
“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.
The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.
He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.
“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.
Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.
“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has initiated steps to prosecute persons who deny women and girls their right to inherit property on the basis of their gender.
Nweke has consequently directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints of gender-based disinheritance and transmit the relevant case files to his office for prosecution.
This was contained in a letter personally signed by the Attorney-General and made available to newsmen on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The letter stated that the practice of denying women and girls the right to inherit property because they are female constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, and is punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment.
In the letter addressed to the police, Nweke said:
“In light of the foregoing, you are kindly requested to ensure that your office thoroughly investigates all reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and that the case files are transmitted to this Ministry for further action.”
He further disclosed that the Ministry had designated its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to prosecute offenders under the law.
According to him, the unit would handle such cases alongside other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences.
The Attorney-General noted that despite several Supreme Court decisions declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property unconstitutional and illegal, some members of the public still engage in such discriminatory practices.
He said the state government was determined to enforce the law and ensure that women and girls were protected from discriminatory inheritance practices.
…Says Ogbuekwe’s Victory a Mandate of Trust, Hope in APC
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, which coordinated the electioneering campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the council for what it described as their “overwhelming support, trust and confidence” throughout the election campaign.
Ogbuekwe was declared the winner of the Nkanu East chairmanship election conducted on September 26, 2026, bringing to a close weeks of campaign activities, consultations and community engagements across the local government.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, and its Spokesperson, Barr. Joshua Ejeh, and issued on Monday, the organisation thanked the people of Nkanu East for turning out in large numbers throughout the campaign period and ultimately giving their mandate to the APC candidate.
The organisation described the people’s reception of the campaign train across the communities as deeply touching, saying the warmth, solidarity and encouragement received at the grassroots remained one of the defining features of the campaign.
It recalled the extensive ward-to-ward engagements during which the campaign team visited communities, interacted with traditional and community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, describing the reception across Nkanu East as a powerful demonstration of grassroots participation.
The organisation particularly recalled instances where residents turned out despite challenging weather conditions to receive the campaign team, including engagements in Nara, Ugbakwa, Owo, Nomeh, Mburubu and Nkerefi, where reports documented significant community participation during the campaign.
According to the statement, the Mmiri-Oma movement was not merely received as a political campaign but as a movement that connected with the aspirations and expectations of ordinary people across the council area.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Nkanu East. You opened your communities to us, listened to our message, travelled with us, stood with us and ultimately entrusted us with your mandate,” the organisation said.
The campaign body said the mandate given to Ogbuekwe by the electorate carried a profound responsibility, stressing that the confidence of the people must now be repaid through service, accountability and meaningful development.
It assured the people that the incoming administration would remain conscious of the fact that the election was not the destination but the beginning of a new responsibility to serve.
The organisation further expressed confidence in Ogbuekwe’s capacity to translate the mandate into practical dividends of democracy, saying his campaign engagements had demonstrated a commitment to listening to communities and understanding their development priorities.
It called on all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands with the incoming administration in building a stronger, more united and prosperous Nkanu East.
“Now that the election is over, the work begins. The campaign has ended, but the responsibility to build Nkanu East has only started,” the statement added.
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation also pledged its continued commitment to the ideals of unity, grassroots participation and inclusive development that characterised the campaign, while urging the people to remain united behind the development of the council area.
It thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, political stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the campaign.
The organisation equally expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the leadership of the APC and all individuals and groups that worked tirelessly throughout the electioneering period to ensure victory.
The campaign council said the overwhelming support received had strengthened its belief that the people of Nkanu East were ready for a new chapter defined by service, inclusion, development and collective progress.
It therefore called on the people to see the emergence of Ogbuekwe not merely as the conclusion of a political contest, but as an opportunity to forge a common front for the advancement of every community across Nkanu East.
“The people have spoken. The mandate has been given. This shows continued trust and hope in the APC. Now is the time to unite, build and deliver. Together, we move Nkanu East forward,” it added.
Nollywood actor Ricardo Agbor has survived a car crash in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The actor disclosed the incident on Saturday in a video shared on his Instagram page, showing his badly damaged Lexus SUV at the scene of the accident.
The silver vehicle suffered extensive damage to its front section, including a crushed bonnet, smashed grille, exposed engine components and a damaged front-left tyre.
In the video, Agbor identified the location of the accident as being in front of the
Cornerstone City billboard in Ibadan.
“This is my vehicle in front of Cornerstone City, Ibadan,” the actor said.
Appearing shaken by the incident, Agbor repeatedly thanked God for sparing his life.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
He later added, “This is what just happened to me now. Oh God.”
In an accompanying post, the actor wrote, “As I was saying… Thank God Almighty I made it out of this. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.”
There was no immediate information on whether the actor or any other person sustained injuries in the crash.
Ricardo Agbor, also known as Rykardo Agbor, was born on February 4, 1973, in Lagos State and hails from Delta State.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Ibadan and began his acting career in 1992 after working as a model.
Agbor gained prominence following his appearance in the movie Visa to Hell and has since featured in numerous Nollywood productions in both English and Yoruba.
His acting career spans more than three decades.
Air Peace has reacted to a viral video showing passengers struggling to board one of its aircraft at the Abuja airport.
The video, which has sparked reactions on social media, showed passengers pushing and scrambling to board an Air Peace flight, with airline and airport officials appearing overwhelmed by the crowd.
However, Air Peace said the incident occurred on December 20, 2024, amid flight delays caused by poor weather conditions.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, said harmattan-induced haze and fog had significantly reduced visibility and disrupted flight operations nationwide.
According to him, Air Peace deployed three aircraft to Abuja to evacuate affected passengers and minimise disruptions caused by the delays.
He explained that while passengers were being processed at the boarding gate, the crowd became overwhelming, with some passengers rushing towards the airside.
Ndiulo said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and boarding officers were overwhelmed by the situation, forcing duty managers and ramp officials to mount barricades around the aircraft stairs to separate passengers booked on different flights.
The airline expressed sympathy to passengers affected by the delays but condemned what it described as misinformation and false claims accompanying the viral video.
The statement read in part:
“On the day in question, there were flight delays because of poor weather conditions, specifically harmattan-induced haze and fog, which is common at this time of the year and significantly limits visibility and impacts flight operations nationwide.”
Air Peace said it deployed three aircraft to Abuja to ensure that passengers could continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
The airline also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading representations of the incident, insisting that the video did not reflect its normal operations or values.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period and sincerely regret any inconvenience these delays may have caused you,” the airline said.
It added that the safety of its passengers and crew remained its utmost priority.
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