By Gwurld4026 
Rivers: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Challenged in ECOWAS Court
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism. This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
In response, leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The IYC contends that the suspension of the elected officials is illegal and amounts to a usurpation of democratic structures. They are seeking an order from the ECOWAS Court to overturn the suspensions and are demanding $10 million in punitive and exemplary damages.
Despite opposition from some quarters, Nigeria’s National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives endorsed the measure, which will be in effect for six months.
The ECOWAS Court has yet to set a date for the hearing of the lawsuit filed by the Ijaw Youth Council.