President Bola Tinubu and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi did not appear in court on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The Federal High Court in Abuja was hearing a case challenging the president’s decision to appoint a Sole Administrator for Rivers State.
According to Daniel Daniel Daniel Daniel on X, the absence of the president and AGF raised concerns about the proceedings. Lawyer Johnmary Jideobi filed the lawsuit, seeking to overturn the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as a replacement.
Jideobi argues that the president’s actions violate the constitution. He pointed out, “As a Nigerian Lawyer, I have never seen the word ‘Sole Administrator’ in the amended 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The controversy began in March 2025 when President Tinubu suspended Fubara and other elected officials in Rivers State. He replaced them with Ibas, a move many believe breaches the Constitution.
At the hearing, the court confirmed that all defendants, except for those from Zamfara and Bauchi States, had received hearing notices. Attorneys-General from Lagos, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Edo States attended the session.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case until June 11, 2025, and ordered that new hearing notices be issued to all involved parties. The court will examine various sections of the 1999 Constitution, focusing on the removal of governors and their deputies.
Jideobi seeks a declaration that the suspension of Fubara and the appointment of Ibas are illegal. He also asks the court to prevent the president from taking similar actions in the future.
This case challenges the president’s authority to remove elected governors. Jideobi also wants the court to reverse all actions related to Ibas’s appointment, including having him vacate the Government House in Rivers State.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
