Court dismisses suit challenging Rivers emergency rule, LG election

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has thrown out a lawsuit contesting the legality of the August 30 local government elections and the state’s emergency administration.

The case was brought by Port Harcourt lawyer Williams Abayomi Stanley against President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and its chairman.

Stanley argued that President Tinubu’s appointment of a sole administrator, who subsequently selected the RSIEC chairman and members, was unconstitutional.

Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo ruled that the court lacked the authority to hear the matter. He explained that Nigeria’s constitution gives the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising during a period of emergency rule.

Justice Jumbo further held that Stanley lacked the legal standing—locus standi—to sue, noting that the claimant failed to demonstrate any personal right or civil obligation violated by the defendants or any specific harm he might suffer if the case was not heard.

Addressing the validity of the August 30 polls, the judge affirmed that the election was properly conducted by RSIEC and therefore met constitutional requirements, independent of the governor or the sole administrator.

Outside the courtroom, claimant’s counsel Godsent Elewa told reporters, “I think the judge in his wisdom has given judgment. I will consult with my client to know the next line of action.”