Emergency rule: Courtroom orders listening to notices served on nationwide meeting

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered that hearing notices be served on all parties in a suit filed by former Rivers Federal lawmaker, Farah Dagogo, challenging the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and the imposition of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State.

The directive came as the court noted the absence of the third and fourth respondents, which are the Nigerian Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, emphasized that the hearing notices are to ensure proper representation at the next sitting.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, only the first and fifth respondents were represented, by Professor Kanyinsola Ajayi, SAN, and Abduljabar Aliyu, respectively.

Justice Omotosho used the opportunity to address speculation making the rounds on social media, clarifying that the court remains impartial and committed to deciding the matter strictly on its legal merits, dismissing any insinuation of judicial compromise.

The case was thereafter adjourned to October 7, 2025, due to the commencement of the court’s annual vacation.

Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Babafemi Adegbite, a legal representative of Dagogo, underscored the constitutional significance of the suit and reaffirmed their resolve to pursue justice through all legal avenues.

Adegbite described the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu as a “rape of democracy” and a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution.