A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit filed by the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The group had asked the court to void Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers, as well as the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator. They argued the President acted outside the powers granted under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

However, Justice Muhammad Turaki ruled that the organisation lacked the legal standing to file the suit since Governor Fubara, the main affected party, was not joined in the case. The judge described the matter as merely academic.

Counsel to the group, Amegua Lezina, said they would review the judgment and may head to the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the court has adjourned two related cases filed by the organisation—one challenging the National Assembly’s ratification of Ibas’ appointment and another contesting the constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission—to January 23, 2026, and December 5, 2025, respectively.