The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed multiple suits challenging the use of Rivers State’s funds and the appointment of a sole administrator following the declaration of emergency rule.
In a ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the court lacked jurisdiction to determine issues relating to a presidential proclamation of a state of emergency. He stated that only the Supreme Court has the exclusive authority to decide such matters.
The case, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative, sought a refund of Rivers’ funds released and expended under retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, appointed as sole administrator. The group also contested Ibas’ authority to appoint administrators for the 23 local government areas of the state.
Justice Omotosho upheld preliminary objections raised by the defendants’ counsel, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, and ruled that the claimants lacked the legal standing to institute the suits. He stressed that private individuals cannot file actions of such public nature without proper legal grounds.
“The subject matter of this suit is outside the jurisdiction of this court and only the Supreme Court can entertain it,” Omotosho said. He further described the filings as “void ab initio” and a waste of judicial time.
The judge also dismissed related suits challenging President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the imposition of emergency rule, reaffirming that the Federal High Court could not assume jurisdiction.
What you should know
The Federal High Court struck out suits seeking to challenge Rivers’ emergency rule, the use of state funds, and the appointment of a sole administrator, ruling that only the Supreme Court can decide such matters.
The claimants were also found to lack the legal standing to sue.
