Former House of Representatives member and 2023 Rivers State governorship contender, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has resolved to challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after it dismissed his suit contesting the legality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Dagogo had approached the court in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, asking for clarification on the constitutional powers of the President to suspend the executive and legislative arms of a state government. President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who served as the state’s administrator during the emergency period, were joined as defendants.
The case was originally filed at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt but was later moved to Abuja following a directive from the Attorney-General of the Federation to the Chief Judge of the court.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter and subsequently struck it out, awarding costs against the plaintiff for maintaining that the court could entertain the case.
Speaking after the judgment, Dagogo’s lawyer, Barr. Babafemi Adegbite, insisted his client would not abandon the case, stressing their determination to seek constitutional interpretation at the Court of Appeal.
“We believe the President acted outside the provisions of the Constitution by suspending elected officials in Rivers State,” Adegbite said. “We are dissatisfied with the decision and will proceed to the Court of Appeal for a proper judicial review.”
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing alleged security concerns. The action led to the removal of elected leaders and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd.) to administer the state for six months.
Although the emergency proclamation was lifted on September 18, 2025, Dagogo maintains that the alleged violation of the Constitution must still be addressed to guide future leadership actions and protect democratic governance.
