By Chioma Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Supreme Court to urgently hear the suit filed by 11 state governments challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The state of emergency, declared six months ago, is due to expire on Thursday, September 18, 2025. HURIWA warned that further delay in hearing the matter could undermine democracy and erode citizens’ confidence in the judiciary.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said: “This case is about the rule of law and the rights of Rivers people to be governed by their elected leaders. The refusal of the Supreme Court to fix a hearing date despite the urgency of the matter threatens constitutional democracy.”
Citing Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution, HURIWA insisted that the Supreme Court has a duty to hear the matter without delay, as it falls within its original jurisdiction in disputes between the federal government and states.
The suit, marked SC/CV/329/2025, was filed by 11 opposition governors, who argued that the president’s decision to suspend an elected governor and appoint a sole administrator under emergency powers was unconstitutional. The federal government, however, has raised a preliminary objection, contending that the states lack locus standi.
At the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), also called on the apex court to act swiftly. “This case touches on democracy and the rule of law. The Supreme Court must immediately schedule a hearing, even during vacation, so the matter can be resolved on the merits,” Ngige said, warning that prolonged delay could render the case academic.
HURIWA also urged the National Assembly, civil society groups, and citizens to press for accountability, stressing that timely adjudication is necessary to preserve the balance of power between the executive and judiciary.
“The stability of our democracy depends on the court rising above politics and upholding its constitutional responsibility,” Onwubiko added.
While commending recent federal gains against terrorism, the rights group maintained that strengthening democratic institutions remains equally critical to Nigeria’s long-term stability.
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