Court gavel
Five Rivers State indigenes—Fredrick Ededeh, Benita Samuel, Jane Madubuike, Boma Aggo, and Comfort Agbom—have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to halt the local government elections scheduled for August 30.
The plaintiffs, represented by counsel Mr. Sunday Ezema, argue that conducting elections during an ongoing state of emergency is unlawful.
In the suit, filed on August 11 at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1144/2025, the plaintiffs contend that the state of emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, remains in effect.
They cited the President’s proclamation, which highlighted “a clear and present danger or imminent breakdown of public order and public safety” in Rivers State, as a key reason for their legal action.
“The emergency situation has not ceased, and the proclamation has not been revoked,” Ezema stated, emphasizing that holding elections under such conditions violates legal and safety standards.
The plaintiffs according to NAN reports, argued that the ongoing crisis undermines governance, peace, and security, making it impossible for voters to participate safely.
They are seeking a court order to stop the planned elections on August 30 or any other date during the emergency period.
“Elections cannot be conducted lawfully when public order and safety are compromised,” Ezema added.
Additionally, the plaintiffs request that any election held during the emergency be declared null and void, referencing the nullification of previous local government elections under Governor Siminalayi Fubara due to irregularities.
They further seek a judicial declaration that the conditions prompting the state of emergency—described as a “looming crisis” affecting peace and security—persist, rendering the planned polls illegal.
The suit also demands a ruling that the Rivers State government, its sole administrator, and RSIEC lack the legal authority to conduct elections while the emergency proclamation remains active, which they assert extends at least six months from March 18.
