The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on a lawsuit challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s March declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The matter was heard by a seven-judge panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, which adjourned proceedings after all parties presented their arguments.

The plaintiffs in the case include the Attorneys General of 10 states, while the Federal Government and the National Assembly are named as defendants. During Tuesday’s proceedings, Delta State, the fifth plaintiff, withdrew from the lawsuit, a move that was not contested by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), representing the federal government.

Representing the plaintiffs, Jegede (SAN) clarified that the case does not question the President’s authority to declare a state of emergency. Instead, the legal challenge focuses on the scope of the declaration, particularly regarding its effects on the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the State House of Assembly.

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment in due course, a decision that could have significant implications for the interpretation of emergency powers under the Nigerian Constitution.