The political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn as former federal lawmaker, Dr. Farah Dagogo, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt against President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who currently serves as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The lawsuit challenges the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Dagogo is seeking judicial intervention over what he terms as a constitutional breach and political overreach by the federal authorities.
To ensure due process, the presiding judge granted an order for substituted service after difficulties were encountered in serving the defendants personally.
The court has fixed May 12, 2025, for hearing of the substantive matter. The originating summons and related court processes will now be served through alternative channels approved by the court.
Dagogo’s legal team, led by counsel C. Enweluzo, filed the motion ex parte on April 8, urging the court to permit substituted service in view of the high-profile nature of the respondents and the urgency of the matter.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned what it described as “deliberate provocation” following the destruction and removal of billboards and portraits of the suspended Governor Fubara in parts of Rivers State. The INC warned against further acts of political intimidation targeted at Ijaw leaders and communities.
In another major development, governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are currently meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a two-day emergency summit.
The meeting, which began yesterday, is focused on the Rivers State crisis, the declaration of emergency rule, and the leadership turmoil affecting the South-South geopolitical zone of the party.
According to PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Ibadan meeting is addressing a broad agenda that includes the pending Supreme Court case against the federal government, intra-party leadership disputes, and preparations for the party’s forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
A source familiar with the proceedings described the meeting as “very crucial,” noting that issues such as the party’s South-South zonal crisis, the legality of the emergency declaration in Rivers, and the fallout of Governor Fubara’s suspension are receiving top priority.
Adding his voice to the unfolding crisis, ex-MEND leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, broke his silence over the situation in Rivers State during his 54th birthday celebration at Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu.
Tompolo expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would be reinstated, affirming that the Ijaw people would not be subdued.
“I cannot betray the Ijaw Nation. I have spent my life fighting for our people,” Tompolo declared, urging continued support for President Tinubu while simultaneously calling for calm and unity among Ijaw communities.
As the political temperature continues to rise, all eyes are now on the judiciary and the outcome of the PDP governors’ deliberations, which may shape the next phase of the Rivers State power tussle.
