Eleven governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the powers of the president to suspend democratically elected state governments. The legal action also contests the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The states—Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—filed the suit through their respective Attorneys General. They argued that the president lacks constitutional authority to dissolve or interfere with elected state structures under the guise of emergency rule.
Also Read: Presidency Defends Emergency Rule in Rivers Amid Criticism
In the summons, predicated on eight constitutional grounds, the governors asked the apex court to determine whether such presidential action contravenes sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188 and 305 of the 1999 Constitution. They also questioned the legality of replacing elected officials with unelected administrators during emergencies.
The respondents named in the suit have been directed to enter their appearance within 14 days of being served, as stipulated by the Supreme Court’s procedures.
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