Fubara Has Been Suspended, there is no Authority in Nigeria That Can Challenge The President- TieTie
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu, challenging what it describes as the unlawful suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly. The lawsuit argues that the president’s decision violates constitutional provisions and threatens democratic governance.
Also named as defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who was appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State. SERAP seeks a court order nullifying both the suspensions and Ibas’s appointment.
Speaking in a recent interview with Arise News, legal analyst Frank Tietie stated that while the president acted under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, his decision has sparked widespread opposition. “Unfortunately, what the president has declared and implemented stands. As things stand, there is no authority or individual in Nigeria that can challenge the president’s powers-except the Supreme Court,” he said.
Tietie also questioned the effectiveness of SERAP’s lawsuit, arguing that the more appropriate legal route would have been for PDP-controlled states, such as Bayelsa and Delta, to directly approach the Supreme Court. He warned that the president’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach, particularly in oil-rich states.
With the legal battle now unfolding, the Supreme Court may ultimately be called upon to define the limits of presidential power in declaring a state of emergency.
His Words: ” Unfortunately, what the president has declared and implemented stands. The Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended, and as things stand, there is no authority or individual in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that can challenge the president’s powers-except the Supreme Court”.
Watch interview below from 2:37 timestamp:
