The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit filed by ten governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

At the commencement of proceedings, the fifth plaintiff, Delta State, withdrew from the case.

On behalf of the plaintiffs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Eyitayo Jegede, argued that their suit was not to challenge the President’s constitutional power to proclaim a state of emergency, but to question the extent to which such proclamation could affect the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.

Responding, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, told the apex court that Rivers State was deeply enmeshed in crisis, needing presidential intervention.

Fagbemi added that the Governor, his deputy, and the State Assembly were not removed but temporarily suspended as part of extraordinary measures to restore order.

Fagbemi further argued that the President had not only the authority but the duty to act, urging the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Counsel to the National Assembly, Charles Yoila, aligned with the AGF’s position and also called for the dismissal of the case.

After hearing submissions from all parties, the Supreme Court reserved judgment for a date to be communicated to the parties.