Supreme Court Verdict on Rivers Emergency Rule Sparks Debate on Power Structure
Written by Smooth FM on December 16, 2025
The political landscape in Nigeria has been unsettled following the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. The apex court struck out a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s directive, effectively validating the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of an administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The ruling has drawn sharp reactions from political stakeholders. While the presidency maintains the move was necessary to restore order, opposition parties, including the PDP, and various civil society groups have expressed concern. They warn that the verdict could set a precedent that expands executive power at the expense of elected state officials, potentially signalling a backslide for the nation’s democracy.
