(SINL NIGERIA) A group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued President Bola over what it describes as the unlawful suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP argued that the decision violates constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.
The group said it filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday via three members of its Volunteers’ Lawyers Network (SVLN) in Rivers State—Yirabari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho.
“The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated,” SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said.
“Democracy is an inherent element of the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy ought to have as its foundation respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read.
To the group, the suspension contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international legal obligations, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
“The combined provisions of Sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1)(2), and 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, ensuring that the exercise of presidential power does not override the people’s right to participate in their own governance,” the group said.
