Abuja — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Supreme Court to provide a clear constitutional interpretation regarding President Bola Tinubu’s powers in declaring and lifting a state of emergency, following the recent Rivers State episode.
National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, stressed that while the President lifted the emergency and reinstated Governor Fubara, questions remain about whether due constitutional process was followed in declaring the emergency in the first place.
According to Nwosu, “The law must be clear and applied consistently. Nigerians deserve to know whether a President can unilaterally declare such an emergency or whether it requires legislative backing. This is about safeguarding democracy, not just Rivers State.”
The party argued that seeking judicial interpretation will prevent future abuse of executive powers, especially in politically tense states. It further urged the National Assembly to act swiftly in providing legislative clarity on emergency powers to prevent a repeat of what it described as “unconstitutional overreach.”
Analysts say the ADC’s call may spark fresh debate within legal and political circles about executive limits, federalism, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s democratic structure.
