7 hours ago
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A group of lawyers have sought the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State following worsening security and political crises in the state.
The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25 was filed by Reuben Boma, Okoro Nwadiegwu, and the Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation on July 8, 2025, through their counsel, Goddy Uche, SAN.
The defendants in the case include the Attorney-General of the Federation, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of Zamfara State, and the Governor of Zamfara State.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the prevailing security threats, communal clashes, and legislative crisis in Zamfara constitute a breakdown of law and order warranting the declaration of a state of emergency as provided under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They also want the court to mandate the National Assembly to take over the Zamfara State House of Assembly, which has been facing a leadership crisis since April, with factions operating parallel sessions.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs posed four constitutional questions, including whether the circumstances in Zamfara do not justify the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency, with or without the removal of the state governor and deputy.
The plaintiffs further argued that the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly has rendered the Assembly incapable of forming a quorum, thereby hindering legislative functions.
However, the court is yet to assign a date for hearing of the case.
Lawyers approach court, request Tinubu to declare state of emergency in Zamfara
