The Ijaw Youth Council has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in Abuja, challenging the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The suit, dated March 20, 2025, lists the applicants as Comrade Ibiso, John Benjamin, Alpheus Ngere, Tamunokuro Tomquin, Benjamin Kemuel, Fabians Abbey, Williams Toby, Dabo Briggs, Precious Otoni, Attah Ebirin, and Tonye Stephen.
The applicants are seeking an order from the ECOWAS Court to set aside the suspension of elected officials and the dissolution of democratic structures in Rivers State.
Additionally, they are requesting a court order nullifying all decisions made by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator appointed by the President.
The suit also demands $10m in punitive and exemplary damages for the alleged violations and hardships caused by the Federal Government’s actions.
The Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Dr Michael Emuh, urged the Federal Government to utilise trained youths for pipeline surveillance in the region.
Emuh, in a statement called for caution and strategic action to protect the nation’s economic interests.
