Lawyers Ask Court to Order Tinubu to Declare Emergency in Zamfara
Two lawyers have filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State. They argue that both security and governance have broken down completely in the state.
The applicants—Reuben Boma, Okoro Nwadiegwu, and the Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation—are also asking the court to direct the National Assembly to step in and take over legislative duties in the state.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25, points to the controversial suspension of 10 lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly. According to the plaintiffs, the move has left the House unable to meet quorum, effectively paralyzing legislative activities.
Alongside the worsening security challenges in the region, the applicants say the situation calls for constitutional action.
Named in the case are the Attorney General of the Federation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General of Zamfara State, and the Governor of Zamfara State.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Goddy Uche, the plaintiffs are asking the court to interpret various sections of the 1999 Constitution. They want to know whether, given the current crises, the President has the authority to declare a state of emergency—even without removing the sitting governor or deputy.
They also argue that existing laws back the National Assembly’s intervention when a state legislature is no longer functional.
In their motion, the plaintiffs described the situation in Zamfara as one of “complete breakdown of order,” citing deepening community clashes, insecurity, and the legislature’s inability to function.
They’re asking the court to issue three major rulings:
-
A directive compelling the President to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara;
-
A declaration that the State House of Assembly is no longer legally functional;
-
An order for the National Assembly to assume full legislative responsibilities in the state to protect democratic governance and public safety.
As of now, the court is yet to fix a date for the hearing.
