The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Supreme Court of intentionally delaying a crucial case filed by 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors challenging the emergency rule declared in Rivers State. In a statement on Sunday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized the court’s failure to fix a hearing date nearly a month after the case was filed, calling it a dangerous sign of judicial fear and executive influence.
The case, brought by the attorneys general of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states, seeks to determine if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted within the law when he allegedly removed the Rivers State governor and dissolved the state legislature under emergency powers. The governors argue that Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution do not allow the president to sack an elected governor or suspend a working State House of Assembly.
HURIWA expressed concern that the Supreme Court’s silence could be a strategy to force a political solution instead of a judicial decision. Onwubiko warned that this delay could set a harmful precedent, suggesting a deeper plan to weaken constitutional democracy and consolidate power. He described the situation as not just worrying but toxic, adding that millions are watching how the court handles this test of independence.
The group further alleged that the uncertainty has opened the door to political pressure, with some PDP governors reportedly being pushed to either support President Tinubu’s re-election or switch to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). HURIWA urged the justices to show patriotism by addressing the matter without further delay, warning that their inaction is being exploited to intimidate opposition leaders.
Despite the national significance of the case, HURIWA noted that there has been no official update from the court, raising serious doubts about transparency and fairness. Onwubiko criticized the attitude toward such a vital issue, pointing out that the world is watching Nigeria’s judiciary to see if it can still defend democracy.
Although the respondents, including President Tinubu, are required to respond within 14 days of receiving the summons, the Supreme Court’s failure to set a hearing date has only increased public scrutiny. HURIWA concluded by urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria to immediately set up a panel and schedule the case, warning that any further delay could amount to undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
