A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has scheduled May 12, 2025, for the substantive hearing in a suit filed by former federal lawmaker, Farah Dagogo, challenging the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court also ordered that hearing notices and other relevant court documents be served on the defendants via DHL courier service to their last known addresses, including: Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Asokoro, Abuja; the Senate, National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja and Rivers State Government House, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

President Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending democratic governance for an initial period of six months.

The president also suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly, appointing Ibas as sole administrator.

The action, subsequently ratified by the National Assembly, has sparked widespread criticism from political leaders, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, civil society organizations, and other interest groups.

The Presidency on Sunday, reacted to the United States, US, District Court of Columbia ordering the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, FBI, to reveal President Bola Tinubu’s information.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said there was nothing new to reveal about the case.

Onanuga said reports by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

Reacting to questions from journalists, Onanuga said the reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.

Ekwutosblog had reported that Judge Beryl Howell gave the order on Tuesday.

The development followed a motion by Aaron Greenspan, an American who is seeking a reconsideration of an earlier ruling.

Howell said protecting the information from public disclosure is “neither logical nor plausible.”

Greenspan had accused the FBI of violating the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, by failing to release within the statutory time “documents relating to purported federal investigations into” Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele.

Tinubu was claimed to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government in 1993 after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

Reacting, Onanuga posted on X: “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our response is as follows:

“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

“The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”

The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, has said that there was no agreement reached at any point that the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position in 2027 after serving a single term of four years.

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.

According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, has said that there was no agreement reached at any point that the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position in 2027 after serving a single term of four years.

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.

According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

“There was never any agreement to stop a man who is fulfilling destiny. Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

“It is a fact that since the creation of Ebonyi State, no governor has ever ruled for just one term. History supports continuity, and today is no different”.

“Now, a few individuals who once watched from the sidelines are trying to distract and confuse the people. But their imagination only reveals the content of their own minds. Ebonyians know better”.

He stressed that the party would not succumb to any intimidation or force from any individual or group.

The APC spokesman said: “the strength of the APC in Ebonyi was not built through intimidation or force. It was built on unity, humility, peace, and most important “Good governance”. The government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises has earned her the trust and love of the people”.

The Party further commended Governor Nwifuru for his visionary leadership and commitment to good governance in the state.

“It is no longer news that Ebonyi State, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is on the right path to greatness. Governor Nwifuru’s led administration is focused on building a stronger, better state, one that is greater than it was met. Governance is a continuum, and this present government is committed to sustaining progressive policies for lasting economic and infrastructural growth, Ogbuatu added.

He noted that the State APC under the chairmanship of Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha has met will aggrieved members during his tour across the 13 Council areas and 171 wards, and assured them of reconciliation, peace and inclusiveness.