Two lawyers, Reuben Boma Esq. and Okoro Nwadiegwu Esq., along with the Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation, have filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State.
The suit, filed on July 8, 2025, and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25, lists as defendants the President of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Attorney General of Zamfara State, and the Governor of Zamfara State. The plaintiffs, represented by senior lawyer Goddy Uche, SAN, argue that persistent insecurity, political instability, and legislative breakdown in Zamfara have created a state of lawlessness requiring urgent federal intervention.
They are seeking a court order directing President Tinubu to issue a proclamation – as provided under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) – declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara, with or without the removal of the Governor and Deputy Governor.
Additionally, the suit calls for the National Assembly to assume legislative control of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, which the plaintiffs claim is no longer properly constituted following the illegal suspension of 10 lawmakers. This, they argue, has rendered the Assembly incapable of forming a quorum or carrying out its constitutional duties.
The plaintiffs also ask the court to determine whether, under the relevant sections of the Constitution – including Sections 11, 42, 92, 98, 100, 103, 104, 109, and 305 – the current security and political situation in Zamfara meets the threshold for emergency rule.
The case raises constitutional questions about federal intervention in state governance and the role of the President and National Assembly in safeguarding democracy and public order in Nigeria.
