A State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an order preventing the Sole Administrator from resuming his duties in Rivers State pending the determination of the substantive suit. The suit, filed by Hon. Edison Ogaranya, former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Similaye Fubara, challenges the presidential pronouncement of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it is unconstitutional.

Justice Danagogo, in his wisdom, granted the prayers of Ogaranya and urged all parties to maintain the status quo. This development is a significant setback for the Sole Administrator, who was appointed to take charge of the affairs of the state following the declaration of a state of emergency.

Ogaranya’s suit is seen as a test of the constitutionality of the presidential pronouncement, and the court’s decision is being closely watched by legal experts and political analysts. The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the governance of Rivers State and the limits of presidential power.