Public interest lawyers ask court to compel Tinubu to declare state of emergency Zamfara due to insecurity, political crisis, and legislative breakdown

A coalition of public interest lawyers has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order mandating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.

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The legal action follows ongoing security threats and political instability in the state, particularly in its legislative arm.

The originating summons, filed on 8 July 2025 and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25, names key government figures as defendants, including the President, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Governor of Zamfara State.

The plaintiffs—Reuben Boma, Okoro Nwadiegwu, and the Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation—are calling for the National Assembly to take over the Zamfara State House of Assembly, citing its inability to function.

According to court documents, “The prevailing security challenges, communal conflicts, and legislative crisis in Zamfara State amount to a breakdown of law and order, posing an imminent threat to both the state and Nigeria.”

The lawsuit argues that, under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President is empowered to declare a state of emergency when public order is at risk. The plaintiffs also say the Assembly’s suspension of ten lawmakers makes it impossible to form a quorum.

Lead counsel Goddy Uche (SAN) stated, “It is a constitutional obligation to act in times of national peril. Failure to do so weakens the very foundations of democracy.”

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The court is expected to set a date for hearing.