A suit filed by Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Samuel Amatonjie, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been transferred from the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court to the Abuja Division.

The suit, which named President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Senate, and House of Representatives, as well as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, as respondents, will now be heard in Abuja.

According to an official of the court, not just Amatonjie’s suit had been transferred, but every other matter touching on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State will also be heard in Abuja.

The transfer is based on Order 49 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Law.

However, Amatonjie expressed mixed feelings about the transfer, citing the peculiarity of the matter and the need for a speedy hearing.

While urging the authorities to assign the matter to a judge who will give it an expedited hearing, Amatonjie assured his readiness to meet the respondents in court.

He explained that he filed the suit to challenge the declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu, as approved by the National Assembly, saying he believes that the declaration is unlawful and wants the court to determine the matter.