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The Chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State have jointly issued a press statement condemning the escalating constitutional crisis, blatant disregard for democratic institutions, and violations of human rights in the state. Their statement comes in the wake of the controversial declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which suspended the democratically elected state leadership and installed a Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (Rtd).
The statement, signed by the Chairmen of the Port Harcourt, Ahoada, Isiokpo, Degema, Bori, Okehi, Okrika, and Omoku branches, is a clarion call for the restoration of democratic governance, constitutional order, and respect for the rule of law.
State of Emergency: Unfolding Autocracy in a Democracy
The NBA chairmen reiterated that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State—which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly—was initially justified by the Federal Government as a move to protect vital economic assets, notably oil infrastructure. However, the chairmen expressed shock that the post-emergency reality has sharply diverged from its purported purpose.
Rather than fostering peace, they assert that the state has been subjected to autocratic governance and military-style administration. Political institutions have been systematically dismantled. Boards, commissions, councils, and parastatals have been dissolved, and replacements installed unilaterally by the Sole Administrator without legislative or judicial approval.
Violation of Constitutional Mandates and Judicial Rulings
Of particular concern is the appointment of administrators to oversee the state’s 23 local government councils. The NBA leaders denounced this action as a flagrant breach of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment, which explicitly outlawed the appointment of caretaker committees to manage local governments. They decried the selective application of the law and condemned the release of the state’s federal allocations to the Sole Administrator, especially in the absence of an appropriation bill or elected local council leadership.
Human Rights Abuses and Suppression of Civil Liberties
The Chairmen also condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protests. On April 7, 2025, demonstrators and journalists were reportedly assaulted and tear-gassed by the Nigerian Police during a rally against the state of emergency in Port Harcourt. The NBA has vowed to support victims of these abuses through its Human Rights Committees and warned security agencies against further aggravation of public tensions.
Economic Fallout: Loss of NBA Conference and Local Revenue
One of the most immediate and visible consequences of the state’s political crisis is the relocation of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu State. Expected to host up to 30,000 legal professionals and generate significant economic activity for the hospitality and tourism sectors, the move represents a massive loss for local businesses and workers.
NBA’s Position and Demands
In their joint statement, the NBA chairmen made several firm submissions:
1. Condemnation of Institutional Dismantling: They categorically denounced the dissolution and replacement of democratic institutions without due process.
2. Opposition to Undemocratic Appointments: They rejected the appointment of local government administrators, urging the Sole Administrator to stick to his limited mandate—securing federal assets and ensuring stability.
3. Protection of Civil Liberties: They condemned police brutality against peaceful protesters and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to defending human rights in court.
4. Call for Presidential and Legislative Action: The NBA called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to rein in the Sole Administrator and ensure that his powers are not exceeded, while also working towards the reinstatement of full democratic governance within the six-month emergency window.
5. Reactivation of the Reconciliation Committee: The statement urged the National Assembly’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee to act swiftly and impartially to de-escalate tensions and foster genuine reconciliation among political actors in the state.
A Call for Legal Redress and Public Calm
In their conclusion, the NBA Chairmen expressed solidarity with the people of Rivers State during this turbulent time. They encouraged residents to remain peaceful and seek justice through lawful means. Reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law, they pledged continued pro bono services for victims of rights violations and emphasized the role of the NBA in upholding justice and good governance.
Signatories:
Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.) – Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch
Hilda Desmond-lhekaire (Ph.D.) – Chairman, Ahoada Branch
Simple Dioha, Esq. – Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
Abiye A. Abo, Esq. – Chairman, Degema Branch
Dr. N. A. Duson – Chairman, Bori Branch
Dr. C. N. Nwankwo – Chairman, Okehi Branch
Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Esq. – Chairman, Okrika Branch
Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq. – Chairman, Omoku Branch
As Rivers State continues to navigate this political upheaval, all eyes are on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and the legal community to steer the state back to democratic normalcy. The Nigerian Bar Association, through its Rivers State branches, has taken a bold stance to defend the Constitution, and in doing so, reaffirmed its historical role as a watchdog of justice and protector of civil liberties.
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