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| Sim Fubara. |
The Chairmen of all eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State, have issued a joint press statement condemning the ongoing state of emergency and the overreach of the appointed Sole Administrator.
The statement, released on April 15, 2025, highlights multiple violations of democratic principles and the rule of law following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The NBA branch leaders expressed particular concern about the relocation of the NBA Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu State — a decision that will cause "immeasurable colossal loss" to local businesses, especially in the hospitality industry in the state.
The conference was expected to bring approximately 30,000 lawyers to Rivers State, providing a significant economic boost that has now been lost.
According to the statement, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, the appointed Sole Administrator, has exceeded his mandate by dismantling established democratic institutions including boards, agencies, councils, commissions, and parastatals.
The chairmen argue these actions violate constitutional provisions and established procedures, noting that the administrator's role should be limited to securing federal government assets and maintaining peace while a reconciliation process takes place.
The NBA branches particularly condemned the appointment of administrators to head the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, which they say contravenes a July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that outlawed such appointments. They also denounced police harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists during demonstrations on April 7, 2025.
"The actions of the Sole Administrator have been carried out with military fiat, without approval being sought from the National Assembly or any known legal institution," the statement reads. "It has gradually become clear that the leadership of our State has been hijacked to serve specific interests."
The eight NBA branch chairmen called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to restrain the Sole Administrator and ensure full democratic governance returns to Rivers State within the stipulated six-month period. They also urged the inactive reconciliation committee to "dispassionately carry out its role of reconciliation and peace-building" to prevent further economic losses and political crisis.
The signatories to the statement include the Chairmen of the Port Harcourt, Ahoada, Isiokpo, Degema, Bori, Okehi, Okrika, and Omoku branches of the NBA.
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