..Say Sole Administrator’s actions unconstitutional, blame political crisis for NBA Conference relocation

PORT HARCOURT — Chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State have issued a strong-worded statement condemning the ongoing state of emergency in the state, describing it as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and damaging to democratic institutions.

In the statement dated April 15, 2025, the legal body expressed deep concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, following the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and approved by the National Assembly.

According to the lawyers, the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator was initially justified as a means to secure vital federal assets and restore peace. However, they claim that the actions of the Sole Administrator have exceeded this mandate.

“Rather than foster peace as promised, tension has steadily escalated while democratic institutions have been dismantled with military-style impunity,” the statement reads. “Boards, agencies, and councils have been dissolved and replaced in violation of due process and existing laws.”

The group particularly decried the appointment of Local Government Administrators in contravention of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment, which outlawed unelected caretaker committees in local councils.

They also slammed the Federal Government’s release of state funds to the Sole Administrator without an appropriation law in place, calling it “a selective implementation” of the Supreme Court’s February 2025 judgment.

Another major point of concern was the relocation of the NBA’s Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, which the branch leaders attributed to the political instability and heavy-handedness witnessed in Rivers. “The loss to local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, is colossal,” the lawyers said, lamenting that the state missed the opportunity to host over 30,000 lawyers from across the country.

They also condemned the reported assault on peaceful protesters and journalists on April 7 by security forces at the CFC Flyover in Port Harcourt. “Such actions are unacceptable in a democracy. Our Human Rights Committees are ready to pursue legal redress for the victims,” they declared.

The lawyers made five key demands:

That the Sole Administrator should cease the dismantling of democratic structures and stop acting outside his mandate.

That the appointment of LGA administrators be reversed.

That the federal government rein in the Sole Administrator and ensure the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers within the six-month emergency window.

That the National Assembly’s Peace Committee should immediately begin reconciliation efforts.

That security agencies must respect citizens’ rights and stop aggravating the crisis.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and to providing pro bono legal services to victims of rights violations,” the statement concluded. “We stand with the people of Rivers State in these trying times and will continue to defend the integrity of our State and our democracy.”

The statement was signed by Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.), Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, on behalf of all eight branches in the state.