*Says Constitution Doesn’t Recognize Administrator Role
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NBBSPIDEL.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu, describing the action as unconstitutional and calling for an immediate reversal.
The NBA’s stance follows Tuesday’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which saw the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly amid the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. The President also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator, a move the NBA insists has no constitutional backing.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) reaffirmed the association’s position, emphasizing that Fubara must be reinstated, as the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize the role of a Sole Administrator in state governance.
“That is our belief, that is what we expect the President to do—to restore him (Fubara) back to power having unconstitutionally removed him,” Osigwe said.
He further questioned the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, stating:
“Even when I saw him taking the oath of office, I was wondering which oath he was taking because he was taking an oath not known to the constitution. The constitution does not recognize an administrator.”
Osigwe criticized the federal government’s handling of the Rivers crisis, likening it to using a sledgehammer to cure a headache.
According to him, the measures being taken to address the political tension in the state are “overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional.”
The NBA has, therefore, urged President Tinubu to immediately reverse his actions and allow the constitutional order to prevail in Rivers State.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
