*Gives 48 Hours To Respond
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The Rivers State Government has issued a formal query to Mrs. Cordelia Eke, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch, demanding an explanation for her role in a joint statement by NBA Rivers Chairmen that criticized the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas. The query, which hints at severe disciplinary measures including possible dismissal, has sparked concerns about the government’s response to dissent and the rights of civil servants to engage in professional association activities.
The controversy stems from a communique signed by the eight chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State, which condemned the Sole Administrator for actions deemed contrary to his mandate and the rule of law. The statement accused the administration of “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity” and the “unconstitutional dismantling of democratic institutions.” It also urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene to prevent further crisis in the state.
The Rivers State Government, apparently angered by the communique, singled out Eke, a respected jurist, text writer, and Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, for her role in co-authoring the statement. Analysts note that Eke may have been targeted as she is likely the only civil servant among the group of NBA chairmen who signed the document.
The query, dated April 25, 2025, and signed by Ebiriemg Deresima, Director of Administration in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Solicitor-General & Permanent Secretary, cited information received by the Sole Administrator on April 23, 2025. It accused Eke of violating Public Service Rules by contributing to a communique that criticized the state administration without prior permission. The specific rule cited, No. 100421 sub (b), (c), and (d), prohibits civil servants from publicly expressing opinions on political or administrative matters affecting state policy.
The query described Eke’s actions as “quite unbecoming of a civil servant” and a “flagrant disregard” of regulations. It demanded a written explanation within 48 hours, warning that failure to provide a satisfactory response could lead to “full disciplinary actions, which include dismissal,” in line with Rules 100302 and 100306.
Mrs. Cordelia Eke is widely regarded as one of the most effective NBA branch chairmen, having made history as the first female chairman of the influential Port Harcourt branch. Her tenure has been marked by populist and welfare-focused initiatives, earning her praise from legal practitioners and stakeholders in Rivers State. The query against her has raised questions about the balance between civil service obligations and the rights of lawyers to participate in the governance of their professional association, the NBA.
The NBA Constitution allows public service lawyers to contest for branch chairman positions, though it restricts their eligibility for certain national posts. The query against Eke highlights the ongoing tension between public service regulations and the active participation of lawyers in NBA activities, particularly when such activities involve critiquing government actions.
The Afam Osigwe-led Nigerian Bar Association has yet to issue an official response to the query, leaving observers awaiting the association’s stance on what many see as an attempt to stifle professional advocacy. The situation has also drawn attention to the broader political climate in Rivers State, where the Sole Administrator’s actions have been a subject of contention.
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