A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State and ally of Nyesom Wike, Hon. Solomon Bob, has launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the association of “insincerity, hypocrisy, and misguided praetorian pretensions” in response to its condemnation of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/School-Of-Alternative-Dispute-Resolution-SADR1.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The NBA’s statement, issued on April 10, 2025, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of March 18, 2025, which cited a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as justification for the emergency measures.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Bob defended the state of emergency, which was ratified by the National Assembly two days after Tinubu’s proclamation, as required by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The crisis had escalated dangerously, with a fresh impeachment move against Fubara, the destruction of petroleum infrastructure, and threats of violence and social unrest, prompting the President’s intervention.
Bob argued that the NBA lacks the authority to challenge the President’s discretionary powers under Section 305, stating, “The NBA cannot circumscribe or amend the clear, untrammelled, and discretionary powers granted to the President by Section 305 of the Constitution. Neither is the NBA in a position to interpret or determine what measures qualify as extraordinary—which the President is required to adopt under the same section.” He further questioned the NBA’s credibility, asserting that it “does not have the jurisdictional competence or ethical example to be a barometer for measuring democracy and constitutionalism.”
The lawmaker criticized the NBA’s internal governance, claiming that an association expected to model democratic participation has become a “cartel for pursuing narrow interests.” He pointed to the NBA’s inability to organize elections based on universal franchise, devoid of zoning, and described its elections since the 1992 conference as “predetermined coronations of regional or even ethnic hegemons.”
Bob accused the NBA of turning a blind eye to what he described as “Fubara’s dangerous and incomparable incompetence,” and “crass lawlessness and wanton irresponsibility never before seen in any state in Nigeria.” He called the NBA’s statement an “arrogant and gratuitous insult” to Rivers State, given the “embarrassing diminution” caused by Fubara’s actions.
Central to Bob’s critique was the NBA’s acceptance of a ₦300 million payment from Fubara, which the association later claimed was a “gift” rather than a payment for hosting rights for its 2025 Annual General Conference, originally planned for Port Harcourt. Bob alleged that the NBA had entered a “sweetheart deal” with Fubara—a “quid pro quo” intended to “whitewash the worst misgovernment of any state in Nigeria.” He argued that the NBA’s statement concealed this pecuniary interest and only acknowledged the payment after Port Harcourt authorities demanded a refund.
“The NBA’s grudging claim that the sum of three hundred million naira was a gift is unreasonable and unbecoming of a self-appointed ombudsman,” Bob stated, calling it evidence of a “relationship of compromise” with Fubara. He demanded that the NBA return the funds to the Rivers State government, warning that failure to do so should prompt the authorities to take all necessary steps to recover the money.
Evidence And Trial Proceedings, Pleadings And Damages, Civil Appeals — All In Civil Litigation Serial Volumes 4–6!
4. Evidence and Proceedings at Trial in Civil Litigation — Governing Principles 5. Pleadings, Reliefs and Measures of Damages — with Precedents 6. Civil Appeal at Court of Appeal and Supreme Court — with Precedents "Civil Litigation Serial is designed to be an indispensable reference for lawyers engaged in civil litigation practice," said Basil Momodu Esq., the author of the series. Call 07051822705 to get your copies today! ______________________________________________________________________ "Democracy Or Demoncrazy?", "Good Governance" And "Politics And Political Class": Order Prof. Ozekhome's Essential Trilogy Now 
📞 Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532 📧 Email: educodexl@gmail.com Follow the voice of wisdom. Read Prof. Mike Ozekhome. Be inspired. Be enlightened. Be empowered. ___________________________________________________________________ Grab Your Complete Law Reports Now!!! IP, Company, Evidence & Land Cases - All Volumes With Digital Index!!!
To get a copy kindly Call 07044444777, 07044444999, 08181999888, https://alexandernigeria.com/ ______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
