*Denounce “Unlawful” LGA Appointments, Cite Supreme Court Ruling on Elected Chairmen
*Pledge Legal Support for Citizens Affected by Emergency Rule

The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State have issued a scathing press statement condemning the ongoing state of emergency, the dismantling of democratic institutions, and the relocation of the NBA Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu State.

The statement—signed by Cordelia U. Eke (Port Harcourt), Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire (Ahoada), Simple Dioha (Isiokpo), Abiye A. Abo (Degema), Dr. N. A. Duson (Bori), Dr. Celestine N. Nwankwo (Okehi), Tamunosiki A. Roberts (Okrika), and Ekeledinichukwu Ordu (Omoku)—outlines grave concerns regarding the rule of law and governance in Rivers State.

The NBA leaders criticized the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, and appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas as Sole Administrator. They argue that the declaration—purportedly intended to secure federal economic assets and maintain peace—has instead escalated tensions and fostered a climate of impunity. The chairmen echoed NBA National President Mazi Afam Osigwe’s March 18, 2025, statement, which described the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional.

The statement highlights several alleged violations by the Sole Administrator, including the dissolution of democratic institutions such as boards, agencies, and councils, and the unlawful appointment of replacements. The NBA also condemned the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas, citing a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandating that local councils must be led by elected chairmen. Furthermore, the chairmen decried the disbursement of state funds to the Sole Administrator without a valid Appropriation Bill, calling it a selective and improper application of a February 2025 Supreme Court judgment.

Alarm was also expressed over human rights violations—particularly the police assault on peaceful protesters and journalists in Port Harcourt on April 7, 2025. The chairmen described the incident as a gross violation of constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. They pledged the support of NBA Human Rights Committees in pursuing legal remedies for affected victims.

A significant economic consequence noted in the statement is the relocation of the NBA Annual General Conference—originally expected to host 30,000 lawyers in Rivers State—to Enugu State. The move, attributed to the instability triggered by the Sole Administrator’s actions, has reportedly resulted in substantial financial losses for local businesses, especially within the hospitality sector.

The NBA chairmen presented five key demands:

  1. An immediate end to the dissolution of democratic institutions and the reversal of unconstitutional appointments by the Sole Administrator.
  2. A halt to undemocratic local government appointments, urging the Sole Administrator to focus solely on maintaining security and to remain apolitical.
  3. An end to police harassment of protesters and journalists, with a call for all security agencies to uphold the law and maintain peace responsibly.
  4. Urgent intervention by the President and the National Assembly to ensure that the Sole Administrator operates within his mandate and restores democratic governance within six months.
  5. Activation of the National Assembly’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee to resolve the political crisis, with an offer by the NBA to participate in the process.

The statement concluded with a call for the people of Rivers State to remain law-abiding and to pursue legal avenues for redress. It reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to providing pro bono legal services to victims of rights violations.

“We stand with the good people of Rivers State in these trying times,” the chairmen declared, urging collective efforts to restore constitutional order and normalcy.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

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

______________________________________________________________________