The Chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State have issued a strongly worded press statement condemning a query dated April 25, 2025, issued by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, through the Solicitor-General of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, targeting Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke, Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch. The NBA leaders described the query as an attempt to suppress free speech and intimidate lawyers from upholding the rule of law, demanding its immediate withdrawal.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The query, titled “Query for Serious Misconduct,” accused Eke of co-authoring a communique that criticized the Sole Administrator for “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity” and the “unconstitutional dismantling of democratic institutions and attacks on peaceful protesters.” The Solicitor-General cited Public Service Rules No. 100421 (b), (c), and (d), claiming Eke’s actions were “unbecoming of a civil servant” and a “flagrant disregard” of regulations. The query demanded a written response within 48 hours, threatening “full disciplinary actions, including dismissal.”
Eke, a Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice and the first female Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, has reportedly submitted her response to the query in compliance with Public Service Rules 100302 to 100306.
In their joint statement, the NBA Rivers Chairmen clarified that the communique in question, issued on April 9, 2025, was a collective resolution of the eight NBA branches in Rivers State, reflecting concerns raised during branch meetings. The statement criticized the Sole Administrator’s actions under the state of emergency, which was intended to maintain law and order but has instead been marked by alleged breaches of democratic norms.
The Chairmen emphasized that Eke did not act in her personal capacity as a civil servant but as the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, alongside her counterparts from the Ahoada, Isiokpo, Degema, Bori, Okehi, Okrika, and Omoku branches. They aligned their position with that of the NBA National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who, in a March 18, 2025, press release, also criticized the Sole Administrator’s actions.
The NBA Chairmen described the query as “unfortunate” and a deliberate attempt to intimidate Eke and other lawyers in Rivers State from speaking out against “executive rascality and impunity.” They argued that the Sole Administrator’s actions, including the dismantling of democratic institutions, contradict his mandate to foster peace and stability in the state.
“The query is nothing but a ploy to intimidate our Brother Chairman into discontinuing her functions and duties as Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch,” the statement read. “It is an attempt to silence lawyers and the good people of Rivers State from standing up against actions capable of causing a breach of peace.”
The NBA leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the rule of law, stating, “As the watchdog of society, it is our duty to speak truth to authority on behalf of lawyers and the general public, and we cannot be intimidated to shy away from this sacred responsibility.”
The Chairmen unequivocally condemned the query and demanded its immediate withdrawal. They vowed to continue opposing any acts of “intimidation, harassment, persecution, or otherwise” by the Sole Administrator or his agents against NBA leaders, lawyers, or the public in Rivers State.
The statement was signed by the Chairmen of the eight NBA branches in Rivers State: Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire (Ph.D., Ahoada), Simple I. Dioha, Esq. (Isiokpo), Abiye A. Abo, Esq. (Degema), Dr. N. A. Duson (Bori), Dr. Celestine N. Nwankwo (Okehi), Tamunosiki A. Roberts, Esq. (Okrika), Ekeledinichukwu Ordu, Esq. (Omoku), and Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke (Port Harcourt).
The query against Eke has raised concerns about the shrinking space for free expression and professional advocacy in Rivers State, particularly under the Sole Administrator’s tenure.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
_______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
______________________________________________________________________
“Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
