NewStats: 3,261,033 , 8,172,940 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 05:50 AM 35684

PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE 8 (EIGHT) BRANCHES OF NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION IN RIVERS STATE ON THE RELOCATION OF THE NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE, THE DISMANTLING OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND DISREGARD OF THE RULE OF LAW IN RIVERS STATE

15th April, 2025

We the Chairmen of the 8 (Eight) Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (N.B.A.) in Rivers State, in line with the objective of the N.B.A. in Promoting the Rule of Law, and after full deliberations and having the constitutional mandate of our Branches, do state as follows:

1. The fact that Rivers State, our dear State is under emergency rule as declared by Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and approved by the National Assembly, and endorsed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, is no longer news. The declaration, which further contained the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of the State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara (GSSR), his Deputy and the of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the appointment of a Sole for the State, was hinged on the need to secure the Federal Government economic assets in the State and maintain peace and stability, while a Reconciliation Committee was expected to work at resolving the political issues between the suspended Governor and the 27 (Twenty Seven) State Assembly Lawmakers.

2. The reaction of the Nigerian Bar Association as adequately captured in the address of the National President of our Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (S.A.N.) in the Press Release of 18th March, 2025 entitled "State of Emergency in Rivers, ‘Suspension’ or Otherwise Summary Removal of a Democratically Elected Governor and Other Elected Officials is Unconstitutional", has been in the public domain with the full concurrence of its and we the Chairmen of the 8 (Eight) NBA Branches in Rivers State.

3. Since the above declarations, we have observed with shock and dismay that, rather than the peace-building efforts that was promised by the President, tension has steadily escalated in Rivers State, arbitrariness and impunity have been displayed on a daily basis and democratic institutions have been demobilized in a gestapo, military style and the legal provisions and judicial pronouncements flagrantly disregarded and treated with disdain. Political appointments are being made by the Sole , Vice-iral Ibok Ete-Ibas with military fiat, without approval being sought from the National Assembly or any known legal institution for that matter.

In all of these happenings, there has been no sign or any word from the so-called Peace or Reconciliation Committee supposedly set up to resolve the political ime. It has gradually become clear that the leadership of our State has been hijacked to serve specific interests, without due regard for the peace and stability of the state, the economy of the state or the nation for that matter, and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

4. From the above positions, it was our understanding that the intendment of the declaration of the State of Emergency by the President and his appointment of the Sole , is for the maintenance of the peace and security in the State, to wit to secure the pipelines and related facilities in the State from being blown up and to prevent attacks on them that would sabotage the overall economic interest of the Country.

5. Accordingly, it is our view that the role of the Sole in the circumstance DOES NOT cover or extend to the steps already taken by the Sole in dismantling already established democratic institutions of the State which include Boards, Agencies, Councils, Commissions and Parastatals, etc., and appointing replacements for the persons removed from the offices, which has been done by the Sole in gross violations of the laid down procedures for the removal and appointment of such officers of the Boards, Agencies, Councils, Commissions and Parastatals, etc. in the State.

6. The mandate of the Sole in our view also DOES NOT extend to the preparation or presentation of any budget, especially for infrastructural development in the State; and certainly does not cover for the appointment of s for the 23 (Twenty Three) Local Government Areas in the State, in further violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Judgments of the Courts that Local Government Councils cannot be headed by appointed s but by duly elected Chairmen!

7. Indeed, the release of the State’s allocation by the Federal Government to the Sole upon his assumption of office, against the decision in the Supreme Court Judgment of 28th February, 2025 and without a proper Appropriation Bill ed and signed into law, or the election of Local Government Chairmen, which were the accusations levelled against the suspended State Governor, is baffling and points clearly to a selective implementation of the said Judgment of the Supreme Court by the Federal
Government.

8.The cumulative effect of the above actions of the Sole ,are clearly at variance with the Rule of Law and are capable of causing a breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State as tensions escalate,uncertainty pervades the air and of the society feel compelled to react to the situation and voice their displeasures.

9.One of the fallouts of the questionable actions of the Sole is the blatant violation of the human rights in the State by of the Nigerian Police on Monday, 7th April, 2025, when a group of individuals on a peaceful protest match against the State of Emergency in the State and journalists from various media houses were attacked, assaulted and tear-gassed by armed officers of the Nigerian Police Command in Rivers State and other security outfits in the State around the C.F.C.flyover area of Port
Harcourt. Such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society,if we truly claim to still exist in one with the 1999 Constitution (as amended)still operational.

10.The actions of the Sole have also become one of the reasons for the unfortunate relocation of the venue of the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association from Rivers State to Enugu State,leading to an immeasurable colossal loss to businesses in Rivers State,especially the hospitality Industry,and loss of job opportunities for the period.The conference was expected to cater for up to 30,000 (Thirty Thousand) lawyers, thereby boosting the economy of the State,but has now been sadly impacted by fallouts from the declared State of Emergency.

WE THEREFORE MAKE THE FOLLOWING SUBMISSIONS:

i. We condemn in its entirety the indiscriminate dissolution of Boards, Commissions, Councils and other government institutions,and replacement of their by the Sole with other individuals without due regard to constitutional and legislative provisions with respect to those Institutions.

ii. We condemn the undemocratic appointment of s to head the 23 (Twenty Three) Local Government Area Councils of Rivers State in contravention of the Judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of the ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION V. THE ATTORNEYS-GENERAL OF THE 36 STATES OF THE FEDERATION as delivered in July,2024 that inter alia outlawed the appointment by Governors of Caretaker Committees to handle the affairs of Local Government Councils.Consequently,we call on the Sole of the State to desist from dismantling of democratic institutions and cease the undemocratic appointments in the State, and rather concentrate on his mandate of ensuring the security of Federal Government assets and interests,and the stability of the State. He should also desist from carrying out political activities which would further escalate tensions in Rivers State, as he is expected to be apolitical and not to conduct himself as a stooge of any of the parties in the political imbroglio. Accordingly, we advise the Sole to desist from going beyond the mandate as given to him by the President and approved by the National Assembly.

iii. We condemn the harassment,intimidation and assault of peaceful protesters and Journalists in the State by officers of the Nigerian Police as they are in violations of their Constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,and we categorically state that the NBA Human Rights Committees in the State would be available to pursue the legal claims of any victims of the said Police action.Accordingly,we call on the Nigerian Police and other security Agencies to desist from further aggravation of the tension in the State. Rather, they should concentrate on doing their lawful duties of
maintaining peace and security in the State.

iv. We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to take necessary steps to rein-in the Sole istration in Rivers State and ensure he keeps within the mandate given to him on his appointment,to save Rivers State from further crisis. We also urge the Presidency to do everything within its power, in line with the Rule of Law,to ensure the return of full democratic governance to the State on or before the 6 (Six) months tenure of the Sole .

V. We call on the Peace or Reconciliation Committee of the National Assembly to swing into action and disionately carry out its role of reconciliation and peace-building in Rivers State to avoid further economic losses and degeneration of the political crisis and escalation of tension in the State. Accordingly, we wish to emphasize the position of our National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (S.A.N.) that the N.B.A. is ready and available to be part of the reconciliation process

CONCLUSION:
We stand with the good people of Rivers State in these trying times in the history of our State and empathize with the business owners affected by the unfortunate relocation of the N.B.A. Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu State. We urge you all to remain law-abiding and continue to seek legal means of redress in resolution of disputes, as we remain
courageous in the defence of the integrity of our State and the Country.
The N.B.A. re-affirms its resolve to uphold the Rule of Law in the State, and to continue to serve the society by rendering pro bono services for rights violations through our Human Rights Committees.

Let us continue to hands to pray and work towards the return of normalcy to our dear State.

God bless Rivers State!

SIGNED BY
Cordelia U.Eke (Mrs.),
Chairman Port Harcourt Branch

Hilda Desmond-lhekaire(Ph.D),
Chairman Ahoada Branch

Simple Dioha,Esq.,
Chairman,Isiokpo Branch

Abiye A.Abo,Esq.
Chairman,Degema Branch

Dr.N.A.Duson,
Chairman,Bori Branch

Dr.C.N,Nwankwo
Chairman,Okehi Branch

Tamunosiki A.Roberts,Esq.,
Chairman,Okrika Branch

Ekeledinichukwu Ordu,Esq.,
Chairman,Omoku Branch

https://www.channelstv.com/2025/04/17/nba-criticises-rivers--over-alleged-disregard-for-rule-of-law/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJt9JBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkAvBrdUriROSwNfEpK2FWeAgUmbr2dB1yYpnIVQj-5wzNe25K-bi-XbOlc4_aem_i3l8NK0VotizLVQ8r8nkZA

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The contentious 300 m was not talked about in the statement. There has to be clarification on that. If the reasons forwarded caused them to relocate, then fairness demands that they return the money.

Are these ones lawyers or law breakers?..
The sole of Rivers State issued directive for NBA to return 300 million gift or otherwise they got from Fubara, they are busy running from pillar to post.
Na retired Military man una dey joke with.. hand go soon touch una.

Return the 300 million naira, ole.

This world is wicked. Fubara that refused to implement the minimum wage for local government workers gifted NBA a whooping 300 million naira. The sole implemented the new minimum wage immediately he took over.

Rivers people are happy with the appointment of the sole .

flokii:
Are these ones lawyers or law breakers?..
The sole of Rivers State issued directive for NBA to return 300 million gift or otherwise they got from Fubara, they are busy running from pillar to post.
Na retired Military man una dey joke with.. hand go soon touch una.

Gift isn't refundable. Most of you don't know how the law works...

ElevationD:
The contentious 300 m was not talked about in the statement. There has to be clarification on that. If the reasons forwarded caused them to relocate, then fairness demands that they return the money.

Rubbish!
They don't owe the impostor any explanations, he was nowhere around the corridor of power when bargaining for the funds was done
if the impostor is very serious of recovery the money, he should go to court. All his initial gragra will end before 6 months.

tamonokare:
Return the 300 million naira, ole.

This world is wicked. Fubara that refused to implement the minimum wage for local government workers gifted NBA a whooping 300 million naira.

Lol 😂
You said Fubara refused to implement minimum wage? Make Amadioha and sango blast your mouth there if you are lying against that man.
The most wicked politician in the history of Rivers state is the person who refused to implement minimum wage through out his 8 years term, refused to employ Rivers people into the civil service despite collecting N5b yearly meant to charter for the recruitment and promotion in to the civil service, He refused to promote anyone, infact the Rivers state public services was precariously hopeless under him. Rivers state internally generated revenue was under reported to enable him steal with reckless abandon. Fubara was God sent to liberate our state and right the malistration of wickedness. Karma will deal with him

First of all I am not a lawyer, but what most people don’t understand is the constitution has been effect been suspended as regards the state in question. That is why it is called State of Emergency. This “unusual” situation can only be ended through the following means:
1. If the President calls off the state of emergency.
2. When the six month period elapses and is not renewed by the National Assembly.
3. If the Supreme Court declares the declaration null and void.
Nigerians should stop being emotional about this issue. The constitution already provided sufficient checks and balances with regard to the declaration of state of emergency.

DSS1335:


Rubbish!
They don't owe the impostor any explanations, he was nowhere around the corridor of power when bargaining for the funds was done
if the impostor is very serious of recovery the money, he should go to court. All his initial gragra will end before 6 months.





Lol 😂
You said Fubara refused to implement minimum wage? Make Amadioha and sango blast your mouth there if you are lying against that man.
The most wicked politician in the history of Rivers state is the person who refused to implement minimum wage through out his 8 years term, refused to employ Rivers people into the civil service despite collecting N5b yearly meant to charter for the recruitment and promotion in to the civil service, He refused to promote anyone, infact the Rivers state public services was precariously hopeless under him. Rivers state internally generated revenue was under reported to enable him steal with reckless abandon. Fubara was God sent to liberate our state and right the malistration of wickedness. Karma will deal with him

You are one of the Igbo people deceiving former governor Sim. Call any local government worker in Rivers state and ask them when they received the minimum wage.

tamonokare:
Return the 300 million naira, ole.

This world is wicked. Fubara that refused to implement the minimum wage for local government workers gifted NBA a whooping 300 million naira. The sole implemented the new minimum wage immediately he took over.

Rivers people are happy with the appointment of the sole .

yoruba muslim stop fooling around.
we don notice you.

tamonokare:



You are one of the Igbo people deceiving former governor Sim. Call any local government worker in Rivers state and ask them when they received the minimum wage.

Before making a hasty conclusion about anyone on this faceless forum, don't be too lazy to do "background check" on such person by going through the person's post and comment on nairaland. I am a full blooded Ikwerre man and top ranking officer in the public service. Wike is someone I have had the privilege of knowing since his time as the council chairman of ObioAkpor. There is nothing I do not know about my kins man. Even some of his classified dealings that the press can not report, I have commented about numerous of them here
The only people ing Wike today are those political urchins who are directly dependent on him for financial survival, these categories of subhuman can never see good in whatever Fubara is doing in Rivers state as far as they are no longer benefiting from the corrupt system

Ibas is just wasting is time. He will not get one Kobo of refund. He is a thief and wants to steal NBA money. Money that the Elected Governor gave to NBA. He should go and retrieve all the money that Wike was giving left, right and centre.

Chairmen of the 8 (Eight) Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (N.B.A.) in Rivers State.......
300m divided by 8 = ?
If u know u know.

Ibas is such a foolish man. Wisdom is no more about age. If a 70 year old man can continue to behave this way then something is wrong somewhere. I heard he summoned a democratically elected governor to appear before him. What an effontery. Tinubu has truly destroyed what democracy stand for in this country. Let's see the magic Tinubu want to pull out to win 2027 election. I will rather vote portable than casting my vote for a man of questionable integrity and character.

Just return the money joooor.

They've probably looted the 300m reason they're going round in circles. If not, they would have returned the 'gift' as a middle finger to Ibas.

Awon werey ganusi

If I am Ibas, I will issue another press statement in response to this simply as: "Just return the money"

NBA is boxed to a corner here. Lmaooo

Ok

Advice your professional body to make the payment of 300 Million..

Refund the money first.

NBA Rivers State should leave the lengthy letter,the declaration of state of emergency in the state is constitutional means by the president to loot the state in addition install lagos kind of NURTW,lives don’t matter to them it’s Rivers oil and gas, benue and plateau states are experiencing carnage with Mr President only calling on the plateau governor to step up when security of the country is solely the responsibilities of Aso rock.

Lol you no breache constitution when you wan protest buh he reach to refund u dey see constitutional breach...



Make everybody dey turn blind eyes once the corruption is been done by who dey ...

Lol

Sha return the N300 Milla

God punish Tinubu
Thunder fire Wike the drunk
Thunder fire Reno Omokri the ram
God punish Ibas!!!

Thief NBA. Return the 300 million naira. It would help build schools and other training centres in River state.

Refund the 300m conference or shut up.
As legal luminaries' equity and fairness is demanded from you guys

Where is the N300M? 😂

DSS1335:


Rubbish!
They don't owe the impostor any explanations, he was nowhere around the corridor of power when bargaining for the funds was done
if the impostor is very serious of recovery the money, he should go to court. All his initial gragra will end before 6 months.



Lol 😂
You said Fubara refused to implement minimum wage? Make Amadioha and sango blast your mouth there if you are lying against that man.
The most wicked politician in the history of Rivers state is the person who refused to implement minimum wage through out his 8 years term, refused to employ Rivers people into the civil service despite collecting N5b yearly meant to charter for the recruitment and promotion in to the civil service, He refused to promote anyone, infact the Rivers state public services was precariously hopeless under him. Rivers state internally generated revenue was under reported to enable him steal with reckless abandon. Fubara was God sent to liberate our state and right the malistration of wickedness. Karma will deal with him

The funds belong to the state and not to the . I read the letter that the government sent to NBA and Fubara was not accused of any wrong doing. The sole explained that the amount was meant for hosting NBA, with the intention of generating revenue for the state, if the meeting held there.

For your information, I am in no way ing the sole and I absolutely do not agree with his presence, in place of the democratically elected Governor. However, for the purpose of integrity and ability, we should be clarified by NBA, if by any means, the said amount was a gift. What was the gift for too? Equity demands clean hands.

You used the word “bargaining”. Have you not by this insinuated that the money was not a gift? Can you bargain for a gift, especially if the gift has no strings attached?

ElevationD:
The contentious 300 m was not talked about in the statement. There has to be clarification on that. If the reasons forwarded caused them to relocate, then fairness demands that they return the money.

Return the money to a man who has no mandate to represent the state under any capacity according to the constitution?
Ibas is an imposter and any one returning funds to him on behalf of Rivers State is joking.

At least the letter is clearly written to clarify the enormity of the actions of the sole
I hope wike actions will not put the president in a tight spot

ElevationD:
The contentious 300 m was not talked about in the statement. There has to be clarification on that. If the reasons forwarded caused them to relocate, then fairness demands that they return the money.

NBA owes sole or wike any explanation, all rivers money Wike use to sponspor PDP at a time when will he refund it

is it 300m wike spend on sponsporing PDP or is it Wike father money

Ole barawo.

Return the money. The money belongs to the people of the State, not the Governor.

flokii:
Are these ones lawyers or law breakers?..
The sole of Rivers State issued directive for NBA to return 300 million gift or otherwise they got from Fubara, they are busy running from pillar to post.
Na retired Military man una dey joke with.. hand go soon touch una.

On what mandate is he asking them to return the funds? Is he the elected Rivers State governor or he is the Rivers State House of Assembly?

Illegalities always return to bite people ing it. If Rivers can have a SoE, then Plateau should definitely have one.