NBA Urges Tinubu To Reinstate Rivers Governor Fubara

NBA Calls for Governor Fubara’s Reinstatement, Labels His Removal Unconstitutional

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has once again urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the legitimate leader of Rivers State. The association maintains that Fubara’s removal is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

Tinubu’s Declaration Sparks Controversy

Last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, followed by the controversial suspension of the governor, his deputy, and all House of Assembly members due to the ongoing political unrest in the oil-rich region. In an unprecedented move, Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the sole administrator of the state, a decision widely criticized as unconstitutional.

The NBA swiftly responded, asserting that the President lacks the legal authority to suspend democratically elected officials.

NBA: Constitution Does Not Recognize a Sole Administrator

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Afam Osigwe, the NBA President, reinforced the association’s stance, emphasizing that Fubara must be restored to office.

“The Constitution does not recognize a sole administrator. We expect the President to restore Fubara back to power, as his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated.

Osigwe also questioned the legitimacy of the newly appointed sole administrator, arguing that the oath of office taken by Ibok-Ete Ibas has no constitutional basis.

Legal Experts Condemn Tinubu’s Actions as Excessive and Undemocratic

The NBA president further criticized the measures taken to resolve the Rivers State crisis, describing them as overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and unconstitutional. He likened the approach to using a sledgehammer for a headache, stating that the political crisis requires a political solution rather than forceful intervention.

Additionally, Osigwe dismissed the National Assembly’s approval of the President’s actions, arguing that it does not provide legal justification.

“The National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing. It does not legitimize the President’s decision,” he added.

Conclusion: A Call for Constitutional Adherence

As tensions continue to escalate in Rivers State, legal experts and political analysts are closely monitoring the situation. The NBA’s firm stance highlights the growing concerns over executive overreach and the need to uphold constitutional democracy.

For further insights on the legal implications of state emergencies and governance in Nigeria, visit the Constitutional Rights Project.