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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Ijaw Stakeholders Reject Rivers State Emergency, Demand Governor’s Reinstatement The Coalition of Concerned Ijaw Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling for its immediate reversal and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. At a press conference, Convener Comrade Rosemary John-Oduone, accompanied by 16 Ijaw leaders, denounced the move as a violation of democracy. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which the President and all governors swore to uphold, has been disregarded by Bola Tinubu with the backing of security forces to unlawfully remove the elected Governor of Rivers State,” John-Oduone stated. She further accused the president of attempting to force the governor and state officials into his political party, allegedly to establish a one-party system and secure re-election in 2027. Call for Immediate Reversal The coalition insists that the situation in Rivers State does not justify a state of emergency and demands Governor Fubara’s reinstatement. They also accused Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi of playing a role in the controversial declaration. “The Attorney General of the Federation has facilitated this unconstitutional move, paving the way for this undemocratic decision,” John-Oduone alleged. Calls for National Unity and Political Stability Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (FCT & Northern Nigeria), urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision for the sake of national unity. Similarly, Adam Mabo, President General of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), warned that the state of emergency could escalate tensions in Rivers State, urging the president to focus on inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 elections. Tamunokuro Obetoubara, President of Wakirike Bise, cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta, reminding Nigerians of past conflicts that were only resolved under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. International Appeal for Intervention The coalition has reached out to global bodies, including the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS, urging them to intervene and prevent what they describe as an emerging authoritarian regime in Nigeria. “We call on the international community to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent the abuse of state institutions for political gains,” the statement read. Commitment to Defending Democracy The Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue resisting what they see as an attack on democracy. They demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State and remain committed to holding the government accountable. Read more on constitutional implications of state emergencies READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
