The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly members. In a statement released on March 18, 2025, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, asserted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally remove elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule. NBA Rejects Suspension of Elected Officials President Tinubu, during a national address, justified his actions by citing increasing political instability and pipeline vandalism in the state. However, the NBA argued that these issues do not meet the constitutional requirements for dissolving an elected government. Referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the NBA outlined that while the President holds emergency powers, they do not extend to the suspension or removal of elected officials. The only constitutional procedure for removing a governor or deputy governor, the NBA emphasized, is through impeachment as stipulated in Section 188 of the Constitution. Similarly, the removal of lawmakers must follow electoral laws and due legal process. Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration Faces Legal Hurdles The NBA further highlighted that Tinubu’s emergency declaration requires approval from the National Assembly within two days (if in session) or ten days (if not in session). Until such approval is obtained, the suspension of Rivers State’s government officials remains legally void. Condemning the President’s decision as a “dangerous violation” of Nigeria’s democracy, the NBA warned that allowing the dissolution of an elected state government under emergency rule could establish a precedent for politically motivated takeovers in the future. NBA Urges National Assembly to Uphold Democracy The association called on the National Assembly to reject any attempt to ratify the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State’s government. It also urged the judiciary, civil society organizations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law, the NBA emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs. The association insisted that all political disputes be resolved strictly through constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than executive orders. Nigerian Constitution READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Former NBA Chairman Bayo Akinlade calls out the unethical collusion between lawyers and police in Nigeria, citing the unlawful detention of Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi over a civil dispute. Former NBA Chairman Raises Alarm Over Legal System Exploitation The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Bayo Akinlade, has expressed deep concern over the increasing collaboration between lawyers and the police in violating citizens’ fundamental rights. Highlighting a recent case involving Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi, Akinlade criticized the misuse of legal and law enforcement processes, which he claims are being weaponized to oppress individuals rather than uphold justice. Engineer Detained Over Civil Dispute According to reports, Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi has been unlawfully detained for over two weeks at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, following his arrest on January 16, 2025. The arrest was based on a petition filed by Mrs. Olubusola Akinbiyi, Deputy General Manager at the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC), in connection to a ₦100 million loan dispute—a matter that is purely civil in nature. Akinlade emphasized that Saanumi’s prolonged detention violates legal provisions that mandate a suspect’s right to bail or timely arraignment. Legal Abuse and Alleged Extortion Attempts Saanumi’s lawyer, E. Ayo, has made several attempts to secure his release, but these have been unsuccessful. There are allegations that the complainant and her lawyer are demanding a substantial repayment before agreeing to his bail conditions. “This is a serious abuse of legal procedures and a clear attempt to use law enforcement for private financial disputes,” Akinlade remarked. He further condemned this act as a gross violation of professional ethics, warning that such misconduct by lawyers and law enforcement officers damages the credibility of the justice system. Call for NBA Intervention and Disciplinary Actions To address the issue, Akinlade is urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to investigate this troubling case. He stressed that if such practices are not checked, they will undermine the rule of law and further weaken public trust in the legal system. The NBA, he insisted, must take immediate and decisive action to curb these unethical practices and ensure that lawyers remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights rather than enabling police misconduct. Key Takeaways READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
