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
Rivers Government Calls for Peace as Impeachment Tensions Rise The Rivers State Government has appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) to reconsider its stance and prioritize the well-being of the people, urging lawmakers to end their hostilities against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Joe Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, warned that continued legislative conflict could plunge the state into economic, political, and social turmoil. Background: Tensions Over Impeachment Moves The Rivers State House of Assembly had previously issued a notice of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, fueling speculations about their possible removal from office. The ongoing dispute was further aggravated when lawmakers refused to allow Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, despite a Supreme Court ruling that required him to do so. Government’s Response: Fubara Ready to Comply Commissioner Joe Johnson criticized the Assembly’s claims that the governor had failed to follow due process in presenting the budget. “Governor Fubara has shown his willingness to re-present the 2025 budget and comply fully with the Supreme Court’s directives. His commitment is purely for the sake of peace.” He lamented the misrepresentation of Fubara’s intentions, arguing that the lawmakers are portraying him unfairly as uncooperative. Warning of Economic Collapse The commissioner cautioned that the legislative impasse could lead to severe economic hardship in the state. “If lawmakers fail to seize this opportunity to restore stability, the people will suffer avoidable economic and political crises.” He further condemned the decision of the Supreme Court to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold Rivers State’s revenue allocations, warning that this move had crippled government operations. Implications: Salary Payments and Governance at Risk With the state’s funds withheld, the Rivers Government faces major financial challenges: “The collateral damage caused by the Assembly’s actions will be devastating. Without access to allocated revenues, the state government cannot function,” Johnson emphasized. What’s Next? Seeking a Peaceful Resolution The Rivers State Government continues to urge lawmakers to prioritize governance over politics, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, with the impeachment threat looming, the future of Governor Fubara’s administration remains uncertain. Nigerian Supreme Court Decisions READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
