NBA orders immediate reinstatement of suspended Rivers Governor

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has once again urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the elected governor of Rivers State. The NBA insists that Fubara’s removal is unconstitutional and must be reversed without delay.

Last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that was swiftly followed by the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly. The decision, which has sparked widespread criticism, was accompanied by the appointment of retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator. Many Nigerians have described these actions as a violation of democratic principles.

The NBA had previously released a statement condemning the suspension, asserting that the President lacks the authority to remove democratically elected officials in such a manner. Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, NBA President Afam Osigwe reaffirmed the association’s stance, emphasizing that the constitution does not recognize the position of a sole administrator in a state.

Osigwe stressed that the only lawful course of action is to restore Fubara to his rightful position, arguing that the president’s actions were not only unconstitutional but also set a dangerous precedent. He questioned the legitimacy of the oath taken by the newly appointed sole administrator, stating that such an oath is not recognized by the constitution.

The NBA president likened the federal government’s response to the crisis in Rivers State to using a sledgehammer to cure a headache, warning that the measures taken are excessive, undemocratic, and ultimately unconstitutional. He argued that the crisis is a political issue that requires a political solution, not an executive overreach.

Osigwe dismissed claims that Section 305 of the constitution justifies the President’s actions, stating that its provisions are being deliberately misinterpreted. He also rejected the notion that the National Assembly’s approval legitimized the removal of Fubara, comparing it to placing something on nothing.