NBA Slams Rivers Administrator For Ignoring Rule Of Law

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, has condemned the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, accusing him of violating the Nigerian Constitution and undermining democracy.

In a joint press statement signed by the eight branch chairmen of the NBA in Rivers State, the association expressed serious concern over the state’s governance under the sole administration model, which was adopted following a declared state of emergency.

The NBA criticized the suspension of elected officials and recent appointments made by the Sole Administrator, calling them unconstitutional, provocative, and damaging to democratic institutions. The statement stressed that these actions violate the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and threaten the rule of law.

“As lawyers committed to constitutionalism, we cannot stay silent while democratic order is being dismantled,” the NBA said. The group also raised alarms over reported harassment and intimidation of citizens, especially those who opposed the emergency measures or tried to protest peacefully.

The NBA called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately review and reverse the emergency framework in Rivers State. It urged the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, emphasizing that the people’s mandate must be upheld.

Reaffirming its commitment to democracy and peaceful conflict resolution, the NBA warned that normalizing unconstitutional governance could set a dangerous precedent across Nigeria. The statement signals rising concern among civil society and legal professionals over what they see as a growing threat to democratic values in the country.