Rivers: Reinstate Gov Fubara immediately – NBA to Tinubu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that his removal was unconstitutional and a violation of democratic principles.
The demand follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of the elected governor, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly.
Reacting to the development, NBA President Afam Osigwe reiterated that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and replace him with an unelected official.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Osigwe emphasized the need for constitutional order to be restored.
“That is our belief, that is what we expect the president to do—to restore him (Fubara) back to power, having unconstitutionally removed him,” he stated.
The NBA firmly rejected the appointment of Ibas as the sole administrator, describing it as an action outside the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
“And that is why we do not recognize that a sole administrator is the rightful person to occupy the government house in Rivers State, having been appointed unconstitutionally.
“Even when I saw him taking the oath of office, I was wondering which oath he was taking because he was taking an oath not known to the constitution. The constitution does not recognize an administrator,” Osigwe added.
The NBA further criticized the federal government’s approach to resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, likening it to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache.
“The measures being taken to address the Rivers problem are overreaching, extensive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional,” Osigwe declared.
The association maintained that the crisis in Rivers State is fundamentally a political issue that requires a political solution rather than unconstitutional interventions that undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
