The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and 27 lawmakers for six months.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), emphasized that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency.
“Any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and the autonomy of state governments,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA urged the National Assembly to resist any unconstitutional attempt to validate the removal of the Rivers State Governor and other elected officials.
“The approval of a state of emergency must be grounded on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency,” the statement added.
The association warned that suspending elected officials under emergency rule could set a dangerous precedent, threatening democracy and potentially serving as a tool to unseat elected governments in the future.
Additionally, the NBA called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s democratic norms in handling the situation in Rivers State. It also urged the judiciary, civil society, and the international community to monitor developments closely to prevent any abuse of power.
