On Tuesday, the President announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly due to the ongoing political turmoil in the oil-rich region.
The President has appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval officer, to serve as the sole administrator of the state.
In response to the President’s actions regarding Rivers State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), represented by its President Afam Osigwe during an appearance on Sunday Politics, reiterated its condemnation. The NBA asserts that Governor Fubara should be reinstated, as the constitution does not recognize the position of a Sole Administrator.
“That is our stance, and we expect the President to restore Fubara to his position, given that his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated during the program when asked about the President’s potential to recall the governor.
“We do not acknowledge a sole administrator as the legitimate authority to govern Rivers State, given that this appointment was made unconstitutionally.
“When I witnessed him taking the oath of office, I questioned the validity of the oath, as it is not recognized by the constitution, which does not acknowledge an administrator.”
Political Resolution Required
Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, asserted that the issues in Rivers State are being addressed with an inappropriate approach, comparing it to using a sledgehammer to alleviate a headache.
He stated that the actions being implemented to resolve the situation in Rivers are “overreaching, extensive, undemocratic, and fundamentally unconstitutional.”
He emphasized that the challenges in Rivers State are inherently political, and only a political resolution can effectively resolve them.
No Constitutional Deficiency
There have been assertions from certain groups suggesting a deficiency in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which President Tinubu referenced in his actions regarding Rivers State. However, the NBA president has dismissed these claims, affirming that the Constitution is sufficiently clear.
