NBA Condemns President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and 27 lawmakers for six months.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated that the President has no constitutional authority to remove an elected governor under the guise of emergency rule.

“Any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and the autonomy of state governments.”

The NBA urged the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempts to ratify the removal of Governor Fubara and other elected officials.

“The approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency.”

The legal body warned that suspending elected officials under emergency rule could set a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s democracy and could be misused to unseat elected governments in the future.

According to the NBA, suspending elected officials without due process undermines the rule of law and democratic principles.

It further called on stakeholders, civil society groups, the judiciary, and the international community to closely monitor the unfolding situation in Rivers State to prevent unconstitutional governance and possible abuse of power.

The legal body emphasized that all actions taken in Rivers State must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s democratic norms.