The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is unconstitutional, urging the President to reverse the decision immediately.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all House of Assembly members amid the state’s ongoing political crisis. In their place, he appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe reiterated the association’s condemnation of the President’s actions, insisting that Fubara must be reinstated.
“That is our belief, and that is what we expect the President to do—restore him (Fubara) to power, having been unconstitutionally removed,” Osigwe stated when asked if the governor should be recalled.
He further argued that the appointment of a sole administrator has no legal basis.
“We do not recognize a sole administrator as the rightful occupant of the Government House in Rivers State because his appointment was unconstitutional,” he emphasized.
“Even when I saw him taking the oath of office, I wondered what oath he was taking, as it is not recognized by the constitution. The Nigerian Constitution does not provide for an administrator in such circumstances,” Osigwe added.
