By Gwurld4026 
NBA Calls for Immediate Restoration of Rivers Governance
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, asserting that his suspension is unconstitutional and undermines democratic principles.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly. He appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator—a move that has sparked widespread criticism.
NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President the authority to remove an elected governor or appoint a sole administrator. He stated, “That is our belief, that is what we expect the president to do—to restore him (Fubara) back to power having unconstitutionally removed him.”
Osigwe further questioned the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, noting that the Constitution does not recognize the role of a sole administrator in state governance. He highlighted that the political crisis in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional threshold for declaring a state of emergency, which includes scenarios like war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order.
The NBA has urged the National Assembly to reject the suspension of elected officials, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. They stress that allowing such actions could lead to misuse in the future to remove political opponents, threatening the country’s federal structure and democratic stability.