•Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd)
Nigerian lawyers under the aegis of The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, have come out strongly against the conduct of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), accusing him of constitutional violations and undermining democratic governance.
In a strongly worded press statement by the Body of Chairmen Rivers State and signed by the 8 Branch Chairmen, the NBA said it was “deeply concerned” by recent developments in the state under the sole administration model imposed following the declaration of a state of emergency, reports Channels TV.
The lawyers’ body described the continued interference with constitutionally guaranteed structures — including the suspension of elected state officials and recent appointments made by the sole administrator — as unlawful, provocative, and injurious to democratic institutions.
“The Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, unequivocally condemns the actions of the Sole Administrator, which, in our view, violate the spirit and letters of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement read.
A Threat to Democracy?
The press release emphasised that the NBA, as a body committed to upholding the rule of law, cannot remain silent while the constitutional order is, in their words, “brazenly disregarded.”
It described the ongoing situation as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic experiment, warning that unchecked overreach by appointed administrators could erode public trust in governance and the legal system.
The Bar Association also called attention to the alleged harassment and intimidation of citizens, especially those who have openly criticized the state of emergency or attempted to protest peacefully.
Call for Presidential Intervention
In what can be interpreted as a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the NBA demanded an immediate review and reversal of the emergency governance framework in Rivers State. The body also urged the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other duly elected officials, stating that the people’s mandate must not be swept aside under any guise.
“We remind the federal government and all relevant institutions that the democratic will of the people is sacrosanct and must be respected,” the NBA said.
Rule of Law Must Prevail
The Association concluded by reiterating its commitment to democratic values, constitutionalism, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It warned that any attempt to legitimize or normalize administrative actions that override the constitution could set a dangerous precedent for governance across the country.
As political tensions continue to mount in Rivers State, the NBA’s position signals a growing resistance from civil society and professional bodies, all of whom are raising the alarm over what they see as the gradual erosion of democratic norms.
