NBA Condemns Gov Fubara’s Suspension, Calls It Unconstitutional

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

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) asserted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency.

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

The NBA called on the National Assembly to oppose any unconstitutional move to endorse the removal of the Rivers State Governor and other elected officials.

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

The NBA cautioned that suspending elected officials under emergency rule creates a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy and could be exploited to remove elected governments in the future.

The association further insisted that all actions in Rivers State must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s democratic principles. It also urged stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to closely monitor the situation to prevent unconstitutional governance and power abuse.