Tensions surrounding the state of emergency in Rivers State continue to escalate as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a coalition of former labour leaders have issued scathing condemnations of the Federal Government’s actions, describing them as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic governance.
In a joint press statement signed by the Chairmen of all eight NBA branches in Rivers State, the lawyers decried the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator. The move, initially justified by the Federal Government as necessary to secure critical national assets and stabilize the state, has instead, according to the NBA, led to “arbitrariness, impunity, and the dismantling of democratic institutions.”
“The leadership of our state has been hijacked to serve specific interests,” the statement read, accusing the Sole Administrator of exceeding his mandate by making political appointments, disbanding elected local governments, and presenting a state budget—actions they describe as “gross violations” of both the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court judgments.
The lawyers also criticized the police for attacking peaceful protesters and journalists during a demonstration against the emergency rule on April 7, calling the incident a “blatant violation of human rights.”
A key fallout from the political instability, they noted, was the NBA’s decision to relocate its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, dealing a major blow to the state’s hospitality and service sectors. The event was expected to host over 30,000 legal professionals.
The statement concluded with a five-point demand, including an immediate end to undemocratic appointments, the protection of protesters and press freedom, and a call on the Sole Administrator to respect the limited scope of his mandate. The NBA also urged the National Assembly’s Reconciliation Committee to commence work and ensure a return to full democratic governance within the six-month emergency window.
In a parallel address, the Former Labour Leaders Forum of Rivers State echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Federal Government of “brazen and flagrant desecration of democracy.”
Speaking at a world press conference in Port Harcourt, Sir Achese Igwe, former national president of NUPENG, and Comrade Benneth Kalio, former NUJ chairman in Rivers, criticized organized labour for remaining silent on the crisis and called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to take a stand.
They denounced the “selective” application of emergency rule, questioning why states with greater security challenges have been spared such extreme interventions. “This is a sinister agenda of state capture that may likely befall other states,” the statement warned.
The forum demanded the immediate recall of Governor Fubara and all suspended officials, describing the imposition of a sole administrator as an “invitation to military dictatorship.”
“If the NLC fails to act now, it should put in the towel,” Igwe said.
As the crisis deepens, both legal and civil society voices continue to mount pressure on the federal government to restore constitutional order in Rivers State. Whether Abuja will heed these calls remains to be seen.
