The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, denouncing the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers as unconstitutional.
In a statement, the NBA warned that the move violates Nigeria’s democratic principles and exceeds the President’s constitutional authority. While Tinubu justified the emergency declaration on March 18, 2025, citing political instability and pipeline vandalism, the NBA argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not empower the President to remove elected officials under such circumstances.
“The suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and legislators is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent,” the association stated, emphasizing that due process for removing state officials was not followed.
The NBA also questioned whether the situation in Rivers State met the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency, stressing that political tensions do not justify such drastic measures. The association called on the National Assembly to reject any attempt to legitimize the officials’ removal and urged civil society, the judiciary, and the international community to closely monitor the unfolding events.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law, the NBA insisted that all actions in Rivers State must align with constitutional provisions to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
