The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for opposing President Bola Tinubu’s potential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling the association’s stance unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit by officials of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Wike alleged that the NBA’s position was influenced by financial interests. He claimed that the Rivers State government’s promise to host the NBA’s annual general conference played a role in its opposition to the emergency declaration.
According to Wike, the NBA’s resistance stemmed from concerns that such a declaration would disrupt the funding and organization of the conference. His remarks come amid growing tensions over the security situation in Rivers State and debates on the constitutional implications of a state of emergency.
