Rivers State Government has responded to the Nigerian Bar Association’s decision to relocate its forthcoming 2025 annual general conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
While acknowledging NBA’s right to determine the venue of its events, the State Government says it finds the reasons given, particularly the insinuation that the State Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.
In a statement signed by the media aid to the administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the Rivers State Government argues that NBA’s statement overlooked the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State, stressing that the declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.
It says that President Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability and that the mandate given to the
Administrator is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the constitution.
The statement also describes a claim that suggests that the
intervention “flouts the rule of law” as not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during the
period, including the
landmark judgment in which the apex court unequivocally ruled that no local government election conducted in violation of the electoral act is unconstitutional, null and void.
The Rivers State Government further says that contrary to NBA’s assertions, the Administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable, upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association as well as respecting judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which have guided the administration’s actions.
MUST READ: BREAKING: State of Emergency, Suspension of Gov Fubara Unconstitutional – NBA
The statement also accuses the NBA of what it terms Selective Principled Stand’ saying that it finds it curious that the association, despite its principled position, did not address the refund of the 300 million naira already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.
It therefore challenged the NBA to truly stand on its
principles and integrity by promptly returning the funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits.
While also acknowledging that Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey, the Ibok Ibas-led administration says it expects the NBA, as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy to engage constructively, offer solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives.
The government also says the administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilise the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance
and urges the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the process in the interest of peace and progress.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
