The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the emergency rule in Rivers State, demanding the immediate restoration of democratic governance in the state.
The Association also frowned at the mode of operation and actions of the Sole Administrator in the state, accusing him of dismantling democratic institutions and disregarding the rule of law.
The Association’s position was contained in a press statement signed by chairmen of its eight branches in the State, expressing concerns over the indiscriminate dissolution of boards, commissions, councils, and other government institutions, and replacing these officials without due regard to constitutional provisions.
The NBA specifically flayed the appointment of administrators to head the 23 Local Government Area Councils in Rivers State, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that outlawed the appointment of caretaker committees to handle the affairs of local government councils.
They called on the sole administrator to desist from such undemocratic appointments and focus on his mandate of ensuring the security of federal government assets and interests, as well as maintaining stability in the state.
The NBA also urged the Sole Administrator to avoid carrying out political activities that could further escalate tensions in the already politically charged state, emphasizing that he remains apolitical and not act as a stooge for any party in the political tussle currently ongoing in the state.
The statement partly reads: “Accordingly, it is our view that the role of the Sole Administrator in the circumstance does not cover or extend to the steps already taken by the Sole Administrator in dismantling already established democratic institutions of the state which include boards, agencies, councils, commissions and parastatals, etc., and appointing replacements for the persons removed from the offices, which has been done by the Sole Administrator in gross violations of the laid down procedures for the removal and appointment of such officers of the Boards, Agencies, Councils, Commissions and Parastatals, etc. in the State.
“The mandate of the Sole Administrator in our view also does not extend to the preparation or presentation of any budget, especially for infrastructural development in the State; and certainly does not cover for the appointment of administrators for the 23 (Twenty Three) Local Government Areas in the State, in further violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Judgments of the Courts that Local Government Councils cannot be headed by appointed Administrators but by duly elected Chairman!”
The Association further condemned the harassment, intimidation, and assault of peaceful protesters and journalists by officers of the Nigerian Police, stating that such actions violates the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The NBA, however, offered the services of its Human Rights Committees to pursue legal claims of victims of police action and called on the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to concentrate on maintaining peace and security in the state rather than aggravating tensions.
They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to take necessary steps to rein in the Sole Administrator and ensure he keeps within his mandate.
Additionally, the NBA urged the Peace or Reconciliation Committee of the National Assembly to intervene in the crisis and facilitate reconciliation and peace-building in Rivers State.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and serving society through its Human Rights Committees, providing pro bono services for rights violations.
