By John Obi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, has accused the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), of constitutional violations and undermining democratic governance.
In a statement, the Body of Chairmen Rivers State and signed by the 8 Branch Chairmen, the NBA said it was “deeply concerned” by recent developments in the state under the sole administration model imposed following the declaration of a state of emergency.
The Association described the continued interference with constitutionally guaranteed structures — including the suspension of elected state officials and recent appointments made by the sole administrator — as unlawful, provocative, and injurious to democratic institutions.
The statement read “The Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, unequivocally condemns the actions of the Sole Administrator, which, in our view, violate the spirit and letters of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),”
The statement emphasized that the NBA, as a body committed to upholding the rule of law, cannot remain silent while the constitutional order is, in their words, “brazenly disregarded.” It described the ongoing situation as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic experiment, warning that unchecked overreach by appointed administrators could erode public trust in governance and the legal system.
The Bar Association also called attention to the alleged harassment and intimidation of citizens, especially those who have openly criticized the state of emergency or attempted to protest peacefully.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 ,2025 as Sole Administrator after the president declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminilayi Fubara,elected to render service to his people.
But since Ibas assumed office,he has reportedly preoccupied himself with actions that divide the political class rather than the peace he was mandated to achieve.
The Retd military officer has dismantled the political structures of Governor Siminilayi Fubara and replaced them with people rreportedly from the Nyesom Wike camp
Worried by the development, the NBA demanded an immediate review and reversal of the emergency governance framework in Rivers State. The body also urged the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other duly elected officials, stating that the people’s mandate must not be swept aside under any guise.
“We remind the Federal Government and all relevant institutions that the democratic will of the people is sacrosanct and must be respected,” the NBA said.
Rule of Law Must Prevail
The Association concluded by reiterating its commitment to democratic values, constitutionalism, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It warned that any attempt to legitimize or normalize administrative actions that override the constitution could set a dangerous precedent for governance across the country.
As political tensions continue to mount in Rivers State, the NBA’s position signals a growing resistance from civil society and professional bodies, all of whom are raising the alarm over what they see as the gradual erosion of democratic norms.
