The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the proposed emergency rule in Rivers State, labeling it as an unconstitutional move that threatens democratic governance. The association also declared the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state’s House of Assembly as unlawful and lacking any legal basis.

The NBA emphasized that no legal framework justifies the imposition of an emergency rule in Rivers, especially when there is no evidence of a breakdown of law and order beyond what the Constitution allows the state to handle. It warned that such an action would set a dangerous precedent for undermining elected officials through unconstitutional means.

Regarding Governor Fubara’s suspension, the NBA argued that the legislature lacks the power to remove or suspend a sitting governor outside the provisions of the constitution. The association urged the federal government to uphold democratic principles and avoid interference that could destabilize the state.

The NBA called on all political actors to resolve the crisis in Rivers State within the boundaries of the law and respect constitutional processes.