Member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Mr. Solomon Bob, has sharply criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for its condemnation of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. Bob accused the NBA of insincerity, hypocrisy, and “misguided praetorian pretensions” following its criticism in a statement issued on April 10, 2015.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, due to a prolonged political crisis involving Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which is loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The situation escalated with a fresh impeachment move against Governor Fubara, attacks on petroleum infrastructure, and threats of violence and unrest, prompting the president’s intervention. The National Assembly ratified the declaration two days later as required by the constitution.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, Bob defended the state of emergency, asserting that the NBA has no jurisdiction to challenge the president’s powers under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that the NBA is not in a position to determine what constitutes an extraordinary measure for addressing such a crisis. Bob further criticized the NBA for its lack of competence in measuring democracy and constitutionalism, accusing the association of focusing on narrow interests rather than upholding democratic principles.
The lawmaker also expressed disdain for the NBA’s failure to organize its own elections fairly, accusing the association of engaging in regional and ethnic power plays. He described the NBA’s statement on the state of emergency as a distraction, calling it arrogant and insulting, especially given his firsthand experience with the incompetence of Governor Fubara.
Bob accused the NBA of rank hypocrisy and insincerity, stating that the association had turned a blind eye to Fubara’s lawlessness. He claimed that the NBA had formed a “sweetheart deal” with Fubara, using the upcoming Port Harcourt conference to whitewash what he described as the worst misgovernment in Nigeria. Bob further alleged that the NBA had received a substantial advance payment of 300 million naira from Fubara, which it initially concealed until the authorities in Port Harcourt exposed the deal. He demanded that the NBA return the money to the Rivers State government, threatening legal action if the funds were not refunded.
The controversy surrounding the NBA’s role and its relationship with Fubara has added to the ongoing tensions in Rivers State, with the legal community under scrutiny for its handling of both internal and external political matters.
