The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly opposed the suspension of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and 27 lawmakers for six months. The decision, announced under a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, has been labeled unconstitutional by the NBA.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 18, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) explained that the Nigerian Constitution does not give the President the power to remove an elected governor through a state of emergency.

“Any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and the autonomy of state governments” he said

The NBA urged the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional move to approve the governor’s suspension. The legal body warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, making it easier to remove elected officials unfairly in the future.

“The approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency.”

Additionally, the NBA called for all decisions regarding Rivers State to follow constitutional laws and democratic principles. It also encouraged the judiciary, civil society groups, and international organizations to monitor the situation closely to prevent the abuse of power.

The association emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected and that any action against elected officials must be done legally and fairly.