The Rivers State Government has voiced its displeasure following the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, calling the reasons provided by the association “misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming.”

The government is now requesting a refund of ₦300 million already paid to the NBA.

In a statement released on Monday by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the State Administrator, the government acknowledged the NBA’s right to choose a venue but took issue with the insinuation that the current administration was undermining democratic principles.

“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State.”

“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes,” the government said.

The statement went on to affirm that President Bola Tinubu acted within the limits of his constitutional authority when he imposed the emergency rule in Rivers, describing it as a reaction to the breakdown of democratic governance in the state.

“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution.”

“To suggest that this intervention flouts the rule of law is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period,” the statement added.

Referencing legal backing for its position, the government cited the Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 – Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others, which declared local government elections held in contravention of the Electoral Act as “unconstitutional, null, and void.”

While defending the ongoing interim leadership, the government emphasized its commitment to democratic restoration, the protection of rights, and adherence to judicial pronouncements.

“It is regrettable that the NBA, as a body of legal minds, would reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism,” the statement said.

The Rivers government further expressed dismay over what it termed the NBA’s “selective principled stand,” especially in light of the ₦300 million already disbursed for conference hosting arrangements.

“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits,” the statement declared.

Concluding, the government encouraged open dialogue and invited the NBA and other stakeholders to support the transitional process.

“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress,” the statement concluded.

Tensions surrounding the political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Monday as a coalition of women’s groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt, voicing their support for the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Dressed in white, the demonstrators marched from Garrison Flyover to the Isaac Boro Park, holding placards bearing messages like “State of Emergency is Constitutional” and “We Don’t Want Fubara.”

Leading the march was Ifeyinwa Aguma, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and a known supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The women endorsed Ibok-Ette Ibas, appointed by Tinubu to administer the state, and urged him to “continue his good work in the state.”

This latest protest follows a separate demonstration held last week by women who backed the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

President Tinubu had announced the emergency rule in March, citing prolonged political instability and referencing “security reports” after two pipeline explosions in the state. According to Tinubu, the action was “inevitably compelling.”

“By this declaration,” Tinubu said, “the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

He assigned Ibas to oversee the state’s administration while the crisis is being addressed. The move has triggered heated debate nationwide.

On Monday, the protesting women echoed the president’s justification, describing the measure as grounded in constitutional authority.

However, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which counts Fubara among its ranks, has pushed back.

Governors from the party have rejected the emergency rule and are currently challenging it in court.

Administrator Ibas,

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has voiced strong disapproval over recent actions taken by the interim administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, accusing him of orchestrating a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions in the state.

In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticized the administrator for reportedly removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s official portraits from public buildings—a move they interpret as a sign of disdain for democratic norms.

“We in HURIWA and about 36 other registered non-governmental organisations reject the unconstitutional overreach and the systematic power grab effort by someone who proudly told us that he served Nigeria for 40 years and was unblemished before he left the military as the nation’s naval chief,” Onwubiko said.

He further urged Ibas to reconsider his role in the unfolding political scenario, appealing to him to uphold his legacy rather than allow it to be tarnished.

“We are, by this media advisory, asking Ibas to preserve his good name and reputation by rejecting his current politically charged assignment that is completely against the spirit, the principle and the essence of the grundnorm. We urge him to stop being used to destroy democracy in Rivers state,” he added.

HURIWA also condemned what it described as a disregard for the judiciary, accusing Ibas of defying an existing order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that prohibits him from appointing unelected council administrators.

“HURIWA strongly condemns this illegal occupant of the position of the administrator of Rivers State who has demonstrated that he is so power hungry and is out for systematic power grab.”

“We condemn, as reprehensible, despicable and unconstitutional, the decision by the sole administrator to make fresh appointments into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission even when there are electoral commissioners and chairman whose tenure hasn’t elapsed,” the statement read.

In response to the criticisms, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality in the state’s political crisis.

Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders and other stakeholders, led by Rivers State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Nwisabari Bani, the administrator emphasized his dedication to the rule of law.

“It is important to restate my impartial stand on the political crisis that has plagued our State,” Ibas said.

“I remain committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations, have a voice in the future of Rivers State. My administration will continue to focus on the collective good of our people.”

Amid mounting conversations about potential opposition alliances, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has openly acknowledged efforts to collaborate with other political parties to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the launch of three books in Abuja—Tax Tithe in Tight Economy, Optimising VAT for Business Growth and Economic Development, and Murky Waters of Politics—ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, confirmed the discussions.

The books were authored by the party’s national treasurer, Dr. Okey Ude.

Though Sani did not name specific figures involved, he emphasized that the ADP is keen on “ensuring the emergence of leaders that would turn around the fortunes of the country in the 2027 poll.”

He stated, “Yes, collaboration is the thing that gets things done. Even in business, it is not about domination; it is about collaboration. So, we will collaborate with those that we know share in our ideology, in our approaches because this country needs good leadership.”

He added, “So, our party is for good leadership because that is what the country deserves. This country is a promise of greatness, and you have to get great leaders.”

“The great leaders cannot come the way we are going. We must begin to change the system of recruitment of leadership, which means the process of conducting elections have to be changed.”

Dr. Ude, who also served as ADP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, echoed similar sentiments, stressing Nigeria’s potential for global relevance if led properly.

However, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, dismissed the opposition’s strategy, describing it as inconsequential. Addressing journalists at a media parley in Lagos, Uzodimma said the APC was unfazed by any coalition attempt.

He argued, “What is a coalition? We are practising partisan democracy, not coalition democracy. Partisan democracy requires belonging to a political party to contest elections. When your party is no longer viable and you seek political oxygen, you must first leave the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before discussing alliances.”

He continued, “I began by stating that you don’t change a winning team. We have seen where we were, where we are, and where we are headed. Ultimately, Nigerians will decide our fate. But that decision is years away. As a government, we still have over two years remaining in our term.”

On the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State, Uzodimma defended President Tinubu’s move, saying it was necessary to prevent the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state legislature.

“The President, as Chief Security Officer, acted to quell tensions in Rivers. Had the House of Assembly impeached Governor Fubara, it would have set a dangerous precedent. It may be him today, another tomorrow. As a Christian, I believe leadership is divine. It is God who ordains,” he said.

He further explained the broader national interest in supporting the emergency declaration, especially in the context of crude oil production and security.

“When pipelines were bombed, we had to prioritise safeguarding production. As chairman of the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, our efforts have been on how to boost output, and any actions threatening our quotas must be condemned,” Uzodimma said.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has instructed the Commissioner of Police to urgently put an end to what he described as the illegal imposition of taxes by recently reinstated local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The directive, issued on Sunday, follows reports of unauthorized tax collection and alleged forgery of official council documents by the APC-affiliated chairmen, particularly in Boripe Local Council.

According to a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Rasheed Olawale, Adeleke emphasized that these actions threaten peace and order at the grassroots.

He said the commissioner should invite the implicated chairmen for questioning over their roles in the use of fake documents to collect revenue unlawfully from market operators.

“This should stop forthwith,” the statement read, quoting Adeleke’s stern warning.

“Is this the reason for illegal occupation of council secretariats? Is this all about extorting the people and imposing pain and suffering on them?” the governor asked.

He added that the activities not only violate legal provisions but also undermine the judicial process, especially given that the APC has an active appeal regarding the removal of its chairmen.

“This development is capable of jeopardising the sustenance of law and order at the grassroots level,” the statement noted.

Governor Adeleke also directed his Special Adviser on Security to coordinate with the police chief to enforce the new order.

He expressed dismay at what he called “the brazen imposition of hardship and pains on the people through illegal revenue and tax collections.”