The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may not resolve the ongoing political turmoil.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the NBA Section on Legal Practice’s (NBA-SLP) annual conference, Osigwe attributed the crisis in Rivers to the egos of key political actors, rather than legal or constitutional failures.
“The problem in Rivers is not the Supreme Court, not any other institution—it is the refusal of the key players to put the people first,” Osigwe said. “This became an ego battle, a fight over who wins. If the actors had prioritized the welfare of Rivers people over personal interests, we wouldn’t be here.”
Osigwe further argued that Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule was not necessarily backed by the constitution, pointing out contradictions between Sections 305 and 11 of the 1999 Constitution.
“There have been far worse security crises in other states, yet no state of emergency was declared there. Why is Rivers different?” he asked. “Appointing an administrator—especially a retired military officer—is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.”
While clarifying that the NBA was not engaging in a legal standoff with the presidency, Osigwe urged all political stakeholders in Rivers to step back from their personal battles and prioritize peace.
Meanwhile, the NBA-SLP conference, themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” is set to take place in Jos from April 24-27. The event will address legal innovation, global interconnectedness, and the evolving role of legal practitioners in dispute resolution and access to justice.
