Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas has fired back at the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, after the association voted the emergency rule as the reason for relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
Ibas cautioned the NBA to stop creating unnecessary tension in Rivers State.
He disclosed this in a statement through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, on Monday.
His comments come as the for the shifting of its conference venue to Enugu from Port Harcourt.
However, Ibas said that he disagreed with the NBA, describing the association's stance as misleading and uncharitable.
According to him, the NBA ignored the basis for the current administration in Rivers State.
He emphasized that emergency rule in Rivers was a necessary response to avert the breakdown of order and democratic processes.
“We find the reasons cited for this decision— particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law — to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.
“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.
“Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey.
“Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA — as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy — to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives.
“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilise 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 partly reads.
Earlier, DAILY POST reported that paid by the Rivers government regarding the conference hosting rights.
