1 day Ago By Ado Oyeyemi
Solomon Bob, a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for condemning the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, accusing the association of hypocrisy, political bias, and insincerity. Bob also demanded the immediate refund of N300 million, which the Rivers State Government allegedly paid to the NBA for its annual conference, originally scheduled to be held in Port Harcourt. He rejected the NBA’s claim that the payment was a “gift,” calling it “unreasonable” and “inappropriate” for an organization that claims to uphold the law.
“The NBA has no authority to reinterpret the powers granted to the President under Section 305 of the Constitution,” Bob stated. “It is not for the NBA to decide what constitutes extraordinary measures under that section.” Bob’s criticism followed an April 10 statement from the NBA, in which the association condemned President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
In his response, Bob defended the President’s action, citing the worsening political climate in Rivers, particularly the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which is said to support Minister Nyesom Wike. Bob argued that these tensions, along with the threat of impeachment, rising violence, and sabotage of oil infrastructure, justified federal intervention to restore order. The lawmaker also accused the NBA of selective activism, questioning its authority to offer advice on democracy.
He criticized the NBA for what he saw as politically-motivated actions, suggesting that its recent statements reflected partisanship rather than impartial legal analysis. Bob concluded by asserting that the NBA’s handling of internal and public issues had weakened its credibility, warning that its perceived lack of neutrality would undermine its standing with Nigerians..
