Rivers Rep Slams NBA for Hypocrisy, Demands Return of N300m

Apr 18, 2025

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Solomon Bob, a House of Representatives member from Rivers State, has strongly 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 called for the immediate return of N300 million, which he claimed the Rivers State Government paid to the NBA for its annual conference, which was initially set to take place in Port Harcourt.

He rejected the NBA’s assertion that the payment was a “gift,” describing it as “unreasonable” and “inappropriate” for an organization that presents itself as a legal authority.

“The NBA has no right to reinterpret the powers granted to the President under Section 305 of the Constitution,” Bob stated. “It is not within the NBA’s purview to determine what qualifies as extraordinary measures under that section.”

Bob’s remarks were in response to a statement issued by the NBA on April 10, in which the association condemned President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Bob, however, defended the President’s actions, citing the escalating political tensions in Rivers, especially the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which is reportedly loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike. He argued that these issues, along with the threat of impeachment, rising violence, and damage to oil infrastructure, warranted federal intervention to restore peace.

The lawmaker also accused the NBA of selective activism, questioning its authority to provide guidance on democracy. He criticized the NBA for what he viewed as partisan actions, suggesting that its recent positions reflected political bias rather than objective legal analysis.

Bob concluded by asserting that the NBA’s handling of both internal and external matters had diminished its credibility, warning that its perceived lack of neutrality would harm its reputation with the Nigerian public.