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Tag: Nigerian Bar Association

NBA urges National Assembly to approve mandatory electronic transmission of election results

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the National Assembly to reconsider and approve a proposed amendment to the Electoral Amendment Bill that would mandate the electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

The call was made following the adoption of a report presented by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on February 5, 2026.

The report expressed concern over the Senate’s recent rejection of an amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the Electoral Act. The amendment sought to require presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results in real time to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal immediately after Form EC8A was signed, stamped, and countersigned by party agents.

The NEC observed that the current discretionary language in the law, which allows presiding officers to “transfer the results in a manner as prescribed by the Commission,” weakens the legal foundation for transparent, real-time reporting.

“The ambiguity leaves room for manipulation, misinterpretation, and post-election disputes,” the council noted in its resolution.

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In adopting Osigwe’s report, the NEC resolved that the National Assembly should urgently pass the proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) to clearly compel electronic transmission of results.

The council emphasized that explicit statutory requirements, rather than discretionary wording, are essential to safeguard electoral transparency, protect the integrity of votes, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Highlighting the importance of credible elections, the NBA stated that continued resistance to enforceable electronic transmission measures undermines democratic accountability.

“Technology-backed transparency is no longer optional in a modern democracy,” the NEC stressed, urging lawmakers to align Nigeria’s electoral framework with global best practices.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement and advocacy to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws clearly reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box.

February 8, 2026
Ex-NBA official killed in Abuja vehicle attack

A lawyer and former Treasurer of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chigbo Princess Mediatrix, has been reported dead.

According to an online platform, barristerng.com, her lifeless body was discovered by the roadside along the Kubwa expressway within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The platform said the discovery was made by a commuter heading to work, who noticed the body lying near the Dawaki area, opposite Gwarimpa Estate.

According to the platform, “preliminary findings suggest that the deceased may have fallen victim to suspected mobile armed robbers, popularly known as ‘one chance’ operators, who are notorious for targeting unsuspecting commuters within the Federal Capital Territory.

“Eyewitness accounts indicate that the circumstances surrounding her death point to a violent encounter.

“A handbag believed to belong to the deceased was found some distance away from her body, reinforcing suspicions that she may have been robbed and possibly pushed out of a moving vehicle.

“The incident has sent shockwaves across the legal community and the wider public, once again drawing attention to the persistent security threats faced by residents and commuters on major highways in Abuja.

The Nigeria Police Force, Dawaki Division, has been duly notified and has since taken custody of the body. Investigations into the cause and circumstances of her death are expected to commence immediately.

“The police have appealed to members of the public who may know the deceased or her family to come forward. Relatives are advised to contact the Nigeria Police Force, Dawaki Division, located opposite Gwarimpa Estate along the Kubwa Expressway, Abuja, for identification and further information.”

Meanwhile, a group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has expressed displeasure over the continuous daring operations being carried out by “one-chance armed robbers in the FCT.”

HURIWA said the development indicates a clear absence of any sort of preventive security strategy and a strange lack of political and competent leadership in the nation’s capital.

HURIWA said the federal government did not have to wait for these killings of citizens to continue unabated before a major political decision was made to appoint a much more focused, committed, non-partisan patriotic technocrat to provide good governance, security of lives and property, sustainable development, and tranquillity to the good people of the FCT.

It described the recent killing of two women in the FCT, including a nurse, by gangs of armed one-chance robbers as clear signs that those appointed to provide good governance, stability, and security of lives and property of the residents and citizens of the FCT are engaged in other external activities unrelated to the core objectives of the essence of their appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group recalled that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Federal Health Institutions Sector on Tuesday expressed heartbreak over the killing of Nurse Chinemerem Chukwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

HURIWA stated that the killing of this Nurse and many others could have been prevented if the political authorities in the FCT were made up of persons of dedicated service and by non-political administrators committed to delivering selfless services to citizens of Nigeria resident and engaging in lawful business activities in the FCT.

It added, “But, as it has become notorious, those assigned with the onerous task of protecting the lives and property of Abuja residents are totally distracted by the politics of the next year’s general election, thereby neglecting their primary responsibility as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.”

The group recalled that it was not just one person but indeed two women who were found dead in separate locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in incidents suspected to be linked to the activities of notorious “one chance” criminal gangs operating within Nigeria’s capital.

One of the victims, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, was a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, whose killing subsequently drew condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council.

The second victim, identified as Princess Ochigbo, was said to be found lying lifeless by the roadside, with indications suggesting she might also have fallen victim to “one chance” hoodlums.

In the statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint Mr. Nyesom Wike as his Director General for his presidential bid for 2027 so that a fresh, competent, totally focused professional administrator and technocrat is appointed to provide the much desired governance standards in the FCT, given that the lives of citizens are no longer safe

The group wonders why the security forces in the FCT seemed to have gone to sleep and have proved to be incapable or unwilling to map out an effective preventive security strategy to curb the incessant cases of bloody attacks by one chance armed robbers in the FCT.

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The group said the government should give the citizens the right and licences to carry military-grade AK-49 guns to protect themselves because the right to self-defence is constitutionally imperative and indeed provided for in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution under Section 33, which is binding and enforceable.

HURIWA recalled that globally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 is essentially, is the foundation and the fundamental of contemporary human rights law, including the right to life.

It added that in Nigeria, the right to life as a constitutionally guaranteed right is protected under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended). While Section 33 strongly affirms the sanctity of life, its subsections 2(a) (b)(c) provide certain exceptions which legal scholars say pose formidable challenges to the absolute nature of this right.

HURIWA argued that since the FCT administration has demonstrated a clear absence of any sort of preventive security strategy to curb the constant killings of residents by one chance robbers and other armed criminal non-state actors, the president should direct that citizens be granted the legal permits to bear arms for self-defence.

January 7, 2026
NBA lauds BRIPAN’s role in law reform

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has described the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) as a dependable partner in advancing reforms that will reposition Nigeria’s commercial and insolvency law practice.

This was stated at the opening of BRIPAN’s 2025 Annual International Insolvency Conference.

The two-day conference, held on September 25 and 26 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, had as its theme: “Deepening Insolvency Tools for Resolving Commercial and Financial Challenges of Businesses.”

In his goodwill message, Osigwe said the association had consistently contributed to shaping business recovery processes and enhancing the legal framework for insolvency.

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“BRIPAN has remained a dependable ally to the Nigerian Bar Association in strengthening the practice of commercial law and in developing pragmatic solutions to the challenges of insolvency.

“This conference presents another opportunity to deepen knowledge, sharpen skills, and reimagine insolvency practice in ways that promote economic growth and protect businesses. Our hope is that the deliberations here will lead to concrete reforms that safeguard jobs and build investor confidence in Nigeria.”

BRIPAN President, Chimezie Ihekweazu, SAN, said the association had stepped up its training programmes and regulatory engagements to expand capacity in the field.

He informed over 1,100 members had been trained within the past year, and draft Insolvency Practice Directions had been concluded for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court.

Ihekweazu said: “Our mission is clear, to build a modern insolvency framework that not only resolves financial distress but also gives viable businesses a second chance at survival.

“We have worked tirelessly on capacity development and regulatory reforms, including draft practice directions for our superior courts. These are deliberate steps to ensure that insolvency practice in Nigeria is not only globally competitive but also tailored to the realities of our economy.

“The goal is to create a system where business rescue is possible, where creditors are treated fairly, and where entrepreneurship can thrive without the fear of arbitrary collapse.”

Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Albert Folorunsho, stressed that the event went beyond academic debate, describing it as a practical commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy through insolvency reforms.

“This gathering is not just an academic exercise or a ritual conference. It is about building a framework where insolvency is not seen as the end of a business, but as a process of preservation, continuity, and recovery.

“It is about protecting jobs, securing investments, and giving our economy the resilience it needs to compete globally. Every session and every conversation at this conference must translate into tangible reforms that will strengthen the Nigerian insolvency landscape.”

September 30, 2025
NBA condemns kidnap of judge in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned in strong terms the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was kidnapped on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

In a statement issued through its official X handle (@NigBarAssoc), the NBA described the incident as a “rude shock” and an outright assault on the nation’s judiciary.

The association noted that the Bayelsa branch of the Bar is already in touch with the NBA National Secretariat.

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“How a serving judge was kidnapped by persons in uniform is a further indictment of our security architecture. This paints a dire image of our judicial system,” the statement read.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who signed the statement, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and the implications of such acts on the justice system.

“The dignity of human persons is sacrosanct, more so that of a judge,” he said, calling on the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to redouble efforts to ensure Justice Omukoro’s swift and safe return.

June 26, 2025
AI, Innovation top NBA-SBL conference agenda

Amid growing technological disruption across sectors, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) is set to examine how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping legal practice, business models, and regulatory frameworks in Nigeria and beyond.

Its 19th Annual Business Law Conference, billed for July 2 to 4, 2025, at Harbour Point in Lagos, will explore the theme: “The future of business law in an intelligent age.”

Chairperson of the NBA-SBL, Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, said the theme was inspired by the rapidly evolving intersection of law, technology, and business in today’s world.

She said: “The theme was inspired by the rapidly evolving intersection of law, technology, and business in today’s world.

“Intelligent systems from artificial intelligence and machine learning to predictive automation are transforming how businesses operate, make decisions, and interact with the legal and regulatory system.

“With this conference, we are not just responding to change, but we are taking the lead in shaping the conversation about how business law in Nigeria and across the continent can thrive in this era of digital transformation.”

She noted that the event, since its inception in 2004, has grown into a flagship forum for legal practitioners, top leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators, and innovators to share ideas and forge partnerships. “This year’s conference, featuring the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, as the keynote speaker, promises to be a landmark gathering,” she said.

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Ogiemudia called on stakeholders to participate actively in the conference. “We invite members of the press, public and private sectors, policymakers, and business leaders to help amplify the message, participate fully, and contribute to making this edition a landmark moment in our shared journey.”

Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee and Partner at DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria, Solape Peters, said: “Our theme is significant because experts say we are in our fourth industrial revolution, marked by unprecedented digital transformation and a blur of technologies.

“In Africa, as we say, we will not carry last. We must, and as lawyers, we must be at the forefront of the conversations that will drive how technologies will impact our business environment.

“We must influence how regulations and laws will impact our business community so that it is a better environment for not just the businesses but ultimately for the end users, citizens of Nigeria.”

She highlighted major features of the conference, including five plenary sessions, six breakout sessions, two masterclasses, a mentorship programme, and a closing party.

“We hope the conversations at the conference will spark mind shifts, offer fresh perspectives, and ultimately drive policy and legal changes,” she said.

June 24, 2025
Centre, business lawyers partner on reforms

The Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section for Business Law (NBA-SBL) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative, judicial, and regulatory frameworks that support its economic transformation.

The partnership between the two organisations, they said will shape the economic and business landscape of Nigeria through legislative and policy reforms.

Coming after 10 years of spadework, the signing ceremony marks an essential step in formalising our partnership, solidifying our mutual commitment to legislative advocacy, economic development, and professional excellence in business law.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of ESC, Mr. Kyari Bukar said the journey together began in 2016 when the final report of the comprehensive review of the institutional, regulatory, legislative, and associated instruments affecting businesses in Nigeria.

The report , he said, was produced under the auspices of the UK-DFID’s ENABLE2 and GEMS3 projects, led by the esteemed Professor Paul Idornigie.

Thr report, he further said , extensively reviewed and validated by distinguished experts from the NBA-SBL and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), laid the foundation for key legislative proposals aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s business environment.

Both organisations, he said, have consistently collaborated by sharing their expertise, fostering informed discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s business environment.

He said : “However, this relationship has largely remained informal until now.

Today is not just a ceremonial exercise; it is the formalisation of a strategic partnership rooted in a shared vision to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative, judicial, and regulatory frameworks that support its economic transformation.

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“The Ernest Shonekan Centre stands at the intersection of legal reform and economic progress, serving as a collaborative platform to drive evidence-based policy, institutional capacity building, and regulatory modernisation.

“This partnership with the NBA-SBL reflects our mutual understanding that a strong legal framework is essential for a thriving, competitive economy.

We are grateful to the leadership of the NBA-SBL for their openness and commitment to this journey. This partnership is a strong statement that both the legal and economic communities recognise the value of dialogue, reform, and strategic alignment. “

“Through this collaboration with the NBA-SBL, we will leverage legal expertise, policy insight, and stakeholder engagement to address pressing challenges and close the gaps that inhibit economic growth and legal efficiency.

“While calling for cooperation between the organisations, he said the MoU will not only serve as a symbol of our cooperation but also as a call to action and a guide for bold, evidence-based reform.

“The work we initiate today will demand courage, collaboration, and consistency. Given the exceptional minds and institutions represented here, I am confident that we will meet this challenge head-on.”

In her remarks, Chairman of the NBA – SBL, Mrs Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia described the pact as a significant milestone in the collective journey towards fostering a more conducive business environment and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

She said for too long, the advancement of the country has been hampered by various challenges within the legislative, regulatory, and judicial systems. However, with this partnership, she said the country is taking a decisive step towards addressing the critical issues head-on.

As the specialist section of the Nigerian Bar Association, the group, Mrs Ogiemudia has consistently championed the advancement of business law practice and the professional development of commercial lawyers.

She said : “Our commitment to a robust legal framework that supports business is unwavering. The ESC, on the other hand, as a non-partisan, non-profit think tank, has dedicated itself to driving legislative reforms and promoting economic development.

“Their focus on strengthening legislative frameworks, enhancing the business environment, and promoting good governance through research, and capacity building is truly commendable.

The NBA-SBL and the predecessor to the ESC, the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) through an effective partnership with the 8th and 9th National Assembly, she said championed some of the most impactful legislation of recent administrations such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.

“Furthermore, the groundwork for the recently passed Investments and Securities Act 2025 was laid by NASSBER. This is our pedigree and will forever exemplify what can happen when the public and private sectors collaborate for good.

“The NBA-SBL and the ESC have expressed mutual concerns for the development of the Nigerian economy. We recognise the indispensable role that a strong legal, regulatory, and legislative system plays in attracting investment, fostering innovation, and ensuring fair play.

“We also understand the power of networks and coalitions in achieving optimal results in today’s interconnected world. This MoU is a testament to our shared vision and our agreement to leverage each other’s goodwill and expertise.

This MoU formalises our commitment to jointly work towards contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. It sets out a clear framework for collaboration, enabling us to:

“Jointly drive legislative, regulatory, and judicial reforms through research, impactful policy recommendations, workshops, and advocacy campaigns.

Develop and deliver effective capacity-building programs by deploying relevant experts and leveraging diverse talent pools to provide invaluable insights on legal frameworks. Maintain transparency and accountability across all initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve our mutual goals.

“This partnership is not merely about signing a document; it is about forging a strong alliance that will actively work to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. It involves creating platforms for dialogue with regulators, conducting meticulous research on legislative gaps, and providing timely insights into parliamentary decisions.

“We are confident that through our combined efforts, we will be able to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, where justice is accessible, and where economic prosperity becomes a tangible reality.”

June 23, 2025
Angelina Pay My Money: NBA’s N300m ethical dilemma with Rivers State

The late Rex Lawson could never have imagined his hit song “Angelina Pay My Money” would perfectly capture the financial standoff between the Nigerian Bar Association and Rivers State government over 300 million Naira in conference funding.

At the heart of this controversy is a substantial sum of 300 million Naira that was allocated by the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the NBA for hosting their conference in Rivers State. However, following political developments including the declaration of a State of Emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the appointment of a Sole Administrator (Ibok-Ete Ibas), the NBA decided to relocate its conference to Enugu State.

The NBA justified this relocation citing concerns about the political climate in Rivers State, stating that the current governance structure under the Sole Administrator had created conditions unsuitable for hosting their significant legal gathering. Their position, representing eight branches in Rivers, was that the political environment no longer aligned with the legal community’s values and expectations in a democracy.

This decision has created a critical ethical question: Should the NBA return the 300 million Naira now that the conference will no longer be held in Rivers State?

For starters, the sheer size of the allocation raises pertinent questions about the association’s financial requirements for conference hosting. Three hundred million Naira represents a prodigious sum for a professional conference, even one of national significance. This leads to legitimate inquiries about the NBA’s budgetary framework and how such funds are typically deployed across venue procurement, logistics, accommodations, and other operational expenses. Professional associations worldwide typically operate with transparent financial protocols, particularly when receiving public funds. The NBA’s requirement for such a substantial government contribution warrants scrutiny in the context of professional governance standards and fiscal responsibility.

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Moreso, when funds are allocated for a specific purpose that subsequently becomes nullified for any reason, basic ethical principles of financial stewardship would suggest that restitution is the appropriate course of action. The moment the NBA determined that Rivers State would no longer serve as the conference venue, the association entered a moral labyrinth from which the clearest exit would be returning the funds to the coffers of the Rivers State Government.

This position is strengthened by the fact that the money’s distribution was explicitly tied to a specific deliverable – hosting the conference in Rivers State. When that contractual premise dissolved, so too did the justification for retaining the funds. Had the money been provided as a general endowment or unconditional support for the NBA’s activities, then the ethical considerations might differ substantially.

For an organization that represents the pinnacle of legal ethics and professional conduct, the NBA’s resistance to refunding the 300 million Naira creates a paradoxical situation. The legal profession stands as a bulwark of societal order, with practitioners sworn to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and integrity. The current financial impasse threatens to cast a penumbral shadow over the association’s moral standing.

Professional honor in this instance would seem to dictate a straightforward approach: acknowledge that the conditions for fund utilization no longer exist and facilitate the return of public resources to their source. This would demonstrate the NBA’s commitment to fiscal rectitude and ethical conduct beyond reproach.

The political dimension cannot be ignored in this financial dispute. The NBA’s decision to withdraw from Rivers State represents a significant political statement about the current administration, specifically the Sole Administrator’s governance approach. While the association has every right to make such assessments and act accordingly, those decisions carry implications that must be addressed with equivalent deliberation and integrity, if Rivers State is no longer suitable for a conference, it’s funds should also not be suitable in its kitty.

The refusal to refund could be interpreted as an attempt to financially penalize a political entity with which the NBA has substantive disagreements. Such an approach would introduce a dangerous precedent wherein professional bodies might leverage financial mechanisms to express political disapprobation – a practice that could potentially undermine institutional neutrality.

As this financial riptide continues to pull both parties into deeper controversy, the NBA finds itself at a critical juncture where its decisions will either reinforce or diminish its standing as an exemplar of professional ethics. This is not the kind of association it’s current President, Afam Osigwe promised Nigerians and the association must consider whether the temporary advantage of retaining these funds outweighs the potential long-term damage to its reputation for integrity and fair dealing.

The honorable course appears unambiguous: the NBA should acknowledge that the specific purpose for which funds were provided will not be fulfilled and consequently return the 300 million Naira to Rivers State. This action would demonstrate that even in times of political discord, professional organizations can operate with unwavering commitment to ethical principles.

The current dispute presents an opportunity for the NBA to reaffirm its dedication to probity by demonstrating that its ethical standards remain inviolable regardless of political circumstances. In doing so, it would set a powerful precedent for professional conduct in Nigeria’s sometimes tumultuous public sphere.

The ongoing financial dispute between the NBA and Rivers State exemplifies how professional organizations must navigate the complex intersection of ethics, politics, and fiscal responsibility. While the association’s concerns about Rivers State’s political environment may be legitimate, these considerations cannot abrogate fundamental principles of integrity and financial accountability.

For an organization entrusted with upholding justice and integrity within Nigeria’s legal framework, the path forward seems clear: honor the original purpose of the funds by returning them to their source. In doing so, the NBA would demonstrate that its commitment to ethical conduct remains steadfast, even amidst the turbulent political waters it now navigates.

April 20, 2025
Rivers demands N300m refund from NBA over relocation of 2025 conference

The Rivers State Government has demanded a refund of N300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the state government criticized the NBA’s reasons for moving the event, despite having received payment for hosting rights.

“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its ‘principled position’— failed to address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference,” the statement read.

“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 insisted that the NBA’ reasons for the relocation of the event particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions had undermined democracy and the rule of law was misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prided itself on upholding justice and fairness.

It said the NBA’s statement overlooked the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers explaining that . The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.

The statement said President Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability.

“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”.

It said in the event the NBA was not aware, the association should consult the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is unconstitutional, null, and void”.

The statement noted that contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the Sole Administrator had consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable and upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association.

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It said the sole administration had consistently respected judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which had guided the administration’s actions.

The statement said: “The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.

“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 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.”

April 14, 2025
Rivers: NBA faults emergency declaration

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) last night faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

It said the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency.

“The purported removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is therefore unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy,” NBA said.

It argued that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments.

“The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials—such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure,” NBA said in a statement by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).

“NBA firmly asserts that the situation in Rivers State, though politically tense, does not meet the constitutional threshold for the removal of elected officials.”

Citing conditions that must be met under Section 305(3) of the Constitution, NBA questioned whether the political crisis in Rivers had reached the level of a complete breakdown of law and order warranting the removal of the governor and the Assembly.

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“Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive-legislative tensions do not constitute a justification for emergency rule.

“Such conflicts should be resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary, rather than executive fiat,” the association said.

NBA urged the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify the emergency declaration.

“We call on all relevant authorities to act in accordance with the law and the best interest of the country.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs, and the Constitution must be upheld as the supreme legal authority in all circumstances,” NBA added.

March 19, 2025
NBA to Fed Govt: Reverse pump price hike

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday asked the Federal Government to reverse the pump price increase.

It said policies should be made with sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

The association, in a statement by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the hike to N1,030 per litre “further exacerbates the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet.”

Fuel price increases, the NBA said, “ have a cascading effect on virtually every aspect of daily life in Nigeria,” leaving costs of living, transportation, food, and other goods and services to rise continually.

It added: “On November 4, 2024, the NBA issued a statement strongly opposing the fuel price hike from N617 to N900 per litre.

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“At that time, we highlighted the severe financial strain this imposed on the average Nigerian household, and the latest increase only compounds these difficulties.

“Such drastic adjustments to fuel prices, with no adequate mitigating measures or economic relief, signal a disturbing trend of disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian populace.

“The much needed tax breaks and social assistance programs are yet to be implemented. People are groaning and life has become more difficult.

“The NBA is particularly concerned that such decisions continue to be made without transparent consultation or dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.

“The government’s seeming disregard for the suffering of the people is troubling. Nigerians deserve better— they deserve a government that prioritises their well-being and takes into account the real-world implications of its policies on the populace.

“We, therefore,.call on the government to immediately take steps to reverse this increase and urgently implement measures that cushion the effect of rising fuel prices.

“This should include investment in local refining capacity, public transportation, reduced taxation of the income of low-income earners, repair of public roads, improved security so farmers can farm and evacuate their farm products, transparent fuel pricing mechanisms, and broader economic policies aimed at reducing poverty and providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.

“The NBA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote justice, fairness, and equity for all Nigerians.

October 12, 2024