Lawmaker Accuses NBA Of Hypocrisy, Calls For Refund Of ₦300 Million

A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Solomon Bob, has sharply criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for its stance on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing the association of insincerity, hypocrisy, and “misguided praetorian pretensions.”

Bob’s remarks came in response to the NBA’s condemnation of the state of emergency in a statement issued on April 10, 2025.

Naijaonpoint reports that the NBA had voiced concerns over the political crisis in the state, which led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, after a prolonged conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which is aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In his statement, Bob defended the president’s decision, explaining that it was a necessary intervention after a dangerous escalation in the state, including threats of violence, unrest, and the sabotage of petroleum infrastructure.

He emphasised that the president’s actions were justified under the powers granted to him by Section 305 of the Constitution, which he claimed the NBA cannot amend or interpret.

“The NBA cannot circumscribe or amend the clear, untrammeled, and discretionary powers granted the President by Section 305 of the Constitution,” Bob said, adding that the NBA had no jurisdiction to determine what constitutes extraordinary measures, as required by the Constitution.

Bob also questioned the NBA’s authority to comment on democratic processes, accusing the association of being more focused on narrow, regional interests rather than upholding democratic ideals.

He stated that the NBA had failed to ensure proper democratic practices within its own elections and described the association’s internal politics as a “predetermined coronation of regional or even ethnic hegemons.”

He further criticised the NBA for not holding Fubara accountable for what he described as “crass lawlessness and wanton irresponsibility” in Rivers State.

According to Bob, the NBA’s inaction when Fubara displayed what he termed “dangerous incompetence” in governance was a direct indication of the association’s lack of commitment to the rule of law.

Bob also alleged that the NBA had been complicit in a “sweetheart deal” with the suspended governor, Fubara, regarding the hosting of the NBA’s conference in Port Harcourt.

He claimed that the NBA had attempted to use the event to “whitewash the worst misgovernment” in Nigerian history.

Bob said, “The NBA’s statement on the Rivers situation carefully concealed their pecuniary interest. “It was only when the authorities in Port Harcourt publicly demanded a refund of the money that the NBA begrudgingly acknowledged receiving ₦300 million from Fubara.”

Bob vehemently called for the ₦300 million to be returned to the Rivers State government, declaring that the money should never have been accepted by the NBA.

“The NBA’s claim that the sum of ₦300 million was a gift is unreasonable and unbecoming of a self-appointed ombudsman,” he said, demanding that the funds be returned. He also urged the Port Harcourt authorities to take all necessary steps to recover the money if the NBA fails to do so.

Bob concluded his statement by asserting that the NBA’s actions undermined democratic principles and that the association’s leaders should be held accountable for their role in the situation.

He reiterated that the NBA should not be allowed to undermine the constitution and democracy for personal gain.