Rivers NBA To Ibas: “Stop Dismantling Democratic Institutions, Stop Undemocratic Appointments”

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Rivers State Chapter, has called on the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, rtd  to desist from dismantling of democratic institutions and stop undemocratic appointments in the State.

The NBA advised that the Interim Administrator should rather concentrate on his mandate of ensuring the security of Federal Government’s assets and interests, and the stability of the State.

The Association in a statement, signed by all Branch Chairmen in the State, charged that the Administrator should also desist from carrying out political activities which would further escalate tensions in Rivers State.

It added that “he is expected to be apolitical and not to conduct himself as a stooge of any of the parties in the political imbroglio.

“Accordingly, we advise the Sole Administrator to desist from going beyond the mandate as given to him by the President and approved by the National Assembly.

“We condemn the harassment, intimidation and assault of peaceful protesters and Journalists in the State by officers of the Nigerian Police as they are in violations of their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“We categorically state that the NBA Human Rights Committees in the State would be available to pursue the legal claims of any victims of the said Police action.

“Accordingly, we call on the Nigerian Police and other security Agencies to desist from further aggravation of the tension in the State.

“Rather, they should concentrate on doing their lawful duties of maintaining peace and security in the State.

“We call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to take necessary steps to rein-in the Sole Administration in Rivers State and ensure he keeps within the mandate given to him on

his appointment, to save Rivers State from further crisis.

“We also urge the Presidency to do everything within its power, in line with the Rule of Law, to ensure the return of full democratic governance to the State on or before the 6(Six)months tenure of the Sole Administrator.

“We call on the Peace or Reconciliation Committee of the National Assembly to swing into action and dispassionately carry out its role of reconciliation and peace-building in Rivers State to avoid further economic losses and degeneration of the political crisis and

escalation of tension in the State.

“Accordingly, we wish to emphasize the position of our National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (S.A.N.)that the NBA is ready and available to be part of the reconciliation process.”