NBA warns Rivers’ Military Administration against abuse of power
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) BRANCHES IN RIVERS STATE REGARDING THE QUERY ISSUED TO MRS. SCODELIA UKAEGBU, CHAIRMAN OF NBA PORT HARCOURT BRANCH
We, the undersigned Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Rivers State, acting under the constitutional mandate of our respective branches, issue this press statement in response to a query dated the 25th of April, 2025. This query, titled “Query for Serious Misconduct,” was issued to our colleague, Mrs. Scodelia Ukaegbu, Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, through the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, and signed by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary.
According to the content of the query, Mrs. Ukaegbu was accused of co-authoring a communiqué that criticized the administration for acts described as lawless, unconstitutional, and repressive—including the dismantling of democratic institutions and the suppression of peaceful protesters. The query alleges that this conduct amounts to serious misconduct and is in violation of Civil/Public Service Rules 104021(b), (c), and (d).
As Chairmen of the NBA branches in Rivers State, we view this query as unwarranted and an attempt to intimidate and suppress lawful expression. We confirm that earlier today, our colleague submitted her response to the query in compliance with Civil/Public Service Rules 10302 to 10306.
For clarity, Mrs. Ukaegbu is a serving Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. The facts contained in the communiqué referenced in the query stem from meetings held by the Chairmen of all NBA branches in Rivers State, which resulted in a joint press statement dated April 9, 2025. That statement addressed concerns surrounding the appointment and activities of the Sole Administrator, made under the guise of a state of emergency.
Importantly, Mrs. Ukaegbu did not act in her personal capacity as a civil servant but in her official role as the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch. She joined the other branch Chairmen in issuing the joint communiqué, which aligned with the stance of the NBA at the national level, as expressed by the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his press release of March 18, 2025.
We view the issuance of this query as a deliberate attempt by the Sole Administrator to stifle free speech and the civic rights of the people of Rivers State. It is also a blatant effort to intimidate not only our colleague but all lawyers and citizens who stand for the rule of law and democracy.
The Nigerian Bar Association is constitutionally committed to upholding the rule of law. As such, we cannot and will not be intimidated into silence. We categorically condemn the query issued to Mrs. Ukaegbu and demand its immediate withdrawal.
We will continue to speak out against any act of intimidation, harassment, or persecution—directly or indirectly—by the Sole Administrator or his agents, whether targeted at the Chairmen of NBA branches, members of the legal profession, or the general public.
SIGNED:
Chairman, NBA Port Harcourt Branch
Chairman, NBA Bori Branch
Chairman, NBA Ahoada Branch
Chairman, NBA Okehi Branch
Chairman, NBA Omoku Branch
Chairman, NBA Isiokpo Branch
Chairman, NBA Degema Branch
ADDITIONAL REMARKS:
We must emphasize that the right to freedom of expression is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a democratic society, individuals, communities, and institutions must be allowed to voice their concerns peacefully and lawfully.
Recent reports of journalists being assaulted—including correspondents from Channels TV and Nigeria Info—are deeply disturbing. This government must not operate as though under military rule. The intimidation of press and civil society undermines democratic values.
The NBA is not out to fight the Sole a. However, we insist that governance must be accountable, constitutional, and transparent. Our recent statements do not “heat up the polity”; rather, they serve as necessary contributions to democratic discourse. If anyone is guilty of escalating tensions, it is those suppressing legitimate expressions of concern—not those raising them.
The NBA remains united—both at the national and state levels—in defending the rule of law and holding leadership accountable.
Thank you.
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