NBA President Afam Osigwe Blames Ego for Rivers Political Crisis

By DAYO ADESULU

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has attributed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to the ego of the principal political actors involved. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Osigwe emphasized that the prolonged political imbroglio in the state could have been resolved if those involved prioritized the welfare of the people over their personal ambitions.

Ego, Not the Supreme Court, to Blame for Rivers Political Crisis – Osigwe

Osigwe dismissed claims that the Supreme Court or any judicial institution was responsible for the crisis, stating that the major issue was the unwillingness of the politicians to come together and find a lasting solution.

“The problem in Rivers State is caused by the ego of the principal actors who have refused to sit down and find a solution that works for the people of Rivers,” Osigwe said. “Blaming the Supreme Court or any other body will not solve the problem.”

According to the NBA president, if the key political figures in Rivers had put the interests of the state first, rather than focusing on personal victories, the state would not be in its current turmoil.

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“It became an ego fight and an issue of who wins. So, ego is at the base of the problem in Rivers and not the Supreme Court,” he added.

Osigwe further noted that while judicial rulings play a role in governance, politicians still have the responsibility to seek amicable solutions rather than deepening conflicts.

NBA Expresses Concern Over State of Emergency in Rivers

The NBA President also raised concerns about the legality of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. According to him, while the NBA is not in direct legal confrontation with the presidency, there are constitutional concerns regarding the emergency declaration.

“We are of the opinion that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution cannot be read in isolation from Section 11 of the same Constitution,” Osigwe explained. “There have been killings in many states in Nigeria and much worse breakdowns of law and order than what we have seen in Rivers, yet no state of emergency was declared in those states.”

Osigwe stressed that rather than resorting to extreme measures, the political actors should set aside their differences and prioritize the security and welfare of the people.

Concerns Over Appointment of an Administrator in Rivers State

One of the most controversial aspects of the state of emergency declaration is the appointment of an administrator to oversee governance in Rivers State. Osigwe criticized this move, arguing that it could set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.

“This declaration may not solve the problem in Rivers, and it worries me that an administrator has been appointed, and worse still, a retired military officer, to administer the state,” Osigwe said. “It is unconstitutional and should not be supported because we may be setting a dangerous precedent.”

NBA Calls for Peaceful Resolution to the Crisis

The NBA President reiterated the association’s call for a peaceful resolution to the Rivers political crisis. He urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue, respect the rule of law, and work towards a solution that benefits the people of Rivers State.

“The problem in Rivers can be solved if the principal actors swallow their egos and put the welfare and security of the people of Rivers above their personal interests,” Osigwe stated.

NBA-SLP Conference to Address Legal Challenges

In a related development, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), revealed details about the upcoming NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) annual conference. Themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” the conference aims to explore the evolving legal landscape and the impact of global interconnectedness on legal systems.

“The conference will also highlight great opportunities for legal practitioners, including the development of legal technological solutions, the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the increasing focus on access to justice and legal empowerment,” Ogbole said.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Jos from April 24 to April 27, 2025.

Conclusion

The political crisis in Rivers State remains a pressing issue that demands urgent resolution. As the NBA President Afam Osigwe has pointed out, ego-driven politics is at the heart of the problem. With legal and constitutional concerns surrounding the state of emergency and appointment of an administrator, it is crucial that political leaders come together to resolve the crisis in the best interests of the people of Rivers State.

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