Sole Administrator of Rivers State,
Rivers Government House,
Rivers State.

Dear Sir,

A WORD OF CAUTION TO THE SOLE ADMINISTRATOR OF RIVERS STATE

Ordinarily, I would refrain from engaging with you at all, as the position you currently hold in Rivers State is entirely unknown to our sacred constitution, and the legitimacy of your appointment is being vigorously contested in our courts. Nevertheless, to set the record straight and ensure that your cheap public stunts never again impugn the integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), I must address your baseless claims directly and unequivocally.

The NBA and the Rule of Law

The NBA was established to champion the rule of law and to hold every government accountable to its people. This fundamental mandate extends to every level of governance and every state, even Rivers State. Our historical record shows that the NBA has not avoided confronting powerful military dictators, even during military regimes. Our fearless stance in holding those in power responsible remains unaltered, regardless of the theatrics of any so-called “sole administrator.” We will never be cowered or silenced by your antics or any attempt to subvert constitutional order.

Reaffirming Our Stand for Democratic Governance

Let there be no misunderstanding: the actions of the NBA do not condemn the good people of Rivers State. On the contrary, the NBA’s stance is a show of unequivocal support for the citizens of Rivers State, whose people deserve to be led by their democratically elected officials. It is not the people or the state that the NBA has discredited; the unconstitutional method has resulted in your appointment. A sole administrator—a position with no constitutional basis—is a thinly veiled attempt to bypass the will of the people of Rivers and undermine democratic governance. The NBA will not shut its eyes to the same, as democracy ultimately dies when good people refuse to speak up.

On the Matter of the AGC Venue and the Alleged Donation.

It must be stressed that the NBA’s decision to relocate its Annual General (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to a State with a democratically elected government was not a denunciation of Rivers State per se but a principled stand against condoning unconstitutional practices. As is standard practice in organizing such conferences, the donation made by the democratically elected governor of Rivers State was an unconditional act of support.

Such voluntary contributions are sought from governmental agencies whose budgets allocate funds for corporate social responsibility and whose visions align with the NBA’s. Therefore, any claim that seeks to demand a refund of that donation is both legally and ethically misplaced. Only the democratically elected government that donated could, if it so chooses, call for its refund, not someone occupying an unconstitutional role.

It is pertinent to mention that the NBA has previously hosted the AGC in Rivers state under a democratically-elected government. So, the difference this time around is that the NBA will not be bullied to participate in the lie that a sole administrator, a position unknown to the Constitution, is legitimate. The motto of the NBA is “promoting the rule of law,” and hosting the AGC in a state where the rule of law has been subverted is anathema to that motto.

A Final, Urgent Appeal

Mr. Sole administrator, having accepted your appointment without questioning the legality of your position— even as a retired military officer — you have chosen a path that betrays the very integrity of democratic governance. If you genuinely possessed the integrity and honor that the leadership of the NBA upholds, you would have refused to be complicit in an unconstitutional power grab. Instead, you have embarked on a course that undermines the rule of law.

There is still time for you to do the right thing. Resign from your unconstitutional role in Rivers State immediately and allow for the rightful, democratically elected government to be reinstated. Only by doing so can you begin to repair the damage to the political and legal order of the state you now rule over.

The NBA remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law and will hold every institution and individual accountable for any deviation from this fundamental principle. We urge you to reconsider your actions and work towards restoring constitutional order in Rivers State, thereby upholding its people’s interests and rights.

Respectfully,

Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Esq.
Human Rights Activist.
Member, Northern Zone of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Litigation Committee.

Cc.

1- Nigerian Bar Association

2- State House Presidential Villa Aso Rock

4- Afam Osigwe

5- Rivers State Television

• The views expressed in this article are entirely those of the author and do not represent the opinion of CITY LAWYER Magazine or its publishers