The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has attributed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State to the ego of the key political actors rather than the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the NBA Section on Legal Practice’s (NBA-SLP) annual conference, Osigwe emphasized that the crisis stemmed from the unwillingness of those involved to put aside personal interests for the greater good of the state.
“The problem in Rivers State is caused by the ego of the principal actors who have refused to come together to find a solution that prioritizes the people of Rivers,” Osigwe stated.
He dismissed attempts to blame the Supreme Court or any other institution for the situation, asserting that the crisis could have been avoided if the political figures involved had placed the welfare and security of the people above their personal ambitions.
“It became an ego battle—a matter of who wins. People obtain court judgments and still choose to seek amicable resolutions. So, the issue is not the Supreme Court’s decision but the unwillingness of these actors to compromise,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the federal government’s response to the crisis, Osigwe argued that constitutional provisions should be carefully examined before any drastic measures are taken.
“We believe that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution should not be read in isolation from Section 11. There have been more severe breakdowns of law and order in other states, yet no state of emergency was declared. The Rivers crisis can be resolved if those involved set aside their egos and prioritize the people’s welfare,” he said.
Expressing concerns over the idea of appointing an administrator, particularly a retired military officer, to govern the state, Osigwe warned that such a move could set a dangerous precedent.
“This action is unconstitutional and should not be encouraged,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), announced that the 2025 NBA-SLP Conference, themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” will be held in Jos from April 24 to April 27.
He noted that the conference would address the evolving challenges in the legal profession, the impact of global interconnectedness on legal systems, and opportunities in areas such as legal technology and alternative dispute resolution.