, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has attributed the ongoing political unrest in Rivers State to the personal ambitions of key political figures rather than any Supreme Court judgment.){kind=link}
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has attributed the ongoing political unrest in Rivers State to the personal ambitions of key political figures rather than any Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the NBA Section on Legal Practice’s (NBA-SLP) annual conference, Osigwe stated that the crisis could have been averted if the political actors involved had set aside their egos and worked towards a peaceful resolution.
“The situation in Rivers State is a result of the unwillingness of the key players to come together and find a solution that prioritizes the interests of the people,” he said.
He rejected claims that the Supreme Court was responsible for the crisis, arguing that even when court judgments are issued, parties involved can still seek peaceful settlements.
“This is not about the Supreme Court’s decision; rather, it is about the inability of the key players to put their personal interests aside. It has become a contest of superiority rather than a genuine effort to resolve the issues,” Osigwe added.
Addressing concerns over the federal government’s approach to the crisis, Osigwe stressed the need to interpret constitutional provisions holistically before making drastic interventions.
“In our view, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution should not be examined in isolation from Section 11. There have been instances of greater security challenges in other states, yet no state of emergency was declared. The crisis in Rivers State can be resolved if those involved are willing to put aside their egos and prioritize governance,” he explained.
He also expressed concerns over any attempt to impose an administrator on the state, particularly a retired military officer, warning that such a move could establish an unfavorable precedent.
“This approach contradicts constitutional provisions and should not be supported,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, announced that the 2025 NBA-SLP Conference will take place in Jos from April 24 to April 27.
Themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” the conference will explore evolving legal challenges, the effects of global interconnectedness on legal systems, and new opportunities in areas such as legal technology and alternative dispute resolution.