Solomon Bob, a member of the House of Representatives representing Rivers State, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and insisted that the association return the N300 million it received from the suspended Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Bob dismissed the NBA's claim that the money was a gift, calling it unreasonable and inappropriate for a "self-appointed ombudsman." He argued that the acceptance of the funds proves a compromising relationship between the NBA and Fubara.
Bob demanded the money be returned to the Rivers State government, threatening that the authorities in Port Harcourt should take all necessary steps to recover the funds if the NBA fails to comply.
He accused the NBA of insincerity, hypocrisy, and "misguided praetorian pretensions," particularly following the association’s condemnation of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Bob defended the emergency declaration, stating that the NBA cannot limit the President's constitutional powers under Section 305, nor can it determine what measures qualify as extraordinary.
Bob further claimed that the NBA lacks the ethical standing to judge democracy and constitutionalism, criticizing the association's electoral processes as flawed and predetermined. He also accused the NBA of turning a blind eye to Fubara's "crass lawlessness and wanton irresponsibility."
According to Bob, the NBA was set to use its Port Harcourt conference to "whitewash the worst misgovernment of any state in Nigeria" after entering a "sweetheart deal" with Fubara. He alleges that the NBA only admitted to receiving the payment after authorities publicly demanded a refund, exposing their "pecuniary interest."