The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu.
This decision comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a sole administrator, which the NBA considers unconstitutional.
In a joint statement issued late Thursday by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association explained the rationale behind the change of venue.
“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm,” the NBA said.
“Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend.”
However, the association noted that recent developments in the state, especially the imposition of a sole administrator described as a retired military officer using a “command-style approach,” undermined constitutional democracy and halted the momentum for the conference.
“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation,” the statement said.
“His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.”
According to the NBA, growing discontent among members prompted leadership consultations, including meetings with Rivers State branch chairmen and an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) session on March 27, 2025.
“The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time,” the NBA said.
“We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”
The NEC also took issue with the manner in which the emergency rule was ratified by the National Assembly.
“The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution,” the statement said.
“It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution.”
“The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.”
As a result, the NBA emphasized that holding its flagship conference in Rivers State would amount to condoning constitutional breaches.
“To hold the conference under such undemocratic developments would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law,” the statement added.
The association confirmed the new venue will be Enugu, a city it described as historically significant and well-equipped for the event.
“The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.”
“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance.”
“We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.”
The NBA concluded by rallying members to support the new plans: “We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”
