The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced a major change in plans for its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC), relocating the highly anticipated event from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, Enugu State.
The Nigeria Lawyer reports that the decision is contained in a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara; and AGC Planning Committee Chair Emeka Obegolu, SAN, following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a Sole Administrator—actions the NBA strongly condemns as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic governance.
Originally, Port Harcourt—popularly known as the “Garden City”—was selected to host the 2025 AGC, a choice met with excitement among NBA members, reflected in soaring registration numbers. However, the political developments in Rivers State, notably the state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator, forced a reevaluation.
The NBA expressed grave concerns about what it termed a “military-style” administration in Rivers State, where constitutional provisions, court orders, and ongoing legal processes have been disregarded. “Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule,” the statement noted, criticizing the unilateral appointment of local government administrators and other actions that contravene the rule of law.
Citing Supreme Court precedents and the provisions of Sections 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the NBA argued that the state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials lack any legal foundation. The association also described the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency via voice vote—rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority—as a “grave constitutional subversion.”
Following widespread member concerns and emergency consultations—including engagements with NBA branch chairmen in Rivers State and a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 27, 2025—the NBA resolved that holding the AGC in Rivers State would amount to tacit endorsement of unconstitutional governance.
“The NBA cannot, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator,” the statement emphasized.
Enugu, popularly known as the “Coal City,” has now been selected as the new venue, with the NBA citing its strong infrastructure and capacity to host a world-class conference. The leadership assured members that the change of location would not affect the quality and success of the AGC.
“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path,” the NBA leadership urged, emphasizing a collective commitment to upholding constitutional democracy.
The relocation of the 2025 AGC highlights the NBA’s unwavering stance against the erosion of democratic values and reaffirms its role as a leading voice for the rule of law in Nigeria. The decision has been met with widespread approval among legal practitioners, many of whom praised the association for standing on principle rather than convenience.
Source: The Nigeria Lawyer
