NBA relocates annual conference from Rivers over emergency rule
The Nigerian Bar Association has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference, formerly scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State but will now be held in Enugu, due to the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The association stated that while there was a widespread excitement over Port Harcourt being the host city for the 2024 Conference which was evident in the soaring registration figures, the presence of an appointed sole administrator who is a retired military officer operating with alleged command-style approach will no longer permit the Garden City to be retained as the host city.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara and the AGCPC chair, Emeka Obegolu (SAN) late Thursday night.
The NBA noted that the sole administrator, though clad in civilian attire, his governing style is military in nature as his actions undermine democracy.
The statement read, “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 unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations 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.
“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.”
The statement added that this has prompted members to call for a change of venue, and the voices grew stronger over time.
“A meeting was convened in this regard with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State. An emergency session of the National Executive Council was held on March 27, 2025, and there was an overwhelming consensus that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator,” the statement further noted.
The statement added that the NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The NEC also unanimously agreed that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution and 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 stressing that even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.
“Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.
“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 statement concluded.
PUNCH Online reports that on March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the state deputy governor, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of Rivers State pending the period of the suspension.
