The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu due to the declared state of emergency in Rivers State.
The decision was made after the NBA expressed concerns over the state’s governance under a Sole Administrator, who they claim operates in a command-style approach, disregarding constitutional provisions and court decisions.
The NBA alleges that the Sole Administrator’s appointment undermines democratic institutions and processes in Rivers State, contravening Sections 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The association also views holding the conference in Rivers State would be seen as endorsing constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.
The NBA announced this in a joint statement signed by the NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN), the General Secretary, Mr. Mobolaji Ojibara and the AGCPC chair, Mr. Emeka Obegolu (SAN) on Thursday night.
The association said that despite the sole administrator’s civilian attire, his governing style appears to be military in nature, undermining democracy.
The statement reads: “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 further said that this situation has led to a growing chorus among members to relocate the conference venue, with the calls becoming increasingly louder and more insistent over time.
It said: “A meeting was convened in this regard with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State.
“An emergency session of the National Executive Council(NEC) 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 added that the NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
It added: “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.”
Persecondnews has reported that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, suspending Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a six-month period.
Subsequently, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of Rivers State pending the period of the suspension.
On March 18, the NBA slammed President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, condemning the suspension of democratically elected officials as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
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