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 follows the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, a retired military officer, to govern the state. The NBA expressed concerns that these actions undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGC Planning Committee Chairman Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association emphasized that holding the conference in Rivers State under the current circumstances would amount to endorsing constitutional violations. The NBA criticized the federal government’s approach, noting that the appointment of a Sole Administrator and the suspension of elected officials bypass constitutional procedures.
The NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened an emergency session on March 27, 2025, to deliberate on the situation. After consultations with NBA branch chairmen in Rivers State, the NEC unanimously decided to move the conference to Enugu. The association highlighted that Enugu possesses the necessary infrastructure and capacity to host the event.
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, stating that the actions taken in Rivers State set a dangerous precedent for constitutional governance in Nigeria. The association called on all stakeholders to ensure that the country’s democratic norms are preserved.
