The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, citing constitutional breaches stemming from the controversial appointment of a Sole Administrator to govern the state.
According to BusinessDay, the NBA described the move as a principled stand against what it termed the unconstitutional governance of Rivers State by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) who was appointed as Sole Administrator following the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Afam Osigwe, NBA president, Mobolaji Ojibara, general secretary, and Emeka Obegolu, chair of the AGCPC, the association condemned the current governance structure in Rivers State.
The NBA described the Sole Administrator’s leadership as a “command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation,” adding that his actions “have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity.”
The decision to change the conference venue followed widespread disapproval within the association after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA held an emergency session on March 27, 2025, during which members unanimously agreed that the AGC could not, in good conscience, hold its flagship event in a state governed unconstitutionally.
The NEC reaffirmed that the declaration of the state of emergency contravened Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution and criticised the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions, stating it violated Sections 11 and 188. The NBA described the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency, done via voice vote, as “a grave constitutional subversion.”
“Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimise an unconstitutional proclamation,” the statement noted.
According to the NBA, continuing with the AGC in Port Harcourt would have amounted to “a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.”
“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu,” the statement added. “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 association called on members and stakeholders to support the transition, stressing that “with unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”
