The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu State, citing concerns over the state of emergency currently in effect in Rivers. This decision was conveyed in a letter dated April 10, 2025, signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and made available to the press.
According to Osigwe, the decision reflects the overwhelming consensus of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the wider NBA membership. While the initial choice of Port Harcourt as the host city was met with enthusiasm, the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, has significantly disrupted preparations. The imposition of a retired Rear Admiral, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of the state was particularly noted as a key concern.
The NBA described the governance in Rivers State under Ibas as a “command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation.” The association criticized his actions as undermining democratic institutions, stating that although Ibas wears civilian clothing, he governs as if under military rule.
In the statement, the NBA asserted that the state of emergency contravenes Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, while the suspension of elected officials and other democratic institutions violates Sections 11 and 188. The association also questioned the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule, claiming it was done through a voice vote rather than the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority. This, the NBA said, amounted to “a grave constitutional subversion.”
The NBA emphasized that holding its flagship event in a state where the rule of law has been compromised would equate to tacit approval of constitutional violations. It reaffirmed its stance that the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional and reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles.
Consequently, the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in Enugu State, a location the NBA considers to be in alignment with constitutional democracy and the rule of law.