The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, citing concerns over the erosion of constitutional governance in Rivers following the recent imposition of a state of emergency.
Originally slated for the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, the event drew unprecedented registration numbers, reflecting high anticipation among legal professionals across the country. However, the March 18 declaration of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent appointment of a Sole Administrator — a retired military officer — raised constitutional red flags within the NBA.
According to the NBA’s statement dated April 10, 2025, the administrator’s command-style governance, disregard for court orders, and undermining of democratic institutions led to growing unease among members. The NBA National Executive Council (NEC), after convening an emergency session on March 27, resolved that it could not “in good conscience” proceed with its flagship conference in a state governed unconstitutionally.
The NEC argued that the state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials contravened Sections 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. It described the National Assembly’s purported ratification of the emergency—achieved via a voice vote—as a “grave constitutional subversion.”
A Principled Stand
“The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law,” the statement declared. “The appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional.”
The association emphasized that holding the AGC in Rivers would amount to endorsing a regime that undermines the rule of law. In response, the NBA opted to move the prestigious conference to Enugu — the historic Coal City — which it described as a location with the infrastructure, stability, and democratic integrity to host an event of such scale.
Unity and Commitment
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGC Planning Committee Chair Emeka Obegolu, SAN, jointly signed the statement, calling on members and stakeholders to support the relocation and uphold the Association’s values of democracy and constitutionalism.
"We are confident that this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference," the statement read.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with democratic challenges, the NBA’s decision sends a strong message about the legal profession’s role in safeguarding constitutional order and the rule of. law.
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