Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
The Nigerian Bar Association has said it will no longer hold its 2025 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It has therefore named Enugu State as the new host of the conference.
The umbrella body of lawyers in Nigeria based its decision on the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the members of the state House of Assembly for six months by President Bola Tinubu.
It described the action of the President as unconstitutional, just as it condemned the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for the state as unacceptable.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule.
In a statement jointly signed by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe; General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara; and the Chairman of the AGC PLnning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, the association said the political climate in Rivers State won’t allow the conference to hold in the state.
The statement read in part, “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,” the statement reads.
“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 voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time.
“We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025.
“The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.
“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 by 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.
“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”
