Emergency Rule: NBA Protests, Relocates 2025 Annual Conference From Rivers To Enugu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has changed the venue of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Enugu in Enugu Enugu, saying that the previous location was no longer appropriate given happenings in the State.

This was announced in a statement jointly signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, and Emeka Obegolu, SAN, on Thursday.

Osigwe explained that President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State necessitated the decision to relocate the biggest NBA gathering to Enugu.

He mentioned that the association discussed the issue with the Chairpersons of NBA branches in Rivers State and conducted an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on March 27, 2025.

Osigwe added that there was a strong consensus that the NBA could not, in good faith, continue with the AGC in a state-administered “unconstitutionally” by a Sole Administrator.

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According to the NBA statement, the announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 AGC was initially met with widespread enthusiasm, but the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has affected advanced preparations for the conference.

According to the NBA, Rivers State is governed by a retired military officer serving as Sole Administrator who employs a command-style approach that neglects constitutional provisions, court rulings, and ongoing legal disputes.

“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.

“Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC,” the NBA stated.

Osigwe stated that hosting the association’s main event in Port Harcourt would implicitly support alleged constitutional breaches and undermine the rule of law, prompting the NBA to urge all members and stakeholders to fully back the new arrangement.