The Nigerian Bar Association has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing the state of emergency currently in effect in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Thursday by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association explained that the decision was prompted by the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The NBA expressed concern over the conduct of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ekwe Ibas, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and processes, and blatantly disregarding the rule of law—an act the NBA strongly condemns.
The statement emphasized that there was overwhelming consensus among NBA members that it would be morally wrong to hold the conference in a state being run unconstitutionally by a sole administrator.
The NBA also reaffirmed its position that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Additionally, the association noted that the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of other democratic institutions, goes against the provisions of Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution.
The association also faulted the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule in Rivers State.
“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 in accordance with 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 statement partly reads.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Bola Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs.
In the days since his appointment, the sole administrator has dismissed all political appointees and gone on to appoint a new Secretary to the State Government, chairmen for the 23 local government areas, and a new head of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
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