NBA Relocates 2025 Annual Conference from Rivers to Enugu, Calls Sole Administrator in Rivers “Unconstitutional”
From Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, Enugu State. This decision is a response to what the NBA describes as unconstitutional governance in Rivers.
The move is intended to reinforce the NBA’s condemnation and rejection of the sole administrator arrangement.
In a statement jointly signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara; and AGC Planning Committee Chair Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the association cited the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the appointment of a Sole Administrator as key factors behind this decision.
The controversial appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator on March 18, 2025, followed the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state and has attracted significant criticism from the legal body.
The NBA condemned these developments as a “grave threat to democratic governance,” asserting that they lack constitutional backing.
“Though dressed in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule,” the NBA stated, emphasizing the current administration’s disregard for constitutional provisions, judicial orders, and legal procedures.
The association expressed concern over the suspension of elected officials, the unilateral appointment of local government administrators, and the use of a voice vote by the National Assembly to approve the state of emergency—actions that the NBA believes undermine the rule of law and violate the 1999 Constitution.
Citing Sections 11, 188, and 305 of the Constitution along with Supreme Court rulings, the NBA argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the legal threshold required for such extreme executive intervention.
The decision to move the conference was made after a series of emergency consultations, including discussions with NBA branch chairmen in Rivers State and a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on March 27, 2025.
Port Harcourt was initially selected to host the AGC, generating significant excitement and high registration numbers among NBA members. However, the NBA concluded that proceeding with the event in Rivers State would be seen as legitimizing an unconstitutional regime.
“The Nigerian Bar Association cannot, and will not, be complicit in endorsing a governance framework that contravenes the very Constitution we swore to uphold,” the statement concluded.
