The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has moved its scheduled Annual General Conference (AGC) earlier slated to hold in Port Harcourt Rivers State to Enugu in protest against the imposition of State of Emergency on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The NBA in a statement dated April 10, 2025 and signed by its National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, National Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, and Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the Cahir of the AGC planning Committee stated that the declaration of State of Emergency and subsequent suspension of democratically elected institutions by President Tinubu was a “subversion of the constitution” and an affront on the rule of law.
Consequently, the NBA stated that holding its flagship AGC in Rivers State will amount to a “tacit endorsement” of the affront on the Nigeria constitution and the rule of law.
Part of the statement reads:
“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. 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 NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates section 305 of the 1999 constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials of democratic institutions contravenes section 11 and 188 of the constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly , executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.
“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.”
“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) 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.”
Several legal practitioners have praised the bold position of the NBA leadership for speaking out and taking action to confront antidemocratic forces in Nigeria.
Human rights lawyer, Inibihe Effiong in his reaction to the position of the NBA leadership wrote”
“The Nigerian Bar Association courageously led by its President, Afam Osigwe SAN has moved the location of the 2025 Annual General Conference of the NBA from Rivers State to Enugu.
“The decision was taken to strengthen the NBA’s condemnation and rejection of the aberration called a sole administrator.
“This is the NBA that some of us can proudly identify with.
Let Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike and their impostor called Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete organize their own conference in Rivers State and entertain themselves.
I commend the NBA for this conscientious decision.
