The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Rivers State to Enugu, citing the ongoing democratic crisis in the state.
The decision, confirmed by the NBA on Thursday, follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The conference, initially scheduled for Port Harcourt from August 22 to 29, 2025, has now been rescheduled to Enugu, a city deemed more aligned with the principles of constitutional democracy.
The statement issued by the association read:
“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.”
According to the NBA, the state is currently under the administration of a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator. This appointment, the NBA says, has led to a “command-style” governance that ignores constitutional provisions and court decisions. The association further criticized the administrator’s approach, stating that it undermines democratic institutions and disregards the rule of law.
The statement continued, “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.”
This situation, the body said prompted growing calls from NBA members to move the conference, leading to emergency meetings, including a session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on March 27, 2025. The NEC overwhelmingly agreed that holding the AGC in a state governed by a Sole Administrator would not be in line with the association’s values.
The NBA also emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers violated several constitutional provisions. The statement stated:
“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 and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 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.”
As a result, the association says Port Harcourt could no longer be considered a suitable venue for the AGC, fearing that holding the event there would tacitly endorse the unconstitutional developments in the 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.”
The NBA expressed confidence that the new venue would not affect the success of the conference and called on members and stakeholders to support the transition.
“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.”
