The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu due to what it termed the “unconstitutional” imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. This decision comes in the wake of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which has caused concerns regarding the erosion of democratic principles in the state.
The NBA’s leadership explained that while Port Harcourt was initially chosen as the host city for the prestigious event, the recent developments in the state, particularly the appointment of a sole administrator—reportedly a retired military officer—have made it impossible for the association to hold its conference there. The governing style of the sole administrator, which the NBA described as militaristic, clashed with democratic ideals and undermined constitutional principles.
The announcement of the relocation was made in a statement jointly signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee (AGCPC) Emeka Obegolu (SAN). The statement emphasized the NBA’s firm stance against the actions taken by the Rivers State government under the state of emergency, which the association believes violates the 1999 Constitution.
According to the statement, the state of emergency, along with the suspension of elected officials and the installation of the sole administrator, was a breach of constitutional rights. The NBA argued that this scenario represented a direct violation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the declaration of states of emergency, and Sections 11 and 188, which safeguard the country’s democratic institutions. The association pointed out that the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency, which was carried out via a voice vote, was not only procedurally flawed but also an unconstitutional action.
“Though the sole administrator is dressed in civilian attire, his style of governance has undermined democratic processes, disregarded court decisions, and acted in direct violation of constitutional principles,” the NBA’s statement read. “The actions of the government in Rivers State have resulted in the suspension of elected officials and the erosion of the rule of law.”
This development was met with strong disapproval from the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC), which held an emergency session on March 27, 2025, to deliberate on the matter. The meeting, which involved NBA branch chairmen from Rivers State, led to the unanimous decision that the association could not, in good conscience, proceed with its conference in a state under such governance. According to the NBA, holding the conference in Rivers State, under the current leadership, would tacitly endorse unconstitutional actions and subvert the rule of law, which is a core value of the legal profession.
In light of these concerns, the NBA’s NEC decided to relocate the AGC to Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. The association assured its members that Enugu, also known as the Coal City, possesses the necessary infrastructure and capacity to successfully host an event of the AGC’s scale and significance. The city, renowned for its historical importance and vibrant legal community, was selected after thorough consideration, ensuring that the conference’s integrity would not be compromised by the change in venue.
“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu,” the statement continued. “Enugu is well-equipped to host the conference, and we are confident that the change of venue will not hinder our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful event.”
This shift to Enugu also aligns with the NBA’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The association’s leadership emphasized that the decision to relocate the event is a reflection of the NBA’s belief in the importance of constitutional democracy in Nigeria. The NBA maintained that as a professional body that represents the legal community, it must stand against actions that undermine the country’s democratic institutions, which are essential for the rule of law to thrive.
While the relocation of the conference marks a significant change in plans for both the NBA and its members, the association expressed confidence that the transition would not affect the successful organization of the event. The NBA called on all members and stakeholders to support the decision and work together to ensure that the 2025 AGC in Enugu would be a resounding success.
The decision to relocate the AGC has stirred mixed reactions. While some legal practitioners have praised the NBA for taking a principled stand against what they see as an unconstitutional move by the government, others have expressed concerns about the logistics of relocating the event at such short notice. However, the NBA has reassured all stakeholders that the move was made after careful deliberation and that the association is committed to ensuring that the conference remains impactful and well-executed.
This development comes at a time when the country’s democratic processes are under scrutiny, with several political analysts and civil society groups raising concerns about the increasing use of emergency rule and military-style governance in various parts of Nigeria. The NBA’s decision to relocate the AGC underscores the importance of constitutional governance and the rule of law, especially in a year when Nigeria is preparing for crucial elections and other political milestones.
