The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Rivers State to Enugu State, citing serious concerns over the ongoing political situation in Rivers and the conduct of the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (retd).
In a strongly worded joint statement signed by the chairmen of its eight branches in Rivers State, the NBA said the current political environment in the state no longer aligns with the core values of democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of institutions—principles which the legal community holds dear.
The statement explained that rather than experiencing peace and order, the state has seen a steady escalation in political tension, lawlessness, and arbitrary decision-making since the appointment of the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The NBA stressed that these developments have led to the unfortunate decision to relocate the conference, a move that is expected to cost the Rivers economy dearly.
The NBA said it had initially welcomed the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, hoping it would calm the political crisis and restore order. However, it expressed deep disappointment that the opposite has occurred.
“Rather than the peace-building efforts promised by the President, tension has steadily escalated in Rivers State,” the statement said. “Arbitrariness and impunity have become common, and democratic institutions have been dismantled in a military-style approach.”
The NBA accused Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas of exceeding the limits of his mandate by dissolving and reconstituting state boards, agencies, councils, and commissions, all without legislative input. It also criticised him for preparing and presenting a state budget and appointing caretakers to run the 23 local government areas in violation of the Constitution and existing court judgments.
The lawyers maintained that such powers were not included in the administrator’s mandate, which was primarily to maintain security and prevent sabotage of the nation’s economic assets, particularly oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
“The actions of the Sole Administrator are not only unconstitutional but also capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order in the state,” the NBA warned.
The NBA conference, originally scheduled for Port Harcourt, was expected to attract up to 30,000 lawyers from across the country and beyond. The gathering would have brought a huge economic boost to the state’s hospitality and services sectors, including hotels, transport, catering, and event planning.
However, with the relocation to Enugu, businesses in Rivers State are now facing major financial losses.
“The actions of the Sole Administrator have led to immeasurable losses to local businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry,” the statement said. “Job opportunities and economic benefits expected during the conference have now been lost.”
Despite pressure from the public, the NBA did not directly address the matter of the N300 million reportedly received from the Rivers State Government in preparation for the conference. There have been increasing calls for the return of the money, but the association has remained silent on the issue.
The NBA is now calling on President Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently rein in the actions of the Sole Administrator and ensure his mandate is limited to security functions. They also urged the federal government to restore democratic governance to Rivers State before the expiration of the administrator’s six-month tenure.
“The Rule of Law must prevail in Rivers State,” the statement said. “We call on the National Assembly’s Peace or Reconciliation Committee to immediately begin genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the crisis.”
The association also questioned what it described as selective implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the political crisis in Rivers. It said it was troubling that while the suspended governor was removed for alleged constitutional breaches, the same breaches were now being carried out by the Sole Administrator with the backing of federal authorities.
For example, the NBA pointed out that federal allocations are being released to the state under the administrator’s control, despite there being no proper budget process, no elected local government officials, and no functioning House of Assembly.
“This selective application of the law undermines the credibility of our legal system,” the NBA warned.
The association expressed sympathy with local business owners and residents who have been negatively affected by the political crisis and the relocation of the NBA conference. It urged them to remain law-abiding and to seek redress through legal means.
“We empathise with businesses affected by this unfortunate relocation and ask them to continue to believe in the legal process,” the NBA said.
The political crisis in Rivers State deepened earlier this year following a power struggle between key political actors, leading to the suspension of the elected governor and the imposition of a state of emergency. This move was followed by the appointment of a Sole Administrator to run the affairs of the state. Since then, there have been allegations of constitutional violations, suppression of democratic institutions, and growing public dissatisfaction.
The NBA’s decision to relocate its flagship annual event is the latest sign of how deeply the crisis has affected perceptions of governance and order in the state.
The joint statement was signed by:
– Cordelia U. Eke – Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch
– Hilda Desmond-lhekaire – Chairman, Ahoada Branch
-Simple Dioha – Chairman, Isiokpo Branch
– Abiye A. Abo – Chairman, Degema Branch
– Dr. N. A. Duson – Chairman, Bori Branch
– Dr. C. N. Nwankwo – Chairman, Okehi Branch
– Tampons A. Roberts – Chairman, Okrika Branch
– Ekeledinichukwu Ordu – Chairman, Omoku Branch
These legal professionals, representing the eight NBA branches in Rivers, reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and urged national leaders to act swiftly to restore peace and democracy in the state.
