How Rivers State Crisis Made NBA Relocate To Enugu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has made a significant decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu. This shift comes in response to serious concerns about constitutional violations and the declining state of democracy in Rivers State.
This announcement was made in a joint statement released on Thursday by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Emeka Obegolu (SAN), who chairs the AGC Planning Committee.
Initially, registration for the Port Harcourt event was strong, indicating considerable interest among NBA members. However, the political atmosphere took a sharp turn after the federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, which included the controversial appointment of a retired military officer as Sole Administrator.
The NBA criticized this administrator's leadership, referring to it as “military governance in civilian clothing.” They argued that his actions threaten the independence of democratic institutions in the state, stating, “This approach disregards the rule of law and democratic accountability. It’s a governance model that has no place in a constitutional democracy.”
Following discussions with NBA leaders in Rivers and an urgent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 27, the decision to relocate was made. During this meeting, the NEC strongly condemned the suspension of elected officials and the National Assembly’s decision to approve the administrator’s appointment through a voice vote, which bypassed the required two-thirds majority.
“To hold our main event under these conditions would be to endorse something unconstitutional,” the statement emphasized.
Reiterating its commitment to democratic values, the NBA confirmed that the 2025 AGC will now occur in Enugu, a city celebrated for its rich legal history and solid infrastructure. “Enugu is more than capable—it’s ready. Our preparations are underway, and we believe this year’s conference will exceed expectations and set new benchmarks,” they added.
This relocation has garnered attention from civic groups and legal experts, who view it as a strong symbolic stand against authoritarian practices in governance. As the preparations move forward, the NBA asserts its determination not to stay quiet amid the decline of democracy, positioning itself as a staunch advocate for Nigeria's constitutional integrity.
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