The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Enugu, citing concerns over undemocratic governance and constitutional violations in Rivers.
In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN; General Secretary, Dr. Monolaji Ojibara; and AGC Planning Committee Chair, Emeka Obegelu, SAN, the association condemned recent developments in Rivers State, where a Sole Administrator has replaced democratically elected officials.
During an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) session on March 27, members unanimously agreed that hosting the conference in Rivers would contradict the NBA’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The NEC described the state of emergency declared in Rivers as unconstitutional, violating Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It also criticized the National Assembly’s use of a voice vote, instead of the required two-thirds majority, to ratify actions against elected officials, calling it a “grave constitutional subversion.”
The NBA emphasized that regardless of procedure, any support for unconstitutional governance cannot be legitimized and reaffirmed its stance in defense of democratic principles.
The full statement:
