By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has made a change in the venue of its 2025 Annual General Conference earlier scheduled for Port Harcourt in Rivers State, to Enugu.
A statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association said the decision was driven by recent political developments that undermine the rule of law and democratic order in Rivers State.
Following the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, the Association declared the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) to oversee the Administration of the State as unconstitutional.
To further reaffirm its position, NBA said the decision to change the venue was made after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. At that meeting, members voted to allow the National Executive Committee and the AGC Planning Committee to conduct further investigations and consultations on the venue.
According to the Association, “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.
“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.
“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.
“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”
