The Nigerian Bar Affiliation (NBA) has introduced the relocation of its 2025 Annual Common Convention (AGC) from Rivers State to Enugu, citing the continued democratic disaster within the state.
The choice, confirmed by the NBA on Thursday, follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The convention, initially scheduled for Port Harcourt from August 22 to 29, 2025, has now been rescheduled to Enugu, a metropolis deemed extra aligned with the rules of constitutional democracy.
The assertion issued by the affiliation learn:
“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Backyard Metropolis, would host the 2025 Annual Common Convention (AGC) of our Affiliation was met with widespread enthusiasm. Certainly, previous to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the joy and eagerness of members to attend. Nonetheless, the unlucky flip of occasions in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected superior preparations for the Convention.”
Based on the NBA, the state is at the moment beneath the administration of a retired navy officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator. This appointment, the NBA says, has led to a “command-style” governance that ignores constitutional provisions and courtroom choices. The affiliation additional criticized the administrator’s strategy, stating that it undermines democratic establishments and disregards the rule of legislation.
The assertion continued, “At present, Rivers State is being ruled by a retired navy officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style strategy that disregards constitutional provisions, courtroom choices, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic establishments and processes, flouting the rule of legislation with impunity. Although clad in civilian apparel, he governs as if the state is beneath navy rule.”
This case, the physique mentioned prompted rising calls from NBA members to maneuver the convention, resulting in emergency conferences, together with a session of the Nationwide Government Council (NEC) on March 27, 2025. The NEC overwhelmingly agreed that holding the AGC in a state ruled by a Sole Administrator wouldn’t be in step with the affiliation’s values.
The NBA additionally emphasised that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers violated a number of constitutional provisions. The assertion acknowledged:
“The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Part 305 of the 1999 Structure. It additional famous that the suspension of elected officers and democratic establishments contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Structure. The purported ratification by the Nationwide Meeting, executed by way of voice vote moderately than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority quantities to a grave constitutional subversion. Even when the right process had been adopted, it could not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.”
Consequently, the affiliation says Port Harcourt might now not be thought-about an acceptable venue for the AGC, fearing that holding the occasion there would tacitly endorse the unconstitutional developments within the state.
“Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can now not be thought-about a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To carry our flagship occasion in such circumstances would quantity to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of legislation. The NBA has taken a principled place in accordance with the legislation: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming place of NEC and the broader membership, we’re compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state the place constitutional democracy stays intact.”
The NBA expressed confidence that the brand new venue wouldn’t have an effect on the success of the convention and referred to as on members and stakeholders to assist the transition.
“We’re happy to announce that the 2025 Annual Common Convention will now be held within the historic Coal Metropolis of Enugu. Town possesses the infrastructure and capability to host a convention of our scale and significance. We’re assured that, with concerted efforts, this transformation of venue is not going to compromise our dedication to delivering a profitable and impactful Convention.”
