NBA moves lawyers’ Annual General Conference to Enugu, says Port Harcourt not a justifiable venue 

The change was announced in a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the General Secretary; and Emeka Obegolu, SAN.

Osigwe explained that the decision to relocate the renowned NBA AGC to Enugu was necessitated by President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

He noted that the association convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on March 27, 2025, to deliberate on the matter.

He added that the overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed “unconstitutionally” by a Sole Administrator.

On March 19, 2025, Osigwe, SAN, had described the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as “unconstitutional” and concerning.

Naijaonpoint previously reported that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of escalating political unrest and violence in the oil-rich region, as well as the failure of relevant political stakeholders to embrace peace.

The President cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to declare a state of emergency in situations of national danger, disaster, or threats to public order and safety.

He also cited reports of sabotage of oil pipelines in the state, which have caused significant economic losses and environmental damage.

The development, however, was greeted with mixed reactions across board.

According to the NBA statement, the announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 AGC was initially met with widespread enthusiasm.

“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,” the NBA added.

The NBA NEC reaffirmed its position on Rivers State on the following grounds:

“Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC,” the NBA stated.

The NBA called on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support to the re-arrangement.