Port Harcourt Not A Justifiable Venue’ – NBA Takes’ Annual General Conference Of Lawyers To Enugu

This decision was disclosed in a joint statement released on Thursday, signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; the General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara; and Emeka Obegolu, SAN. The leadership of the association cited recent political developments in Rivers State, particularly the controversial appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as Sole Administrator, as the principal reason for the change.

According to President Osigwe, the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with hosting its premier annual gathering in a state currently under what it views as an unconstitutional governance arrangement. He highlighted that the decision was the outcome of extensive consultations, including meetings with leaders of NBA branches in Rivers State and an emergency session of the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on March 27, 2025.

Concerns Over Governance in Rivers State

The association’s decision stems from the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 19, 2025. This declaration was followed by the suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President Tinubu justified the move by invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, citing ongoing political instability, rising violence, and sabotage of critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, which have led to economic and environmental damages.However, the NBA leadership has expressed serious reservations about the constitutionality of these actions. They argue that the declaration of a state of emergency and subsequent governance by a Sole Administrator contravenes several sections of the Nigerian Constitution, including Sections 11, 188, and 305, which outline proper legislative procedures and checks on executive powers.

NBA’s Position on Rule of Law and Democratic Norms

The NEC of the NBA reaffirmed its stance, stating that the present political arrangement in Rivers State undermines democratic institutions and reflects a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The association noted that although the Sole Administrator wears civilian clothing, his method of administration resembles military rule, operating through executive fiat without regard to court orders, due process, or legislative oversight.

Furthermore, the NBA criticized the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency, which was reportedly executed via a voice vote, rather than the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority. The association described this as a “grave constitutional subversion” and emphasized that even a procedurally sound endorsement would not have legitimized what they consider an unlawful proclamation.

Implications for the NBA Annual General Conference

Initially, Port Harcourt was enthusiastically chosen as the host city for the 2025 AGC, a decision that was met with widespread excitement among legal practitioners and stakeholders. However, the prevailing political climate and ongoing legal controversies have significantly disrupted preparations and raised ethical concerns about proceeding with the event in the state.“In light of the current undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt no longer meets the standards of a suitable venue for a conference that celebrates justice, law, and democratic principles,” the NBA said.

NBA President Osigwe underscored that hosting the AGC in Port Harcourt under the present circumstances could be misconstrued as a silent endorsement of constitutional breaches. He urged members of the legal profession and stakeholders nationwide to support the change of venue and rally behind the association’s stand for constitutionalism and the rule of law.

The 2025 AGC will now be held in Enugu, a city the NBA considers more aligned with its principles of democratic governance and legal integrity