The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing constitutional breaches and the imposition of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State as the primary reasons.

In a strongly worded statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGCPC Chair Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the association condemned the state of emergency declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which it says contravenes the 1999 Constitution.

\"Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator... Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule,\" the statement read.

The NBA expressed grave concern over the suspension of elected officials and democratic structures, labeling the ratification process by the National Assembly as a \"grave constitutional subversion,\" particularly because it was conducted via voice vote instead of the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority.

An emergency session of the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on March 27 concluded that the AGC could not, in good conscience, be hosted in a state governed unconstitutionally.

“Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue,” the NEC resolved.

The conference, which had seen an enthusiastic response and soaring registration figures before the state of emergency, will now take place in Enugu — the historic Coal City — which the NBA described as having the necessary infrastructure and capacity to host the event.

\"We are confident that this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference,\" the NBA stated, while calling on members and stakeholders to lend their full support in ensuring a seamless transition.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles, stating that holding the AGC in Rivers State under the current political climate would amount to tacit approval of unconstitutional governance.