The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing what it described as “unconstitutional and undemocratic developments” in Rivers State.
In a statement released after an emergency session of its National Executive Council (NEC), the NBA said the decision was in direct response to recent actions by the federal government, including the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of key elected officials.
President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and pipeline vandalism. As part of the measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. A sole administrator was also appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
The NBA condemned these actions as a breach of constitutional provisions, warning that such moves could erode democratic governance in Nigeria. According to the association, the President does not possess the legal authority to suspend elected officials unilaterally, as this violates Sections 305 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
“Holding our conference in a state where democratic values are being undermined would be inconsistent with the principles we stand for,” the NBA NEC said, adding that Enugu was selected for its continued commitment to constitutional order.
The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference will now take place in Enugu from August 23 to 30.
The association called on the National Assembly to resist attempts to legitimize the emergency declaration and urged all stakeholders to defend the constitution and the rule of law.
