Enugu, Nigeria – April 10, 2024 – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced a change in venue for its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC). Originally slated for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the conference will now be held in Enugu, the historic Coal City of Nigeria.
The decision comes following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the sole administrator appointed by the federal government. The NBA expressed concerns regarding the "unfortunate turn of events" and the "undemocratic developments" in the state, citing the administrator's "command-style approach," which they believe undermines democratic institutions and processes.
In a statement released on April 10th, the NBA highlighted the unconstitutional nature of the state of emergency, referencing sections of the 1999 Constitution. They argued that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes constitutional provisions and that the justification provided by the National Assembly for the state of emergency was flawed.
The NBA concluded that the circumstances in Rivers State would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations if the conference were to proceed as planned. Therefore, they deemed Port Harcourt unsuitable as a venue for the 2025 AGC.
The association has now chosen Enugu as the new location, citing the city's infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of their scale. They have pledged to work diligently to ensure a successful and impactful conference in Enugu.
The statement was jointly signed by Afam Osigwe, SAN (President); Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara (General Secretary); and Emeka Obegolu (Chair, AGCPC), calling on all members and stakeholders to unite and support the new venue.
