1 week Ago By John Chuks Azu
By John Chuks Azu The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has relocated its scheduled Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu State due to the emergency rule in the state. The President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), disclosed in a letter dated 10th April, 2025 and made available to newsmen. He said the relocation was the overwhelming position of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the broader membership of the association.
He said the initial plan to hold the conference in Port Harcourt was met with widespread enthusiasm, but the state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, and the appointment of a retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator stalled preparations for the conference. “Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation, the letter reads. NiMet predicts 3-day heavy rainfall, strong winds Kidnappers release Kaduna pastor, detain church official who delivered ransom “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 statement reads: “The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution.
The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation. “Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC.
To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law. “The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.
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