The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing the recent imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.

In a joint statement by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGCPC Chair Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association condemned the appointment of a sole administrator—retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas—describing his leadership as unconstitutional and militaristic.

The NBA said hosting its flagship event in Rivers would amount to endorsing the suspension of democratic institutions, which it noted violated sections of the 1999 Constitution. The NEC reached a unanimous decision to relocate the event during an emergency session on March 27.

Enugu has now been confirmed as the new venue, with the NBA expressing confidence in the city’s capacity to host the major legal gathering.