The Nigerian Bar Association has declared that the actions of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), undermine democratic institutions and processes.
According to the NBA, Ibas has been operating with disregard for constitutional provisions and ongoing litigation.
In protest against the state of emergency rule in the state, the NBA relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference, originally scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, to Enugu.
In a statement signed by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, and the Chair of the conference, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the association stated that the presence of a sole administrator would no longer allow the Garden City to remain the host city.
The statement partly read, “Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced 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. 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 NBA maintained that the development prompted members to call for a change of venue, and the voices grew stronger over time.
“A meeting was convened in this regard with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State. An emergency session of the National Executive Council was held on March 27, 2025, and there was an overwhelming consensus that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.
“The NEC also unanimously agreed that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution, and 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, stressing that even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimise 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 the NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact,” the statement concluded.
