The Rivers State Government has issued an official response regarding the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)’s announcement on April 10, 2025, relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu. While the Rivers State Government acknowledges the NBA’s right to choose its event locations, it questions the reasons provided for this decision, particularly the claim that the actions of the Sole Administrator have undermined democracy and the rule of law.
In its statement, the Rivers State Government clarified the context surrounding the state of emergency declaration, stating that it was a necessary move to address a breakdown in public order and democratic processes. According to the government, President Bola Tinubu acted within his constitutional rights to restore stability in the state.
The Sole Administrator, they assert, has a clear mandate to manage a transitional phase leading back to full democratic governance, in alignment with the Constitution. The government also highlighted that claims suggesting the administration “flouts the rule of law” are misleading and overlook important Supreme Court rulings that have supported its actions.
The statement referred to a significant judgment by the Supreme Court in the case of Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission), which declared any local government election held in violation of the Electoral Act as “unconstitutional, null, and void.”
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The Rivers State Government emphasized that the Sole Administrator is committed to restoring democratic institutions swiftly, upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, and respecting judicial decisions, including those from the Supreme Court. They criticized the NBA for reducing a complex constitutional issue to what they describe as political sensationalism.
Addressing the issue of the ₦300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for hosting rights of the 2025 conference, the statement called into question the NBA’s principled stance. The Rivers State Government urged the association to reflect its integrity by refunding these funds instead of profiting from a state it now publicly discredits.
Lastly, the government appealed for constructive engagement from the NBA and other stakeholders, urging them to support the state during this challenging time rather than fostering tension. The Sole Administrator remains focused on stabilizing Rivers State and facilitating a return to full constitutional governance, and the government invites the NBA and other concerned Nigerians to join in this process for the sake of peace and progress.
