According to the NBA, the governance style of the Sole Administrator mirrors military rule, despite his civilian garb. The association accused him of operating with a command approach, sidelining court decisions, disregarding pending litigation, and flouting the Constitution.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conduct of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), describing his actions as a blatant subversion of constitutional governance and an affront to democratic institutions.
In protest, the association announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing the prevailing political atmosphere in Rivers State, which it described as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
The NBA’s decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN; General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara; and Chair of the AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN. The statement noted that although registration numbers had soared prior to the political crisis in the state, the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, dampened preparations and momentum.
“Port Harcourt was set to host a historic AGC with overwhelming enthusiasm from our members. However, the political events that unfolded have made it impossible for us to continue with our plans in good conscience,” the statement read in part.
According to the NBA, the governance style of the Sole Administrator mirrors military rule, despite his civilian garb. The association accused him of operating with a command approach, sidelining court decisions, disregarding pending litigation, and flouting the Constitution.
The legal body stressed that the imposition of a Sole Administrator and the suspension of elected state officials violate the provisions of Sections 11 and 188 of the Nigerian Constitution. It also raised concerns about the manner in which the National Assembly purportedly ratified the state of emergency—through a voice vote instead of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority—describing it as a “grave constitutional subversion.”
In response to mounting calls from its members, the NBA convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) session on March 27, 2025. During the meeting, which also involved consultations with NBA branch chairmen in Rivers State, there was unanimous agreement that the association could not endorse the ongoing constitutional violations by proceeding with its flagship event in Rivers.
“Even if due process had been followed, it would not validate the appointment of a Sole Administrator in a democratic setting,” the association stated.
The NBA reaffirmed its stance on upholding the rule of law, asserting that it will not be complicit in legitimising what it views as an unlawful usurpation of constitutional order.
“Given the prevailing anti-democratic climate in Rivers, Port Harcourt can no longer serve as a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. Our relocation to Enugu is a principled decision, consistent with our commitment to constitutional democracy,” the statement concluded.
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