*Vow to boycott the Conference

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, preparations for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt have been overshadowed by controversy as the Chairmen of the eight NBA branches in Rivers State have protested the constitution of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

In a letter addressed to NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Chairmen expressed displeasure at their exclusion from the LOC’s formation and inauguration, which they described as a breach of long-standing NBA tradition. They warned that unless their concerns were addressed, they would boycott the conference.

The letter, signed by leaders from all eight branches, stated:

“It is shocking that this tradition is being breached in the case of the 2025 AGC holding in Rivers State, as the Branch Chairmen are not aware of the plans of the AGC Planning Committee to date, and now have their role of anchoring the LOC hijacked. Anything else would be undermining the Host NBA Branches and their members, and will compel the NBA Branches in Rivers State to boycott the said AGC.”

The protest letter was copied to Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, who is rumored to be considering a bid for the NBA presidency when the leadership rotates to his region.

The protest raised concerns about how the AGC’s success or failure might impact his prospects, recalling how a similar controversy over a conference fee hike affected the reputation of a former AGC Planning Committee Chairman, who is now planning to contest for the NBA presidency.

In response, a group known as the Transparency Lawyers Initiative (TLI) criticized the branch Chairmen’s protest, claiming it does not reflect the views of the majority of lawyers in Rivers State.

According to a statement signed by Chetam Thierry Nwala, leader of TLI, the Chairmen acted independently without consulting branch members, and their protest stems from personal interests rather than collective branch concerns.

The group further stated: “We are aware that this protest is as a result of the failure of the President to appoint the NBA PH

Branch Chairman as Chairman of the LOC or Alternate Chairman. This is very sad and unfortunate and only aimed at causing disunity and disaffection amongst members of the branch against the National Executive because of the personal interest of an individual.”

The Transparency Lawyers Initiative expressed confidence in the LOC Chairman, Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr. Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, describing him as capable of delivering a successful conference. They urged the NBA President to proceed with the LOC’s inauguration despite the protests.

“We urge the branch Chairmen to remember that they represent the branches and not their personal interest. NBA is not their personal property and should not be treated as such.”

The ongoing dispute highlights broader concerns about leadership and unity within the NBA as the organization navigates preparations for the AGC. Observers note that Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, must carefully manage these tensions to avoid any reputational damage that could affect his future leadership aspirations.

The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, is expected to address the grievances raised to ensure a unified and successful conference. As the AGC Planning Committee works to resolve the impasse, all eyes are on the NBA leadership to navigate this sensitive issue effectively, particularly with potential presidential campaigns looming on the horizon.

In this article: