The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) preparations for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt have been marred by controversy, with Rivers State’s eight NBA branch chairmen protesting their exclusion from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

In a letter to NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the chairmen expressed their discontent, calling the omission a violation of long-established NBA traditions. They warned of a potential boycott unless their concerns were addressed, stressing that their involvement in the LOC is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the event.

“It is shocking that this tradition is being breached in the case of the 2025 AGC,” the letter read. “We were not informed about the AGC Planning Committee’s efforts, and now, our role in managing the LOC has been hijacked. This undermines the host branches and could lead to a boycott.”

The protest letter, signed by leaders from all eight branches, was also sent to Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, amid speculation that he might be eyeing the NBA presidency. The protest has raised concerns about the impact on his political aspirations, recalling a past controversy over a conference fee hike that damaged the reputation of a former AGC Planning Committee Chairman.

In response, the Transparency Lawyers Initiative (TLI), a group critical of the protest, accused the chairmen of acting out of self-interest without consulting their branch members. The TLI argued that the protest was not representative of the majority of lawyers in Rivers State, suggesting personal ambitions were driving the dispute.

“We believe this protest stems from the failure to appoint the NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chairman as the LOC Chair or Alternate Chair,” said TLI leader Chetam Thierry Nwala. “It’s unfortunate and divisive, undermining unity for personal gain.”

The TLI voiced support for the current LOC Chairman, Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr. Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, and urged NBA President Osigwe to proceed with the LOC’s inauguration. They called on the protesting chairmen to prioritize the interests of their branches, rather than personal agendas.

The disagreement has exposed deep divides within the NBA, raising questions about leadership and unity ahead of the AGC. As tensions simmer, NBA President Osigwe is expected to step in to address the grievances and ensure the event’s success, with potential political ramifications looming.

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