Rivers NBA Branch Chairmen Protest Exclusion from 2025 AGC Committee, Threaten Boycott

Preparations for the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt have been rocked by a protest from the chairmen of Rivers State’s eight NBA branches, who have expressed their strong disapproval over being excluded from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

In a letter addressed to NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the chairmen voiced their concerns, calling their exclusion a breach of longstanding NBA traditions. They warned that unless their involvement in the LOC is reinstated, they may consider boycotting the event, stressing that their participation is vital for upholding the integrity of the conference.

“It is shocking that this tradition is being breached in the case of the 2025 AGC,” the chairmen wrote. “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 the leaders of all eight branches, was also forwarded to Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee. Speculation has surrounded Obegolu’s political ambitions, with many wondering if his handling of the AGC planning could affect his pursuit of the NBA presidency. The protest has stirred memories of a similar controversy in the past, when a previous AGC Planning Committee Chairman faced backlash over a conference fee hike, which tarnished his reputation.

In response, the Transparency Lawyers Initiative (TLI), a group critical of the protest, accused the chairmen of acting out of self-interest and bypassing consultation with their branch members. The TLI argued that the protest did not reflect the views of the majority of lawyers in Rivers State, suggesting that personal ambitions were fueling 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,” stated TLI leader Chetam Thierry Nwala. “It’s unfortunate and divisive, undermining unity for personal gain.”

The TLI expressed their support for the current LOC Chairman, Rivers State Attorney General Mr. Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, and urged NBA President Osigwe to proceed with the inauguration of the LOC. They called on the protesting chairmen to focus on the collective interests of their branches instead of personal agendas.

The growing dispute highlights deep divisions within the NBA, raising concerns about leadership and unity as the AGC approaches. With political ramifications at stake, NBA President Osigwe is expected to intervene to address the grievances and ensure the success of the event, but tensions remain high.