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NBA Relocates 2025 Annual General Conference To Enugu Over Constitutional Crisis In Rivers State

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The decision follows what the association describes as the unconstitutional governance structure currently in place in Rivers State.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially announced that its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) will no longer be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but has been relocated to Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.

 

The decision follows what the association describes as the unconstitutional governance structure currently in place in Rivers State.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday and signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN (President), Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara (General Secretary), and Emeka Obegolu, SAN (Chairman, AGC Planning Committee), the NBA said the relocation was necessitated by the prevailing state of emergency and the unconstitutional appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State.

 

“The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time,” the statement read.

 

“We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025.

“The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”

The association expressed deep concern over the appointment of a retired military officer as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, noting that the official has shown disregard for constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation.

“Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule,” the statement declared.

“His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity.”

The NBA’s NEC further described the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, as a violation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

It criticised the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency via voice vote, noting that it fell short of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, amounting to “a grave constitutional subversion.”

“Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimise an unconstitutional proclamation,” the NEC noted.

Prior to the emergency declaration, registration for the conference had soared, reflecting the eagerness of members to attend the Port Harcourt event.

However, the political instability in Rivers State halted preparations and sparked wide calls for the NBA to reconsider its position.

“To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law,” the NBA said.

 

Following a decisive NEC resolution and consultations with its members, the NBA announced Enugu as the new host city for the 2025 AGC.

The association cited Enugu’s historical significance, available infrastructure, and commitment to democratic governance as reasons for the choice.

“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu,” the statement said.

“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”

The NBA emphasised its commitment to constitutional order and democratic values, stating that its decision underscores the legal profession’s role in defending the rule of law.

“May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

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Commissioner of Police orders prompt medical care for sick suspects in Abia Command

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Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa has charged officers in the Command to maintain professionalism, avoid corruption, and strictly adhere to the NPF social media policy.

He has also directed that suspects must not be detained beyond 24 hours for bailable offences and that sick suspects must receive prompt medical attention.

CP Danladi, who gave the directive during the Command’s monthly conference, which was attended by Area Commanders, DPOs, Heads of Departments and Tactical Commanders, warned that senior officers would be held vicariously liable for misconducts by their subordinates, hence they must ensure proper supervision of officers under them.

He further prohibited Point of Sales, (PoS) operations within Police premises and urged officers to secure their bases, protect government infrastructure, and work in synergy with Mayors of local governments and the public for effective crime-fighting.

The Commissioner of Police, who commended the officers for their dedication to duties, said that greater responsibility is required from them.

He further recognised the the PRO of the Abia Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka for receiving award from the Inspector General of Police and for completing a short course on New Media Capacity Building in China.

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Nigerian govt agencies to unlock $25bn revenue through electricity, digital development

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Two Nigerian government agencies, the Galaxy Backbone and the Rural Electrification Agency, have signed a partnership to provide electricity and digital connectivity to schools, hospitals, and other public institutions across the country.

This comes as the federal government agencies said the initiative is expected to help unlock $25 billion in revenue annually associated with the lack of electricity and other infrastructural development in Nigeria.

This was made known during a Memorandum of Understanding signing event in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanyu, said it would ensure effectiveness in government services to Nigerians.

He explained that the collaboration will ensure that hospitals, universities, security outfits, and government institutions have access to electricity and digital connectivity.

“We are going to target public institutions to make them more efficient and reduce the cost of governance.

“Already, we are looking at starting with a number of federal institutions within Abuja, including the National Hospital and some security outfit institutions within Abuja, and we would like to work this infrastructure deployment to get out of Galaxy Backbone, Abuja.

“Imagine providing access to the internet and electricity to the lowest micro-level of the sub-national, the local government level. Imagine how we would transform local government administration. And this is very much also in line with Mr. President, where the roles and responsibilities of local government have been brought back to make them more effective and to make sure that governance has gone down to the community level,” he stated.

On his part, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the MoU is an effort by President Bola Ahmed to drive inclusive development in Nigeria.

He emphasised that the initiative would unlock $25 billion annually associated with lack of electricity and infrastructural development in the country.

According to him, the partnership will ensure that no community is left behind in Tinubu’s government’s renewed hope agenda and the realisation of its $1 trillion economy target.

“For us, today (Friday), we are showing and demonstrating how two different government agencies can collaborate towards the development of this country. Today, we are showing we are planting the seed to unlock a $25 billion economy. The cost of lack of electricity and associated development initiatives within the country is costing the country $25 billion annually.

“Today, we are looking at contributing to the objective of Mr. President towards the realisation of the $1 trillion economy. Today, we are planting the seed for the development of small, medium, and micro enterprises across the country. Today, we are enhancing the governance of this country by making public institutions more efficient, operating with less cost, and also having all the necessary digital requirements for them to carry out their own functions.

“The nexus between electricity, financial inclusion, and the digital economy cannot be overemphasised. We have seen it over and over in the study that wherever there is no electricity, there is no financial inclusion, and there is no digital value that has been created within those communities. Nigeria has the highest number of people without electricity, which by extension means that the country has the highest number of people that are financially excluded, and they are not reaping the benefit of the digital economy,” he stated.

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Jigawa police arrest man for alleged murder of sister over land dispute

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The Jigawa State Police Command said it investigating a tragic case of culpable homicide that occurred on July 1, 2025, around in Galadanchi village, Dutse local government where a 70-year-old man allegedly killed his sister over a land dispute.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, one Adamu Yakubu aged 70 of Galadanchi village, allegedly struck his sister, Hannatu Hashimu aged 45yrs of the same address with a stick during a heated argument over the sharing of family inheritance land.

The altercation, which began as a verbal disagreement, allegedly escalated into physical violence, with the suspect attacking the victim with a stick.

The Police spokesman, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, in a statement on Friday said the deceased exited the house bitterly and fainted upon entering the matrimonial house.

She was rushed to Dutse General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by the medical doctor on duty.

According to him: “The suspect was arrested and is currently in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

“The assault stick was recovered and kept as an exhibit.”

The Command has condemned the incident and reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served.

The Command also urged members of the public to seek peaceful and legal ways to resolve family and land-related disputes.

“Following the completion of the investigation, the suspect will be arraigned in court.”

“The Jigawa State Police Command expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased and assures the public that justice will be served,” he added.

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