Soseipiriye Long Williams, Esq., former Chairman of the Eastern Bar Forum and a prominent candidate for First Vice President in the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Elections, has lauded the NBA’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, Enugu State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
In a statement titled “It’s Better Late Than Never!!!”, Williams described the move as a bold affirmation of the NBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, earning “huge and profound applause” from the legal community.
Williams, a vocal critic of the NBA National Executive Council’s earlier indecision regarding the AGC venue, had previously called for clarity amid escalating concerns over the suitability of Port Harcourt as a host city. His remarks followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial proclamation on 18th March 2025, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspending the elected Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, along with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The National Assembly confirmed the proclamation on 20th March 2025, prompting swift condemnation from the NBA, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who described the actions as “illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires.”
The suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State triggered widespread agitation among legal practitioners and the public, with many urging the NBA to either relocate the AGC or cancel it outright. Critics argued that hosting the conference in a state where the rule of law was under siege would undermine the NBA’s motto of promoting constitutional governance and justice.
In his statement, Williams commended the NBA’s leadership for heeding these concerns, asserting that the decision to shift the AGC to Enugu reflects a principled stand against acquiescing to unconstitutional acts. “The NBA has stuck to its motto of promoting the Rule of Law, as the NBA AGC cannot hold in a state where the rule of law and justice have been flouted, raped, and abused,” he declared. Quoting Themistocles from Rise of an Empire, Williams added, “It’s better to die on our feet than to live on our knees,” emphasizing that the NBA’s resolve to relocate the conference demonstrates its refusal to compromise its integrity. “If we perish, we perish,” he concluded.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
