The Rivers State government has requested that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) refund the ₦300 million allegedly paid as hosting rights for the association’s 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).
This demand was made under the leadership of Sole Administrator Ibokette Ibas, who stressed that the NBA must show integrity by returning the funds if it claims to uphold the principles it represents.
According to Naija News, the NBA recently announced its decision to relocate the upcoming AGC from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu. The move was justified on the grounds of “constitutional violations” within Rivers following a declared state of emergency.
The NBA criticized the current administrative structure in Rivers, describing it as a “military-style rule” that allegedly disrespects court rulings, constitutional norms, and ongoing legal matters.
This follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state assembly members by presidential order, which prompted the NBA to question the legality of the state’s leadership.
Reacting to the NBA’s decision, the Rivers State government released a statement on Monday, asserting that the emergency rule was a constitutional step to address a deteriorating political situation.
The statement, signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State government, criticized the NBA’s interpretation of the political situation and defended the emergency measures as a necessary path toward restoring order.
The administration expressed dissatisfaction over the NBA’s decision to change the conference venue despite what it believes to be a legally sound and constitutionally backed process.
The government added that, in light of the NBA’s choice, the ₦300 million should be returned if the association truly upholds justice and fairness. The statement read:
“Contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the sole administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable.
“Upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association. Respecting judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which have guided the administration’s actions.”
It further stated: “The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.”
“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association — despite its ‘principled position’ — didn’t address the refund of the ₦300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.”
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits.”
