Rivers State Government has requested that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) refund a sum of N300 million, which was reportedly paid for the hosting rights of the NBA’s 2025 annual conference.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state’s administration, led by a sole administrator, has stressed that if the NBA is genuinely committed to its principles, it should return this amount.
The NBA, last week, announced it would relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers, to Enugu. The decision was based on concerns regarding “constitutional violations” occurring in Rivers, particularly in light of the emergency rule imposed in the state by President Bola Tinubu
Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers due to an ongoing political crisis, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the house of assembly for a duration of six months. The President appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a statement on Monday, the government said the NBA’s position “overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers state”.
The statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Government, said the declaration of the emergency rule in the state was a “necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes”.
“Contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the sole administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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 N300 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.”
