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The Rivers government has asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the hosting rights of the legal body’s 2025 annual conference.
The state government, under the leadership of the sole administrator, said if the NBA is truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the sum.
BACKGROUND
Last Friday, the NBA moved its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt in Rivers to Enugu.
The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation,” the NBA had said.
The decision came weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a protracted political crisis.
The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.
‘NBA SHOULD DEMONSTRATE INTEGRITY’
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.”
In August 2024, Afam Osigwe, NBA president, announced that the 2025 AGC would hold in Rivers state.
[TheCable]