The Rivers State Government has asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to return the N300 million it received as hosting rights for its 2025 Annual General Conference, following the association’s decision to move the scheduled conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
This call came from the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who expressed surprise that the NBA, after publicly criticizing the state’s leadership, has remained silent about refunding the money already paid.
Speaking through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas described the NBA’s reason for the conference relocation as “misleading and uncharitable.” He added that while the NBA has the right to choose where to host its event, fairness demands that it should also return the funds already disbursed by the Rivers State Government.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should show integrity by promptly returning the N300 million, instead of benefitting from a state it now criticizes,” the statement read.
The NBA had claimed that its decision was based on concerns that democratic norms and the rule of law were being undermined in Rivers State. But the state government pushed back, saying those claims ignore the constitutional backing for the current administration.
The Sole Administrator explained that his appointment followed the declaration of a state of emergency aimed at restoring order and democracy in the state. He pointed to a Supreme Court ruling which invalidated certain local government elections, backing the legal basis of recent decisions taken by the administration.
Ibas also challenged the NBA to engage more constructively rather than fueling tension. “We expect the NBA—as a respected body of legal minds—to offer solutions, not amplify political sentiments,” he said.
