The Rivers State Government has demanded a refund of N300 million allegedly paid to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the hosting rights of the association’s 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).
The demand follows the NBA’s decision to relocate the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing constitutional violations in Rivers State under the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 14, and signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, senior special assistant on media to the Rivers state government, the administration described the NBA’s stance as politically motivated and accused the legal body of failing to acknowledge the constitutional context behind the current governance structure in the state.
The NBA, on Friday, April 11, announced it had moved the 2025 AGC from Rivers to Enugu due to what it called “constitutional violations.” The association stated that Rivers was currently being governed by a sole administrator—Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired military officer—who it claimed was operating in a manner that disregarded constitutional norms, court rulings, and ongoing legal matters.
This follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers in March, citing a prolonged political crisis. Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
Responding to the NBA’s decision, the Rivers government insisted the emergency measures were necessary to restore order and democratic institutions in the face of governance breakdown. The statement defended the current administration’s actions, stating that the sole administrator has consistently pledged to respect judicial pronouncements and uphold citizens’ rights.
“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 government also took issue with the NBA’s silence on the funds it said were already paid for the conference, calling for the immediate return of the N300 million.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The NBA had previously announced in August 2024 that the 2025 AGC would be held in Rivers State.
