Rivers State Demands N300 Million Refund from NBA After Conference Relocation

The Rivers State Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called upon the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million paid by the state government for the hosting rights of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference, following the association’s decision to relocate the event to Enugu. This demand comes amidst escalating political tensions and constitutional debates surrounding the state’s governance.

The NBA’s decision to move the conference stems from its strong condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The association argues that these actions violate Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the president lacks the authority to remove a sitting governor.

“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,” stated Hector Igbikiowubo, spokesperson for Mr. Ibas, in a statement released on Monday.

The NBA’s stance is rooted in its assertion that hosting the conference in Port Harcourt would equate to endorsing what it deems as “illegality.” The association has criticized the current administration, led by a retired military officer appointed as a sole administrator, for operating in a “command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigations.”

“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a sole administrator, who operates within a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigations,” the NBA declared in a recent statement.

Mr. Ibas, in his reaction, emphasized the state’s challenging democratic phase and urged the NBA to engage constructively. “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,” he said.

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However, a lawyer familiar with the conference, speaking anonymously, countered that the funds were not a condition for hosting the event. “There was no such contract. Rivers State gave money to the NBA, not as a condition for hosting the conference in the state. The NBA has incurred losses due to the cancellation. Are we also going to ask Rivers State for a refund?” the source questioned, while noting that the NBA has already incurred costs, such as branded tags and bags, related to the original venue.

The ongoing political strife, exacerbated by the feud between Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara, has drawn widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, founder of Albinism Foundation, Jake Epelle, and former governor of the state, Ada George, have all voiced their disapproval of the emergency rule.

“The administrator was sent to make regulations, not appointments,” Mr. Epelle stated, highlighting the perceived overreach of the appointed administrator. Mr. George also criticized Mr. Ibas for dissolving government agencies and appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, has not yet responded to requests for comment. As the situation unfolds, the financial and political implications of the conference relocation continue to fuel public discourse and legal debates.