He noted that President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with his constitutional powers, declared a state of emergency in Rivers to restore order after a breakdown in governance. The appointment of a Sole Administrator, he stressed, is part of a transitional plan to return the state to democratic rule.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers State Government has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million paid for hosting rights following the association’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
The demand was made on Monday in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the media aide to the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Hector Igbikiowubo.
Reacting to the NBA’s announcement on April 10, 2025, Ibas described the association’s stated reasons for the relocation as both misleading and unfair. He emphasized that although the NBA is free to choose its preferred venue, it must address the financial commitment already made by the Rivers State Government.
“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its so-called principled position—has not acknowledged the need to refund the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights,” the statement read in part.
He added that if the NBA is truly driven by principle, it should reciprocate with integrity by returning the funds, especially as it now seeks to distance itself from a state it previously partnered with.
The NBA had cited concerns about the political climate in Rivers State, alleging that the Sole Administrator’s appointment was a deviation from democratic norms. But Ibas countered this, stating that the association’s stance ignored the constitutional basis and judicial backing of the current administration.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with his constitutional powers, declared a state of emergency in Rivers to restore order after a breakdown in governance. The appointment of a Sole Administrator, he stressed, is part of a transitional plan to return the state to democratic rule.
Ibas referenced a Supreme Court judgment in the case SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. RSIEC & Nine Others), where the court declared local government elections conducted in violation of the Electoral Act as unconstitutional. He said this ruling affirms the legitimacy of decisions taken by the current administration.
He accused the NBA of politicizing a complex constitutional matter and urged the association to engage more constructively, rather than fueling divisive rhetoric.
“Rivers State is navigating a difficult but essential period in its democratic evolution. The NBA, as a respected institution, should support rather than undermine efforts to stabilize and rebuild the system,” the statement said.
Vice Admiral Ibas reiterated his commitment to restoring democratic governance and called on the NBA and other stakeholders to work with the state in fostering peace and progress.
Join our Channel...