Rivers State Government Threatens Legal Action Against NBA Over Conference Relocation
The Rivers State Government has announced a potential legal challenge against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to reclaim N300 million, following the NBA’s decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Hector Igbikiowubo, media aide to the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the government asserted that the funds were not a donation, as claimed by the NBA, but were provided under the explicit agreement that Port Harcourt would serve as the venue for the upcoming conference.
The statement emphasized that the N300 million was transferred with a mutual understanding of the hosting rights, clarifying, “The Rivers State Government’s records indicate that the payment was made with the clear expectation that Rivers State would be the host city for the 2025 edition of the NBA AGC.” The government underscored that this arrangement was entered into with good faith, aimed at bringing substantial economic benefits to local businesses and the community as a whole.
The Rivers State Government expressed strong disapproval of the NBA’s decision to unilaterally change the conference location, terming it a breach of trust. The statement warned that if the NBA did not return the N300 million promptly, the state would pursue legal measures to recover the funds, describing it as “the property of the good people of Rivers State.”
While the Rivers Government is open to partnering with various professional organizations, including the NBA, it explicitly stated that it would not tolerate exploitation of its resources and communities. “We reaffirm our commitment to engaging with all professional bodies, but we will not accept any form of exploitation from the Rivers State Government,” the statement read.
In response, the NBA rejected the Sole Administrator’s assertions, insisting that the N300 million was a goodwill donation devoid of any formal agreement regarding hosting rights. Emeka Obegolu (SAN), Chair of the 2025 AGC Planning Committee, stated that the NBA is entitled to relocate the event and is under no obligation to reimburse the funds.
The decision to move the conference was influenced by recent political developments in Rivers State, including the federal government’s imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) criticized the governance situation in Rivers, likening it to a military regime, stating that although the Sole Administrator may appear civilian, the governance style undermines democratic institutions and the rule of law.
In contrast, the Sole Administrator accused the NBA of politicizing the state’s situation and failing to recognize the constitutional processes that led to the emergency declaration. Ibas argued that the NBA’s decision to relocate the AGC while keeping the N300 million was hypocritical. “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 remarked.
Join our Channel...