Rivers demands N300m refund from NBA over relocation of 2025 conference - The Nation Newspaper (2025)

April 14, 2025 by Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Government has demanded a refund of N300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the state government criticized the NBA’s reasons for moving the event, despite having received payment for hosting rights.

“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its ‘principled position’— failed to address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference,” the statement read.

“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 statement insisted that the NBA’ reasons for the relocation of the event particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions had undermined democracy and the rule of law was misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prided itself on upholding justice and fairness.

It said the NBA’s statement overlooked the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers explaining that . The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.

The statement said President Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability.

“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution. To suggest that this intervention ‘flouts the rule of law’ is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period”.

It said in the event the NBA was not aware, the association should consult the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is unconstitutional, null, and void”.

The statement noted that contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the Sole Administrator had consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable and upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association.

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It said the sole administration had consistently respected judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which had guided the administration’s actions.

The statement said: “The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.

“Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey. Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA—as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy—to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives.

“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.”

TAGS:

Enugu

Nigerian Bar Association

Rivers State

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