The Rivers State Government has demanded the immediate refund of ₦300 million paid to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for hosting rights of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC). This follows the NBA’s decision to relocate the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing constitutional violations in Rivers State under its current administration.
The NBA announced the relocation on April 11, attributing its decision to governance concerns stemming from the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as Sole Administrator.
In a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Government, the administration criticized the NBA for politicizing the issue while failing to address the refund of taxpayer money already paid for hosting rights. “If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits,” the statement read.
The Rivers government defended its emergency administration, describing it as a constitutional response to restore governance and stability. It accused the NBA of ignoring Supreme Court rulings that validated key decisions made during this transitional period.
As tensions escalate between Rivers State and the NBA, no official response has been issued by the association regarding the refund demand. The controversy underscores broader debates about governance and accountability in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
