The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has responded to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the relocation of its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, demanding the refund of the N300 million hosting fee already paid by the state government for the 2025 conference.
In a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas described the NBA’s reasoning for the relocation as misleading and uncharitable. He noted that while the NBA has the right to select a conference venue, the association had not addressed the critical issue of the refund for the hosting rights fee already paid by the Rivers State Government.
The statement read in part: “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association, despite its ‘principled position,’ did not address the issue of refunding the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.”
Ibas pointed out that if the NBA truly stands by its principles, it should act with integrity and return the funds promptly, rather than benefiting from a state it has publicly criticized. The statement also referred to the NBA’s announcement on April 10, 2025, in which it announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
The Rivers State Government took issue with the reasons provided by the NBA, particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions had undermined democracy and the rule of law. Ibas called the NBA’s statements misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that claims to uphold justice and fairness.
He further explained that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was a necessary measure to restore order and stability in response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes. “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,” he stated.
Ibas also reminded the NBA of the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State, pointing out that the Supreme Court had ruled on several occasions that actions taken during this period were valid. He referred specifically to the landmark judgment in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission), where the court ruled that local government elections conducted in violation of the Electoral Act were unconstitutional.
The Sole Administrator emphasized that the NBA, as a respected body of legal professionals, should be aware that the constitutional issues in Rivers State were far more complex than the political sensationalism being portrayed. He called for constructive engagement from the NBA and other stakeholders, urging them to focus on providing solutions rather than contributing to divisive narratives.
Ibas reiterated his commitment to stabilizing the state and ensuring a smooth transition back to full constitutional governance. He called on the NBA and all well-meaning Nigerians to support this process, in the interest of peace and progress for the state and the country.
