The Rivers State Government has vowed to take legal action against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over a disputed N300 million payment linked to the now-relocated 2025 Annual General Conference.
According to the state government, the funds were disbursed with the clear understanding that Port Harcourt would host the event. The NBA, however, has relocated the conference to Enugu, citing the state’s political instability.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the media aide to the State Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the government insisted the money was not a mere donation but part of a mutual agreement.
“For clarity, the Rivers State Government’s records show that the payment of N300m to the NBA was made with the mutual understanding that Rivers State would host the 2025 edition of the NBA AGC,” the statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the State Sole Administrator, accused the NBA of breaching trust and politicising the issue. “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,” Ibas stated.
The NBA, however, maintains that the money was a goodwill donation. Emeka Obegolu (SAN), Chairman of the 2025 AGC Planning Committee, said the association acted within its rights and had no obligation to refund the sum.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) also criticised the governance in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional. “While the administrator wears civilian clothes, he governs as though the state is under military rule,” Osigwe said.
The NBA cited the imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of key state officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as reasons for moving the event.
The Rivers Government has now issued an ultimatum: refund the N300m or face legal consequences.
“We reaffirm our willingness to engage in partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not accommodate exploitation of our people,” the statement concluded.