After the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) relocated its national conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has demanded a refund of the N300 million paid by the state government for hosting rights of the 2025 Annual General Conference.
Ibas argues that the NBA should demonstrate its commitment to its principles by returning the sum, given the sudden change of plans.
He said: “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 refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.”
Ibas, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by his media aide, Mr. Hector Igbikiowubo, faulted the reason cited by the NBA, describing it as misleading and uncharitable.
The statement partly reads: “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 attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the Nigeria Bar Association’s announcement dated 10th April 2025, relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
“We find the reasons cited for this decision—particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law—to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.
“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State.
“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.”
According to the Sole Administrator, President Bola Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers to act in the best interest of Rivers State, with the goal of stabilizing the region.
The statement added: “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.
“In the event the NBA is not aware, may we refer the association to 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.”
Contrary to the association’s statements, the Sole Administrator reaffirmed his commitment to the NBA.
He added that as a body of legal minds, the association should know better than to reduce complex constitutional matters to political sensationalism.
While urging a more constructive approach, the statement said: “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.”
Persecondnews recalls that the NBA, in an April 11 statement, expressed concerns that the Sole Administrator’s appointment erodes democratic institutions and processes in Rivers State, violating Sections 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The association also views holding the conference in Rivers State would be seen as endorsing constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.
The NBA made its position known in a joint statement signed by the NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN), the General Secretary, Mr. Mobolaji Ojibara and the AGCPC chair, Mr. Emeka Obegolu (SAN) on Thursday night.
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