JUST IN:Rivers Administrator demands NBA refund over relocation of conference
The Rivers State Government has demanded a refund of ₦300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the association’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
The NBA had announced the venue change, citing “constitutional violations” and the state of emergency declared in Rivers State as the basis for the move.
According to the association, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly — and the subsequent appointment of a Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas — signified a breakdown in constitutional governance and democratic order.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Government, described the NBA’s reasoning as “political sensationalism,” asserting that the emergency rule was a necessary intervention to restore order and protect democratic institutions.
The Rivers State Government defended the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.), noting that he has remained committed to upholding the rule of law, respecting judicial decisions — including those of the Supreme Court — and working to reinstate democratic structures.
The government, however, criticized the NBA for failing to address the ₦300 million already paid for the hosting rights of the conference, accusing the association of double standards.
“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 read.
The NBA had initially announced in August 2024 that Rivers State would host its 2025 AGC before the change in venue was made public.
