The River State Government has requested a refund of the 300 million guilds allegedly paid to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to pay the association’s 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGC).
The demand comes after the NBA’s decision to move the convention from Harcourt port to Enugu, citing an unconstitutional violation in Rivers State under the emergency rules announced by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 14, and signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, a senior media special assistant to the Rivers State Government, the government described the NBA’s position as a political motive and accused the legal body of failure to recognize the constitutional context of the state’s current government structure.
The NBA announced Friday, April 11 that it has moved the 2025 AGC from Rivers to Enugu due to so-called “unconstitutional violations.” The association said the river is currently ruled by the sole administrator (retired officer Ibas Ibas), who claimed to act in a way that ignores constitutional norms, court rulings and ongoing legal affairs.
This is because President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the river in March, citing a prolonged political crisis. Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Lt. Governor Ngozi ODU and all members of the State Capitol for six months. The IBA was appointed as the only national administrator in the country.
In response to the NBA’s decision, the Rivers Administration insisted that in the face of a governance collapse, urgent measures must be taken to restore order and democratic institutions. The statement defends the current government’s actions, noting that the sole administrator has been committed to respecting judicial statements and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
“Contrary to the NBA’s claim, the sole executive has always reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions when feasible,” the statement said. “Preserving the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech and associations. Respect the judicial statement, including the Supreme Court that guides government action.”
The government also has no doubt about the NBA’s silence, which has paid for the conference, calling for an immediate return of 300 million nbn.
“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose a venue for conferences, we found that the association (despite its principled position’) did not address the refund of N300 million that the Rivers State government has paid,” the statement said.
“If the NBA truly gains a foothold in principle, it should prove the same integrity by returning these funds quickly rather than benefiting from the country that is now openly discredited.”
The NBA previously announced in August 2024 that the 2025 AGC will be held in Rivers State.
