Rivers Asks NBA to Refund its N300 Million Paid for Hosting Right

The Rivers State Government has asked the Nigerian Bar Association,NBA to refund the N300 Million the State paid the body for hosting right of the 2025 Annual General Conference,AGC since it has moved the conference to Enugu State.

Speaking on behalf of the Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas,rtd , Hector Igbikiowubo, his senior special assistant on media , said rather than discrediting the State Government and the sole Administrator, the NBA should not reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism, an apparent response to the NBA which said it moved the Conference away from the State based on constitutional violations by the Sole Administrator. He also advised the body to refund N300 Million to demonstrate its integrity.

The Statement by Rivers State Government:

While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association — despite its ‘principled position’— didn’t address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.

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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 declaration of the emergency rule in the state was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.Contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the sole administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable.Upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association. Respecting judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which have guided the administration’s actions.The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.

The NBA Statement:

“The NEC also unanimously agreed that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravene Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution and the purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion stressing that even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.

Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.”