The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stated that it will not refund the sum of N300 million received from the Rivers State Government, describing the funds as an unconditional gift in support of its upcoming 2025 Annual General Conference.
This clarification comes in response to a request made by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, who demanded a refund on the grounds that the money was provided for hosting the conference in Port Harcourt, a plan that has since been changed.
In a statement released on Monday, the Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), emphasized that the NBA’s decision to relocate the event to Enugu State was a direct response to recent political developments in Rivers, including the declaration of emergency rule and the suspension of the state’s elected leadership.
“The decision to host the 2025 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt was made in August 2024. It was not tied to any bidding process or financial obligation by the host state,” Obegolu said.
According to him, the NBA routinely seeks support from public and private institutions to offset the enormous costs associated with organizing its annual conference. He clarified that such contributions are voluntary and considered part of corporate social responsibility, not transactions based on contractual obligations.
“Such financial supports are in the form of gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships. The N300 million from Rivers State was a gift, not payment for hosting rights,” he added.
Obegolu also stated that there was no representation by the NBA suggesting the conference was permanently tied to any chosen city, stressing that the association reserves the right to alter the venue if necessary.
Background
The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing an attack on an oil pipeline and a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The emergency measures included the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. In their place, President Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, a move that has been widely criticized by legal experts and political groups.
The NBA, in its protest against what it described as a violation of constitutional principles, announced the relocation of its conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
Legal and Political Reactions
The NBA’s refusal to refund the funds has sparked debate about the nature of public funding for national events and the boundaries of state support. While the Rivers State government under its current administrator views the payment as tied to the hosting of the event, the NBA maintains that there was no such agreement in place.
Observers note that unless the state can prove a contractual obligation or specific terms attached to the funding, the NBA’s position remains legally defensible.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and opposition parties have continued to denounce the emergency rule, describing it as an attack on democracy and rule of law.
Reference
NBA Declines Request to Refund N300 Million ‘Gift’ from Rivers State