Rivers State Government is demanding a refund of ₦300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the NBA’s decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
The government says it is disappointed by the move and disagrees with the reasons given by the NBA.
In a statement issued on Monday by Hector Igbikiowubo, media aide to the State Administrator, the government said while the NBA has every right to choose where to hold its events, it disagrees with the association’s claim that the current administration in Rivers is undermining democracy and the rule of law.
According to the statement, the current leadership in the state was formed following a constitutional decision by President Bola Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in response to what the federal government saw as a collapse of democratic processes in Rivers.
The government insists that this intervention was necessary to restore order and was backed by constitutional provisions.
The government also referenced a Supreme Court ruling (Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024), which declared any local government elections not in line with the Electoral Act as invalid.
It said this ruling supports the legitimacy of the actions taken under the Sole Administrator’s leadership.
Defending the Sole Administrator, the statement said he is working to return the state to democratic rule while respecting citizens’ rights and court decisions.
The government criticized the NBA for what it described as turning a serious constitutional matter into a political talking point.
The state also raised concerns about the ₦300 million it had already paid the NBA for the event. It challenged the association to return the money if it truly stands by its principles.
“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 said.
The government urged the NBA and other groups to engage constructively and support efforts to restore democratic governance in Rivers, rather than fueling division.
It added that the Sole Administrator remains committed to ensuring peace and a smooth transition back to constitutional rule.
KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
