The Rivers State Government has announced plans to take legal action against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) if it fails to refund ₦300 million ($186,000) that was paid to support the hosting of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference (AGC).
According to the state’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the payment was made with the understanding that the conference would be held in Port Harcourt. However, following the NBA’s decision to relocate the event to Enugu, the Rivers government is now demanding a refund.
The NBA, in a statement issued on Monday, described the ₦300 million as a gift, not payment for hosting rights. This has sparked outrage from the Rivers State Government, which insists that the funds were tied to the hosting arrangement and must be returned.
“NBA Must Refund Public Funds” — Rivers State Government
In a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator, the Rivers State Government emphasized that it would employ all legal options to reclaim the funds.
“Failure of the NBA to immediately refund the ₦300 million to the Rivers State Government will compel us to explore all available legal channels to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
While affirming its willingness to partner with professional bodies like the NBA, the state government warned against what it described as exploitation of public funds and institutions.
Why the NBA Pulled Out of Port Harcourt
On April 10, 2025, the NBA leadership — including its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGC Planning Committee Chairman Emeka Obegolu (SAN) — announced the relocation of the 2025 AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu. They cited the “suspension of democratically elected officials” in Rivers State by the Federal Government as the reason.
The NBA stated it could not in good conscience hold its conference in a state “being governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”
Rivers State Fires Back
The Rivers State Government rejected the NBA’s claims, describing the reasoning as unfair and misinformed. It defended the current administration as a legitimate constitutional intervention aimed at restoring order and democratic governance.
Referring to a Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024, the government argued that local government elections conducted in violation of the Electoral Act were invalid. It asserted that President Bola Tinubu acted within his powers in appointing a Sole Administrator to stabilize the state.
The administration also outlined its commitment to:
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Restoring democratic institutions.
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Upholding citizens’ constitutional rights.
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Complying with court rulings, including those of the Supreme Court.
“NBA Must Act with Integrity”
The Rivers Government expressed disappointment that despite the NBA’s moral stance on governance, the association had not addressed the refund of the ₦300 million.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, they should match it with integrity by returning the funds instead of benefiting from a state they publicly discredit,” the statement read.
NBA Responds: It Was a Gift, Not a Contract
In response, the NBA’s AGC Planning Committee clarified that hosting the conference is not awarded through a bidding process and that cities are not granted exclusive hosting rights. Chairman Emeka Obegolu (SAN) explained that financial support from host cities is traditionally considered a voluntary contribution, not a contractual obligation.
“We approach governments and institutions for support due to the high costs of organizing the AGC,” he said. “Such support is offered as gifts, partnerships, or sponsorships and not tied to hosting rights.”
What’s Next?
As the dispute escalates, legal observers and civil society groups are watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how public funds are used in partnerships with professional bodies, and how organizations navigate politically sensitive issues during times of constitutional transition.
