The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retired), has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million his administration paid for the hosting rights of the 2025 Annual General Conference.
The NBA had previously reversed its decision to hold the event in Rivers State, citing the declaration of a state of emergency and the collapse of democratic structures in the state as reasons for moving the event to Enugu.
In response to this development on Monday, Ibas stated, “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its ‘principled position’—has not addressed the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.”
He added, “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.”
NBA Responds
Reacting to the demand, the Nigerian Bar Association explained that the decision to move the conference from Rivers State was taken after careful deliberation and in the interest of the safety and democratic values cherished by the association.
In a statement released by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, the association acknowledged receipt of the N300 million and confirmed that discussions were already underway regarding the refund process.
“The NBA is committed to transparency and fairness. The funds paid by the Rivers State Government are currently being reviewed by our finance and legal departments, and the modalities for a refund will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.
The NBA emphasized that its decision to relocate the conference was based on constitutional concerns, the rule of law, and the need to uphold democratic standards. It reaffirmed its appreciation for the Rivers State Government’s initial willingness to host the event and assured stakeholders of its resolve to handle the matter responsibly and ethically.