The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd), has demanded a refund of N300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), following the association’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
NBA Cites State of Emergency for Relocation
The NBA had earlier announced it was moving the conference due to the state of emergency declared in Rivers on March 18 and the subsequent appointment of Ibas as interim head of the state.
In a letter, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) acknowledged the initial excitement surrounding Port Harcourt as the host city, but stated that the emergency political climate made it unsuitable for such a major gathering.
Ibas Slams NBA’s Justification and Demands Refund
However, Ibas has pushed back, describing the NBA’s explanation as “misleading and uncharitable.” In a statement issued Monday by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, he stressed that while the NBA is within its rights to change the event’s venue, it must return the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for hosting rights.
“If the NBA truly upholds the rule of law and principles of fairness, then it must match its words with action by refunding the funds it has received,” the statement read.
Legal Backing for Rivers State Government’s Actions
Ibas further defended the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State, saying President Bola Tinubu acted lawfully to safeguard peace and ensure a smooth democratic transition.
He also pointed to a Supreme Court judgment, Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024, as legal backing for recent administrative decisions in the state. According to the ruling, any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is considered null and void.
“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is to manage a peaceful transition back to full democratic rule. Suggesting that this contravenes the law is both inaccurate and dismissive of legal precedent,” the statement added.
As the NBA finalizes its relocation plans, it remains unclear whether it will return the disputed funds, an issue that could trigger further legal and political friction.
