The Rivers State Government has formally demanded a refund of ₦300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), following the association’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
The money, according to the government, had been paid in good faith as part of the hosting rights agreement for the event, which was initially scheduled to be held in the Rivers State capital.
In a statement issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator, the government described the NBA’s withdrawal as a breach of both moral and contractual obligations.
“Since the NBA has withdrawn from its contractual and moral commitment, it must refund the money it received in good faith,” Igbikiowubo stated.
The NBA had earlier explained that its decision to move the venue stemmed from “unconstitutional governance” in the state, citing concerns over the imposition of emergency rule and the appointment of a Sole Administrator in place of an elected governor.
However, the Rivers Government has rejected that justification, accusing the association of political bias and selective morality.
“The NBA’s reason is misleading and politically motivated,” the statement continued. “President Bola Tinubu acted within his constitutional authority when he declared a state of emergency in Rivers. The appointment of a Sole Administrator was in line with that directive.”
The government also expressed concern over what it described as NBA’s double standards, questioning why similar constitutional issues in other states had not drawn the same level of scrutiny.
“This selective outrage reeks of hypocrisy,” the government asserted. “You cannot turn a blind eye elsewhere and then claim principle here.”
On the demand for a refund, the government emphasized the need for fiscal transparency and accountability.
“This is not just about law; it is about fairness and fiscal responsibility,” the statement read. “You cannot collect public funds, breach the agreement, and then walk away with taxpayers’ money.”
Labeling the NBA’s stance as “financially unethical,” the Rivers State Government challenged the association to back its moral stance with corresponding action.
“If the NBA claims to be standing on principle, then it must back that claim with action — and return the money it collected. Anything short of that is opportunistic,” the statement concluded.
