Refund N300 million conference hosting rights, Rivers tells NBA.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, has responded to the Nigerian Bar Association about the reason for shifting its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
Ibas criticised the NBA’s stated justification, calling it deceptive and uncharitable.
The Sole Administrator disclosed these facts in a statement made in Port Harcourt on Monday by his media adviser, Hector Igbikiowubo, and distributed to journalists.
He stated that, while the NBA has the right to choose a location for its conference, the association has yet to address the matter of refunding the state government’s hosting rights for the conference.
The statement reads, in part, “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its ‘principled position’—didn’t” address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the 2025 conference hosting rights.
“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.”
It stated, “The Rivers State Government’s attention has been called to the Nigeria Bar Association’s declaration dated April 10, 2025, transferring its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
“We find the arguments given for this judgement, particularly the claim that the Sole Administrator’s actions have damaged democracy and the rule of law, to be deceptive, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an organisation that prides itself on promoting justice and fairness.
“The NBA’s stance ignores the constitutional foundation for the current administration in Rivers State.
“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.”
The Sole Administrator further stated that Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interests of the state by restoring stability.
The statement stated, “The Sole Administrator’s role is clear: to oversee a transitional period that enables the restoration of full democratic governance in accordance with the Constitution.
“To claim that this action ‘flouts the rule of law’ is not only wrong, but also ignores Supreme Court rulings that justified crucial choices made during this time period.
“In the event the NBA is not aware, may we refer the association to the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is ‘unconstitutional, null, and void.”
Contrary to the NBA’s claims, the sole administrator has repeatedly confirmed his dedication to the NBA as a body of legal minds and should know better than to turn a difficult constitutional issue into political sensationalism.
While urging constructive interaction, the statement stated, “Rivers State is going through a difficult but necessary phase in its democratic journey.”
“Rather than escalating tensions, we expect the NBA—a crucial participant in Nigeria’s democracy—to engage constructively, giving solutions rather than promoting divisive narratives.
“The Sole Administrator is still focused on his responsibility to stabilise the state and assist a seamless transition to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process for the sake of peace and progress.