Victor EzejaRivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has demanded that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should repay the N300 million the State Government paid for the association to host the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by Ibas’ spokesperson, Hector Igbikiowubo, on Monday, in response to NBA’s decision to move its 2025 conference, earlier scheduled for Port Harcourt, to Enugu in Enugu State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe action was in protest against the emergency rule declared in Rivers State last month.
Prime Business Africa had reported that NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The group criticized the action of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the president lacks the power to remove a democratically elected governor.
Last week, the NBA declared that its 2025 conference, would be moved to Enugu. The professional body of lawyers said that hosting the conference in Port Harcourt would amount to endorsing illegality.
The group also berated the sole administrator for his style of leadership since assumption of office, adding that his actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes.
“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a sole administrator, who operates within a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigations.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Declaration In Rivers Illegal – NBA, PDP
“His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule,” the NBA said.
Responding, Ibas said: “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 hosting rights of the 2025 conference.”
READ ALSO: What’s Next, As The Dust Settles On Rivers’ Emergency Rule?
“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,” he added.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent endorsement of it by the National Assembly has generated nationwide reactions, with many human rights lawyers, activists, and political leaders criticizing the action.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, whose long-running political battle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara contributed to the proclamation of emergency rule, had stated that the NBA opposed President Tinubu’s action because the Rivers State Government pledged to host the 2025 conference.
However, NBA maintained that its decision was based on “principle” and that having the conference in the state would constitute an endorsement of “illegality.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
