The Rivers state government has insisted that the N300 million paid to the Nigerian Bar Association (NB) was for the hosting rights of the 2025 annual general conference (AGC).
The state government, under the leadership of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator, rejected the NBA’s description of the payment as a “gift”.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hector Igbikiowubo, the senior special assistant on media to the Rivers sole administrator, the statement government threatened legal action against the association if the N300 million is not refunded.
BACKGROUND
Last Friday, the NBA moved its 2025 annual general conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, to Enugu.
The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
President Bola Tinubu on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a protracted political crisis in the state.
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The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.
Responding to the NBA’s decision, the state government asked the association to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.
The state government said if the NBA is truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the amount.
Countering the state government’s comment, the NBA said the money it received was a “gift” and not the payment for conference’s hosting rights.
The legal association said it did not sell the hosting rights for the conference.
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