In an explosive turn of events that has left the Nigerian political landscape reeling, Rivers State Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas has levelled a scathing rebuke at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The Administrator’s spokesperson, Hector Igbikiowubo, announced that Rivers State is demanding a refund of N300 million – funds that were paid to the NBA for the hosting rights of its 2025 Annual General Conference.
This dramatic request comes on the heels of the association’s decision to relocate the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, a move that has sparked intense debate and highlighted a deeply polarised political environment.
At the heart of the controversy is what the NBA leadership has described as their principled stance against the actions of President Bola Tinubu, who recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended all elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The association declared that its move to shift the conference venue is a protest against what it terms an “illegality” – a decision, it insists, not only challenges executive authority but also brings into question the integrity of state-federal relations in Nigeria.
Critics argue that the decision to relocate, while ostensibly upholding constitutional principles, smacks of a double standard when juxtaposed against the financial commitment Rivers State made in good faith.
Rivers State’s demand for a refund is not merely about recouping funds; it is a pointed critique of what the Administrator deems a breach of trust and accountability.
“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,” stated Mr Ibas in a forceful message.
The Administrator’s call for a refund is emblematic of broader frustrations that have been simmering in the state, particularly as it navigates a turbulent phase in its democratic journey.
The NBA’s reaction to the state of emergency – including its vehement criticism of President Tinubu for what it alleges is a violation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution – has further fuelled the fire.
By relocating the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, the association signalled its refusal to lend credence to what it perceives as a government operation that undermines democratic norms. However, this move has also inadvertently exposed the association to accusations of hypocrisy and double standards.
How can the NBA claim to uphold constitutional principles and democratic integrity while continuing to profit from an arrangement with a state now mired in constitutional controversy?
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that the NBA had previously criticised the declaration of emergency rule, labelling the appointment of a sole administrator as tantamount to a military command structure cloaked in civilian garb.
The association’s decision to relocate the conference, it insists, is not only a matter of principle but also an effort to avoid being complicit in what it views as an endorsement of illegality. Yet, detractors contend that this stance is undermined by the continued acceptance of funds from a state that is now under scrutiny for its governance practices.
The controversy has ignited a firestorm of reactions from diverse quarters. Notable voices in the political and legal spheres have joined in the chorus of criticism against both the NBA and the President’s handling of the crisis.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and former Rivers State Governor Ada George have questioned the rationale behind dissolving government agencies and appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas.
Furthermore, some political commentators have speculated that the emergency rule might be a thinly veiled attempt to remove Governor Fubara permanently, with critics suggesting that his suspension is, in effect, a removal from power under the guise of legal process.
The fallout from these events has significant implications for the democratic fabric of Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole. It raises probing questions about the balance of power between the state and the federal government and challenges the established norms of accountability and transparency in public finance.
In this volatile political climate, the integrity of the NBA is under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that if the association’s commitment to constitutional principles is genuine, it must be willing to stand by its words by addressing the financial irregularities that have now come to light.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that other state governments have contributed funds to the NBA conference without stipulating any conditions tied to hosting rights.
As the political storm gathers momentum, all eyes remain fixed on the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who has so far remained silent amid numerous calls for comment. The silence only serves to heighten suspicions and fuel further debates about the true motivations behind the NBA’s actions.
In a period marked by constitutional turmoil and political brinkmanship, Rivers State’s demand for a refund of N300 million is a stark reminder that principles must be applied consistently. The unfolding drama not only threatens to deepen existing divisions but also underscores the urgent need for transparent, principled leadership in a country at a crossroads.