HomeNewsRivers Demands Refund of N300m Hosting Rights from NBA

Rivers Demands Refund of N300m Hosting Rights from NBA

Published on


KEY POINTS


  • Rivers State demands a refund of N300m from NBA after conference relocation.

  • Ibas criticizes the NBA’s reasons for relocating, calling them misleading.

  • Rivers State calls for constructive engagement, not divisive narratives.


The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), replied to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding its decision to relocate its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

Ibas called the NBA’s reason for the move misleading and uncharitable. He issued a statement on Monday, through his media aide Hector Igbikiowubo, addressing the issue.

Ibas acknowledged the NBA’s right to choose the venue but pointed out that the association had not addressed the refund of the N300 million paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the conference.

He stated, “If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds.”

NBA’s reasons criticized for undermining democracy

According to Punch, the Rivers State Government responded to the NBA’s April 10, 2025 announcement that it was relocating the conference to Enugu.

The statement criticized the reasons cited, particularly the NBA’s suggestion that the Sole Administrator’s actions undermined democracy and the rule of law. Ibas described this as misleading and unbecoming of an association that upholds justice and fairness.

Ibas emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary step to restore public order. He argued that Bola Tinubu, exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to bring stability.

Ibas calls for constructive engagement from NBA

Ibas also referred the NBA to a Supreme Court ruling that validated key decisions made during the state of emergency.

He urged the NBA to avoid sensationalizing the situation and to engage constructively. Ibas clearly emphasized that the Sole Administrator remains focused on stabilizing the state and facilitating a return to full democratic governance.

Latest articles

Nigeria’s Bureau Launches 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index

BPSR launches the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index to boost openness, accountability, and ethical governance across Nigeria’s public sector.

Kwara Governor Considers State Security to Tackle Insecurity

Governor AbdulRazaq considers a state security force to combat kidnapping and violent attacks across Kwara State.

Lagos Shuts Ojota Chemical Market Over Fire Safety Dispute

Lagos shuts Ojota Chemical Market over fire safety rules, leaving traders counting heavy losses as Nigeria battles fragile economic recovery.

NNL Gets ₦494m Boost From Gaming-Tekno Partnership

The NNL gaming partnership with Tekno and PalmPay injects ₦494m to boost grassroots football, fan engagement, and sports innovation in Nigeria.

More like this

Nigeria’s Bureau Launches 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index

BPSR launches the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index to boost openness, accountability, and ethical governance across Nigeria’s public sector.

Kwara Governor Considers State Security to Tackle Insecurity

Governor AbdulRazaq considers a state security force to combat kidnapping and violent attacks across Kwara State.

Lagos Shuts Ojota Chemical Market Over Fire Safety Dispute

Lagos shuts Ojota Chemical Market over fire safety rules, leaving traders counting heavy losses as Nigeria battles fragile economic recovery.