The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has responded to the Rivers State Government’s demand for a refund of N300 million, stating that the money was a voluntary gift and not payment for hosting rights to the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).
The clarification came on Monday through a statement by Emeka Obegolu (SAN), Chairman of the NBA Conference Planning Committee.
No Hosting Rights Were Sold – NBA Clarifies
Obegolu explained that the NBA does not sell hosting rights for its annual conference and that Port Harcourt’s selection as the 2025 host city was made in August 2024 without any financial conditions or bidding process.
“The decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was not based on any payment. The NBA never represented that a city must pay to secure hosting rights,” he stated.
He further explained that while the cost of organizing the AGC is substantial, the NBA traditionally seeks financial support from state governments and organizations—support that is voluntary and not tied to any rights or entitlements.
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“The N300 million from Rivers State, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was an unconditional donation, not a transaction. There was no agreement suggesting it was for hosting rights,” the statement emphasized.
Rivers State Demands Refund Amid Relocation Controversy
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, had earlier demanded that the NBA refund the N300 million, following the association’s decision to relocate the 2025 AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ibas criticized the NBA for “discrediting” the Rivers State government and insisted that the funds be returned immediately.
He claimed the NBA’s decision was influenced by political bias and failed to consider legal realities in the state, including the constitutional justification for the current administration.
NBA Moved Conference Due to Political Concerns
The NBA had announced on Thursday that it was relocating the 2025 AGC to Enugu due to what it described as “democratic concerns” surrounding the imposition of an emergency rule in Rivers State.
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The move sparked heated reactions, with the Rivers government accusing the NBA of fueling tension and ignoring Supreme Court rulings that validated key actions of the transitional government.
NBA Stands Firm on Conference Relocation
Despite the pushback, the NBA maintains that its decision to relocate the conference is final, and the funds received from the Rivers State Government were not tied to any contract or agreement.
“The NBA appreciates every form of support it receives, but such support does not confer any rights or guarantee any obligations,” Obegolu noted.
Stay tuned to Naija Blog Daily for more updates on the NBA 2025 Conference, political developments in Rivers State, and other breaking news from across Nigeria.
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