The Rivers State Government has strongly refuted the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) assertion that the N300 million it received was an unconditional gift unrelated to hosting the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in the state. The government insists that its records clearly indicate the funds were specifically tied to hosting the NBA’s event.
Meanwhile, the controversy has drawn further reactions from within the legal profession. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, expressed his shock at the NBA “begging” for financial support for its AGC and urged the association to refund the N300 million. Similarly, Andrew Emwanta, President of the African Public Interest Lawyers Union, called on the NBA to return the funds received from the Rivers State Government under suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, emphasising the need to protect the integrity and image of the legal profession.
The Rivers State Government, through a statement by Hector Igbikiowubo, the media aide to the government under Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), vowed to pursue all legal avenues to recover the N300 million if the NBA fails to willingly make a refund. The statement explicitly rejected the NBA’s claim of an unconditional gift, labeling the association’s unilateral decision to relocate the AGC and withhold the funds as “unethical” and a “breach of trust.”
The government warned that failure to promptly refund the money would compel them to deploy all legal means to reclaim what belongs to the people of Rivers State. They reiterated their willingness to partner with professional bodies, including the NBA, but firmly stated they would not tolerate exploitation.
Adegboruwa argued that Nigerian lawyers pay annual practicing fees and conference charges, negating any justification for soliciting funds to host their own conference. He further cautioned against the NBA appearing to be in favor with any government, especially amidst public suffering due to economic policies and human rights concerns, invoking the adage “he who pays the piper calls the tune.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Emwanta described the N300 million as a “gesture of support” that has become contentious due to the political developments in Rivers State and the NBA’s subsequent decision to move the AGC to Enugu. He firmly stated that “there is no proper way to do the wrong thing,” urging the NBA to refund the Rivers taxpayers’ money if they are not conducting business related to the conference in the state.
