The Rivers State Government has voiced strong disappointment over the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, and is now demanding a refund of ₦300 million it had already paid for hosting rights.
In a statement released on Monday by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the State Administrator, the government criticized the NBA’s explanation for the relocation as “misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming.”
While acknowledging the NBA’s right to choose its event location, the Rivers State Government rejected the implication that the current administration—led by a Sole Administrator—is acting against democratic principles or undermining the rule of law.
“The NBA’s assertion fails to consider the constitutional foundation of the current leadership in Rivers. The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary and lawful response to the breakdown of public order and democratic processes,” the statement said.
The government defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in the state, asserting that it was executed within his constitutional authority due to the collapse of democratic institutions in Rivers.
“The Sole Administrator has a clearly defined mandate—to manage a transitional phase that leads to the restoration of full democratic governance, as stipulated by the Constitution. To claim this violates the rule of law is inaccurate and disregards relevant Supreme Court judgments,” it added.
The statement referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling—Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. RSIEC & Nine Others)—which invalidated any local government election conducted outside the framework of the Electoral Act.
Reiterating the Sole Administrator’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and restoring democratic institutions, the government expressed concern over what it described as the NBA’s “selective principled stance.”
“It is disappointing that an association of legal professionals would reduce a nuanced constitutional matter to political theatrics,” the statement continued.
The government also demanded the immediate return of the ₦300 million already disbursed for the event, challenging the NBA to act in line with its professed values.
“If the NBA truly upholds its principles, it should return the funds without delay, rather than benefiting from a state it now disparages,” the statement asserted.
Calling for a more constructive approach, the Rivers State Government urged the NBA and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the democratic transition rather than fueling division.
“The Sole Administrator remains committed to stabilizing Rivers State and ensuring a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We call on the NBA and all well-meaning Nigerians to support this vital process in the interest of peace and national progress,” the statement concluded.
