The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has explained why it will not refund the N300 million given for the 2025 Annual General Conference originally planned in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe said the money was a gift from suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s government and not a payment for hosting rights.
He added that retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has no right to ask for a refund.
“As far as I am concerned, the donation was an unconditional gift,” Osigwe said.
The NBA cancelled the conference in Rivers State following its rejection of the suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a sole administrator.
“The majority of lawyers strongly desired that the NBA relocate the conference from Rivers State to another venue,” the NBA report said.
“It is not right to hold the conference in a state ruled by a Sole Administrator,” the report added.
Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, said, “The suggestion that the NBA refund the donation lacks both factual and legal justification.”
He explained the N300 million was provided in response to a request for financial help, not to secure hosting rights.
His words, “We reject bullying and political interference, and we remain committed to upholding democratic norms and the integrity of the legal profession.
“The suggestion that the NBA refund the donation lacks both factual and legal justification. In February 2025, the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara provided N300 million in sponsorship support to the NBA in response to our request for financial assistance.
“As a result, the funds were allocated to support the AGC rather than to acquire hosting rights. It was not for any alleged “hosting rights”!
“During my inauguration as NBA President on August 29, 2024, I announced that Rivers State would host the Conference. Rivers State did not lobby for or bid on this decision, which was ratified by the NEC on November 8, 2024.”
