NBA Rejects ₦300 Million Refund Demand Over Cancelled Rivers AGC, Stands by Relocation Decision

In a decision that underscores its constitutional stance, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has firmly declared that it will not refund the ₦300 million previously donated by former Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC). The NBA insists that the sum was not a payment for “hosting rights” but a voluntary contribution, now being unjustly contested due to the politically sensitive cancellation of the event in Rivers State.

The controversy began after the NBA cancelled plans to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The move followed President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara and the unprecedented appointment of a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), to oversee the state’s affairs. This action triggered constitutional concerns and prompted the NBA to withdraw the conference from the state.

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However, the fallout has intensified after the new state leadership, represented by Ibas, requested a refund of the ₦300 million support given by the Fubara-led administration. The NBA has dismissed this request, asserting that the donation was not tied to any formal agreement for hosting rights and therefore cannot be returned.

NBA Stands Firm: ‘F’ Is for Fubara, Funding, and Fundamental Principles

Following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, NBA President Afam Osigwe stated that the association could not, in good conscience, proceed with the conference in a state governed by an unelected administrator. According to Osigwe, such a decision would be in direct conflict with the NBA’s commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

“The National Executive Committee’s consultation revealed that the majority of our colleagues strongly believed the conference should be relocated,” he said. “The NBA cannot align itself with the unconstitutional suspension of a democratically elected government and the appointment of a Sole Administrator. Therefore, we cannot engage in any form of collaboration with such a regime, including logistical arrangements for the AGC.”

The NEC report reiterated that the donation from Governor Fubara was never a condition or transaction for securing hosting privileges. Instead, it was described as a gesture of goodwill intended to support the legal community and promote the conference in Rivers State — a plan that had the support of the former government before the political disruption.

NBA officials stressed that, although the donation coincided with Port Harcourt being selected as the host city, there was no binding financial agreement that legally framed the ₦300 million as payment for services. Rather, the association maintained it was a sponsorship in the spirit of partnership, not a commercial deal.

“The demand for a refund is therefore unjustifiable,” the report stated. “Our decision to withdraw the AGC from Port Harcourt was guided solely by our ethical and constitutional obligations, not by any failure on the part of the host government.”

Conference Relocates to Enugu Amid National Support

In light of the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, the NBA has officially announced Enugu as the new host city for the 2025 Annual General Conference. Known as the “Coal City,” Enugu is expected to offer a more stable environment for what is regarded as the most significant annual gathering of legal professionals in Nigeria.

This development has been met with approval from several quarters, especially among lawyers concerned about the implications of hosting a major legal event in a state currently under controversial administrative control.

Legal analysts have praised the NBA for taking what they describe as a “principled and courageous stand” in defense of democracy and constitutional order. By refusing to validate the appointment of a Sole Administrator, the NBA reinforces its image as a guardian of legal integrity in the country.

Meanwhile, the dispute over the ₦300 million continues to stir debate within political and legal circles. Supporters of the refund argue that Rivers State, under new leadership, should not bear the financial cost of a cancelled event. However, the NBA maintains that the money was contributed under lawful circumstances and has already been channeled into pre-conference planning and logistics.

The relocation to Enugu signals the NBA’s readiness to move forward while upholding its principles. With preparations underway for what promises to be a landmark AGC, the association’s stance sends a clear message: support for constitutional governance is non-negotiable — regardless of political pressure or financial stakes.