The Rivers State Government on Tuesday threatened legal action against the Nigerian Bar Association over the relocation of the 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, demanding an immediate refund of ₦300 million it paid as hosting rights.
The state government described the NBA’s decision as a breach of trust and warned that failure to refund the money would compel it to explore all legal avenues to recover the funds, which it called “the property of the good people of Rivers State.”
The warning was contained in a statement issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd).
“For clarity, the Rivers State Government’s records show that the payment of ₦300 million to the NBA was made with the mutual understanding that Rivers State would host the 2025 edition of the NBA AGC,” the statement said.
The government dismissed claims by the NBA that the ₦300 million was a gift, insisting that the agreement was made in good faith and in anticipation of economic benefits from hosting the high-profile legal gathering.
It described the NBA’s decision to shift the venue as “unethical and a betrayal of trust,” accusing the association of reneging on a mutual agreement after collecting funds from the state.
“The NBA’s decision to withhold the ₦300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the AGC in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust,” the statement added.
While reaffirming its commitment to engaging with professional organisations, the Rivers State Government warned that it would not tolerate what it termed “the exploitation of our people and government.”
The relocation of the NBA conference has sparked criticism from stakeholders in Rivers, who say the state is being unfairly sidelined after committing significant resources to support the event.
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