The Rivers State Government has voiced its displeasure following the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, calling the reasons provided by the association “misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming.”
The government is now requesting a refund of ₦300 million already paid to the NBA.
In a statement released on Monday by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the State Administrator, the government acknowledged the NBA’s right to choose a venue but took issue with the insinuation that the current administration was undermining democratic principles.
“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State.”
“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes,” the government said.
The statement went on to affirm that President Bola Tinubu acted within the limits of his constitutional authority when he imposed the emergency rule in Rivers, describing it as a reaction to the breakdown of democratic governance in the state.
“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution.”
“To suggest that this intervention flouts the rule of law is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period,” the statement added.
Referencing legal backing for its position, the government cited the Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 – Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others, which declared local government elections held in contravention of the Electoral Act as “unconstitutional, null, and void.”
While defending the ongoing interim leadership, the government emphasized its commitment to democratic restoration, the protection of rights, and adherence to judicial pronouncements.
“It is regrettable that the NBA, as a body of legal minds, would reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism,” the statement said.
The Rivers government further expressed dismay over what it termed the NBA’s “selective principled stand,” especially in light of the ₦300 million already disbursed for conference hosting arrangements.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits,” the statement declared.
Concluding, the government encouraged open dialogue and invited the NBA and other stakeholders to support the transitional process.
“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress,” the statement concluded.
