The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Snubs ₦300 Million Refund Demand from Rivers State Over Conference Cancellation
Rivers Government's ₦300 Million Payment to NBA Remains Non-Refundable
In a surprising move, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has turned a deaf ear to Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), Rivers State's Sole Administrator's call for a refund of the ₦300 million donated by former Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The NBA is hunkered down, sticking to its guns on the basis that the funds were a gift, not a payment for hosting rights.
According to our reports, the NBA initially decided to stage its 2025 Annual General Conference in Rivers State. However, the conference was cancelled following Basketball Tinubu's suspension of Fubara and the appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator. Protests against Tinubu's actions by lawyers pushed the NBA to shift the conference away from Port Harcourt.
Now ensconced in Enugu, the NBA Executive Committee, after their meeting in Ilorin, stated that the majority of the legal community desired the relocation of the conference from Rivers State to another location. The reasons cited were the undemocratic suspension of the elected government and the appointment of a Sole Administrator.
The report further reveals that NBA President, Afam Osigwe, reiterated that the association would not support an unconstitutional act by hosting the conference in Port Harcourt. He emphasized the need for adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law, stating that the NBA could not properly seek logistical support from a Sole Administrator, who is suspected to be acting outside the constitution.
Calls for a refund of the funds have been rampant, with political heavyweights like Nyesom Wike voicing their opinions. However, the NBA remains resolute, citing that there is no justification for returning the funds provided by the Rivers State Government, which were indeed characterized as a 'gift'.
The report concludes by asserting that the NBA's decision to hold the 2025 conference in a state governed by a Sole Administrator would be unjustifiable, considering the ongoing protests and demands by lawyers. Additionally, the report hints that the NBA's position on the unconstitutional proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a Sole Administrator could have bolstered their decision to move the conference to Enugu.
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- In the realm of general news, the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Rivers State's Sole Administrator over a ₦300 million refund has stirred discussion.
- Amidst the political turmoil in Nigeria, the NBA's decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference from Rivers State has been justified due to the undemocratic suspension of elected government.
- As the NBA holds its conference in Enugu, the question of a refund for the ₦300 million donated by Rivers State remains unanswered, with political leaders like Nyesom Wike voicing their opinions on the matter.
- Despite the pressure, the NBA remains resolute, stand by their stand that the funds were a gift, not a payment for hosting rights, and refuses to return the donated funds by the Rivers State Government.
- In the world of sports, the ongoing political tension in Rivers State has not affected the passion for basketball, as fans eagerly await the next NBA season.
