Rivers State Government has issued a strong rebuttal to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the association’s recent decision to relocate the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
In a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Government, the administration expressed deep disappointment over what it described as a breach of mutual agreement and trust by the NBA.
Central to the government’s grievance is the NBA’s alleged characterization of a ₦300 million payment from the state as a mere “gift,” rather than a contractual commitment tied to the AGC hosting rights. The Rivers Government insists the sum was paid in good faith with the clear understanding that the state would host the prestigious legal gathering in 2025.
“The NBA’s unilateral decision to relocate the AGC 2025 and its subsequent decision to withhold the ₦300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the conference in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust,” the statement read.
According to the government, the conference was expected to bring significant economic benefits to the state, positively impacting local businesses and residents. It warned that failure to refund the ₦300 million would compel the state to pursue all available legal avenues to recover the funds.
Despite the dispute, the government reaffirmed its openness to collaborate with professional bodies, including the NBA, while stressing its unwillingness to tolerate any form of exploitation.
The NBA has yet to issue a formal response to the rejoinder as of press time.
