The tension between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reached a boiling point on Tuesday, with Rivers issuing a stern warning of legal action to recover N300 million. The funds, according to the state, were advanced to the NBA for hosting its Annual General Conference (AGC) originally planned in Rivers State.
The conflict traces back to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers, which prompted the NBA to relocate its conference to Bayelsa State, citing concerns over the situation. Rivers, in response, demanded a refund of the N300m, arguing that the payment was contingent on hosting the event within its borders. The NBA, however, maintains that the money was an unconditional donation, not tied to the conference’s location.
Rivers State has firmly rejected the NBA’s stance. A statement released by Hector Igbikiowubo, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State Government, clarified the state’s position, emphasizing that the payment was explicitly linked to hosting the 2025 AGC. The statement reads:
“The government outrightly rejects the NBA’s recent allegation that the ₦300 million payment made by the state was a “gift”, unrelated to hosting rights for the NBA AGC 2025. 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 government further highlighted that the agreement was made in good faith, with expectations of economic boosts for local businesses. The NBA’s decision to move the conference and retain the funds, according to Rivers, is not only a breach of trust but also an unethical act. The statement continued:
“The NBA’s unilateral decision to relocate the AGC 2025 against our mutual understanding and subsequent decision to withhold the ₦300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the NBA AGC 2025 in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust.”
Rivers has issued an ultimatum: refund the N300m promptly, or face legal consequences. The state vowed to pursue all lawful avenues to reclaim what it considers the rightful property of its citizens. The statement concluded with a note of openness to future collaborations but a firm stance against exploitation:
“Failure of the NBA to immediately refund the ₦300million to the Rivers State Government, will compel the implementation of all legal means to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State. We reaffirm our willingness to engage in partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not accommodate exploitation of our people and the Rivers State Government.”
As this dispute unfolds, all eyes are on the NBA’s next move. Will they comply with Rivers’ demand, or is a courtroom showdown inevitable? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
What are your thoughts on this clash between Rivers State and the NBA? Share your views in the comments below!
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