PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – Rivers State’s Sole Administrator has disputed the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) reasons for moving its 2025 conference away from Port Harcourt. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) is now demanding the NBA return N300 million paid by the state for hosting rights.
The NBA decided to shift the conference to Enugu, citing concerns about the rule of law in Rivers State under Ibas’s administration.
In a statement released by his aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas labelled the NBA’s justification “misleading and uncharitable.”
“We find the reasons cited for this decision… to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice,” the statement declared.
While acknowledging the NBA can choose its venue, Ibas directly challenged the association over the N300 million payment.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds,” the Sole Administrator stated. He argued the NBA should not keep money from a state it publicly criticizes.
Ibas defended the legality of his position. He referenced a Supreme Court decision (Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024) that nullified certain local elections.
The statement also asserted President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was constitutional. It described the Sole Administrator role as temporary, aimed at restoring stability and democratic processes.
“To suggest that this intervention ‘flouts the rule of law’ is… incorrect and ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings,” Ibas countered.
He called on the NBA to engage constructively. “Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase… We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process,” the statement concluded.
