In what appears to rhyme with the popular pidgin English dictum: Do me I do you, God no go vex, the Rivers State government has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the ₦300 million allegedly paid for the hosting rights of the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).
In a statement, signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State government, Hector Igbikiowubo, Rivers government told the NBA that if truly it adheres to its principles, the body should demonstrate integrity by returning the sum.
The oil- rich State accused NBA of overlooking the constitutional basis for the current administration in the state, describing the State of emergency as a necessary response to a breakdown in public order and democratic processes.
The Rivers State Government expressed its disappointment with the NBA’s decision to relocate the conference, given the association’s critical role in upholding constitutional rights.
Recall, the association had cited “constitutional violations” in Rivers State following the imposition of a state of emergency.
In its statement, the NBA described the current administration in the state as operating under a military-style rule that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation.
The NBA’s stance reflects concerns about the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as part of the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
