Ibok-Ette Ibas Threaten NBA with Legal Action over N300 Million Donation

The Rivers State Government, under the administration of Ibok-Ete Ibas, is threatening legal action against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over a disputed N300 million payment made to the association.

The escalating dispute centers around the NBA’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu, and the subsequent refusal to refund the funds contributed by the state.

According to a statement released today, Ibas vehemently rejects the NBA’s characterization of the N300 million payment as a “gift.” He asserts that the funds were provided under a clear, mutually agreed understanding: that Rivers State would host the prestigious AGC.

“The records are clear. This was not a donation. The Rivers State Government entered into this arrangement in good faith, predicated on the understanding that hosting the AGC would bring significant economic benefits to our state, positively and directly impacting the businesses of our people,” Ibas said.

The disagreement stems from the NBA’s unexpected decision to move the conference to Enugu State. While the NBA insisted that they could no longer hold the conference at a place that has no respect for rule of law and disregard for democratic tenets, the Rivers State government drew flak over their position.

Ibas accuses the NBA of acting unethically and betraying the trust placed in the association. He argues that the unilateral change of venue after receiving a substantial financial commitment is unacceptable and undermines the economic potential the conference promised for Rivers State.

“The NBA’s decision to relocate the AGC to Enugu and simultaneously withhold the N300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the conference in Rivers State is not only unethical but constitutes a clear breach of trust,” Ibas asserted.

The administrator has issued a stern warning to the NBA, demanding the immediate refund of the N300 million. He states that failure to comply will leave the Rivers State Government with no option but to pursue all available legal avenues to recover the funds. “We will compel the implementation of all legal means to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State,” he warned.