Wike Urges NBA to Refund N300 Million Donation to Rivers State

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has requested the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to return the N300 million previously contributed by the Rivers State Government, asserting that the money rightfully belongs to the citizens and should not be used for political patronage.

During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Wike expressed his discontent regarding the political climate in Rivers State and challenged the validity of the donation, citing a sense of “betrayal and mismanagement” by the current state leadership.

“The NBA should return the N300 million gift. That money belongs to the people of Rivers State,” Wike stated. “It was given in good faith, but now that the same individuals benefiting from that generosity are opposing the state’s interests, it is appropriate to return the funds.”

This donation, made while Wike served as Governor of Rivers State, was originally celebrated as a supportive move for the legal community. However, it is now facing criticism amid escalating political divisions in the state and growing worries over the allocation of public resources.

Political analysts suggest that Wike’s demand could further strain the relationship between the NBA and the Rivers State Government, as well as exacerbate the existing political discord within the state.

As of now, the Nigerian Bar Association has not provided an official response to Wike’s request.

This situation unfolds in the context of ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, where Wike and other political figures have been at odds with the current administration regarding governance and party loyalty.

Experts believe the repercussions could have lasting effects on both the legal and political structures within the state.