NBA Refutes Selling Conference Hosting Rights to Rivers, Says ₦300 Million Was Gift

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has flatly debunked allegations that it had sold the hosting right of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) to the Rivers State Government, explaining that the ₦300 million paid by the state was a goodwill gesture and not paid in a transactional context.

The drama ensued when the NBA moved its 2025 AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

The Rivers State Government, who had contracted and paid ₦300 million in support of the event, alleged that the NBA had broken a supposed hosting agreement and requested a refund.

The demand was made by Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of the state, who alleged that the NBA had violated its contract to hold the conference in Port Harcourt after it had taken state funds.

Emeka Obegolu, Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee of the NBA, publicly secretary responded, that the association never got or asked for the funds in exchange for rights to host.

Obegolu explained that the choice of Port Harcourt as the inaugural host city was done at the August 2024 sitting of the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC). He emphasized that there was no bidding and no contractual arrangement.

“The NBA gets voluntary assistance from governments, institutions, and individuals for its activities, but always on a goodwill basis—no strings attached,” Obegolu said.

The NBA cited constitutional breaches and sacking of democratic structures as well as disobedience of court oders for relocating the conference to Enugu.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 owing to mounting political unrest and failure of governing institutions.

Obegolu contended that the NBA, being a professional body that is law-abiding, could not in good conscience proceed to stage its flagship event in a state that was under emergency rule.

The Rivers State Government views the NBA’s action as politically driven and a default of the state’s investment. In response, there has been heightened public debate regarding the transparency and accountability of public spending—especially in the context of huge sponsorship or donation to professional organizations.

Civic groups and legal analysts have called for examination of how these monies are spent and if procedures are followed in these transactions.

Despite the tensions, the NBA has assured that arrangements for the 2025 AGC in Enugu remain on course and that it remains committed to hosting a successful and meaningful conference for members.

“The NBA will not be weighed down by unnecessary controversies. Our prime concern remains the professional development of our members and the upholding of the rule of law,” the statement further said.