Relocation of AGC to Enugu: Ibas Fights Back, Demands N300 million Refund from NBA
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State has lashed back at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the associations relocation of its 2025 Annual General Congress (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
Ibas who spoke through a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Hector Igbikiowubo called on the NBA to return an earlier N300 million grant the state gave to the association to secure the hosting right of the AGC.
Expressing disappointment over the relocation of the AGC from the state to Enugu State, Ibas condemned the NBA stating that the association’s reason for relocating the AGC was “misleading” and “uncharitable.”
The Sole Administrator stated that “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its “principled position”— didn’t address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits.”
Ibas maintained that NBA was not being truthful for accusing him of undermining democracy and rule of law, he insisted that the imposition od state of emergency on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu was within the President’s constitutional powers, more so, supported by the Supreme Court ruling that stated that the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara had rather undermined democracy in the state.
Part of the statement reads:
“The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the Nigeria Bar Association’s announcement dated 10th April 2025, relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
“We find the reasons cited for this decision—particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law—to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.
“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State
“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.”
The Sole Administrator further said that Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability.
“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution.
“To suggest that this intervention ‘flouts the rule of law’ is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period.
“In the event the NBA is not aware, may we refer the association to the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is “unconstitutional, null, and void.”
“Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA—as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy—to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives.
“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.