Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Rivers State government has berated the Nigerian Bar Association for excoriating the new administration in the state and subsequently relocating its planned conference to Enugu State.

Ad >>>

The state government also demanded refund of the N300 million earlier advanced to the NBA to host the relocated conference in Rivers State.

Spokesman of the government of the state, Mr Hector Igbikiowubo, declared in a statement made available to The Oracle Today that NBA’s insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law is fundamentally “misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.”

Mr Igbikiowubo’s statement came in response to announcement dated 10th April 2025 in which the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

He stated that the NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State, explaining that the declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.

“His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability,” Mr Igbikiowubo stated, adding that the Sole Administrator’s mandate is clearly 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,” stated Mr Igbikiowubo who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Rivers State Government on Media and Publicity.

In dwelling on commitment to democratic restoration and fundamental rights, he stated that the Sole Administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable; upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association; and respecting judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which have guided the administration’s actions.

He chided the NBA for allegedly reducing a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism and taking selective principled stand by withholding the N300 million hosting funds it received from the Rivers State for hosting the conference in the state.

“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,” Mr Igbikiowubo argued in demanding refund of the money.

Also in appeal for constructive engagement, he reminded the NBA and other stakeholders that the “Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey,” emphasizing that “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,” appealed.