The controversy surrounding the relocation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu State continues to escalate. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has publicly demanded that the NBA refund the N300 million paid by his administration for the hosting rights of the now-relocated conference. This demand follows the NBA's decision to move the conference due to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The NBA's decision to relocate the conference was rooted in its disapproval of the political situation in Rivers State. Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), President of the NBA, cited the emergency rule declared on March 18, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator, as factors that stalled preparations and raised concerns about the rule of law. The NBA felt that proceeding with the conference in Port Harcourt would be tantamount to endorsing what they consider an illegal and unconstitutional governance structure.

In response to the NBA's criticisms and the relocation of the conference, Vice Admiral Ibas issued a statement through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, expressing his dissatisfaction with the NBA's reasoning. He described the NBA's justification for the relocation as "misleading and uncharitable." While acknowledging the NBA's prerogative to choose its conference venue, Ibas questioned the association's silence on the matter of refunding the N300 million paid for hosting rights.

"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," the statement read.

Ibas further challenged the NBA's integrity, stating, "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." He defended President Bola Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency, asserting that it was an action taken in the best interest of the state to restore stability and ensure a return to full democratic governance in line with the Constitution.

The Sole Administrator also addressed the NBA's concerns about the rule of law, referencing a Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others). He pointed out that the apex court had unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is "unconstitutional, null, and void," implying that the current administration is acting within a legal framework.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has welcomed the NBA's decision to relocate the conference, expressing its readiness to host the event and provide a "memorable and seamless experience" for the lawyers. Rita Mbah, Chairperson of the Enugu State Tourism Board, highlighted the state's enhanced infrastructure, including the newly commissioned Enugu International Conference Centre, as evidence of its capacity to host a world-class event.

The NBA's stance has garnered support from some quarters, with voices like human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and former Rivers State Governor Ada George criticizing President Tinubu's intervention and the appointment of a sole administrator. However, the NBA's decision has also drawn criticism, particularly regarding the financial implications of relocating the conference.

An unnamed lawyer familiar with the conference arrangements acknowledged that the NBA received the N300 million from the Rivers State Government but argued that it was not a condition for hosting the conference. The lawyer claimed that other state governments often provide support to the NBA conference, regardless of the location. Furthermore, the lawyer suggested the NBA has incurred significant losses due to the cancellation of the Port Harcourt conference, citing expenses related to branded materials.

The controversy surrounding the NBA conference relocation highlights the complex political dynamics in Rivers State and raises questions about the balance between upholding the rule of law and ensuring stability. The NBA's decision to prioritize its principles has led to a financial dispute with the Rivers State Government, further complicating the situation. As the 2025 conference approaches, it remains to be seen whether the NBA will heed the call for a refund and how this situation will impact the association's relationship with Rivers State in the future.