…Rejects accusations of unconstitutional actions
Collage of Rivers state map symbol and the flier for NBA 2025 conference
The Rivers State Government has demanded the refund of N300m said to have been given the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) which was to hold its annual general meeting and annual general conference (AGM and AGC) in Port Harcourt.
The demand is contained in a statement issued on behalf of the state by the newly appointed Senior Special Adviser on Media (SSA media), Hector Igbikiowubo. The new appointee is indicated as a seasoned oil/gas editor with authority on the hydrocarbon industry.
The statement said the NBA cannot talk of acting on principle to relocate to another state (Enugu) without acting it through by first refunding the N300m support.
The statement said: “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.”
Calling for constrictive engagement, the state government said the state is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey. “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 Rivers State government said it finds the reasons cited for the change of host, particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions had 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 statement said the NBA seemed to have overlooked 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 statement said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.”
The statement referred to the ruling of 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 statement claimed that the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is unconstitutional, null, and void.
The statement said: “Contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the Sole Administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable, and upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association.”
It said: “The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.”
The government went ahead to say the Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance and urged the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.”
Source: businessday.ng