By Kingston Magare
The Nigerian Bar Association said there would be no refund of the N300 million given to it by the Rivers State government towards the hosting of the 2025 Annual General Conference.
Rivers State sole administrator Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas rtd had on Monday claimed that the fund was paid as hosting right fee to the NBA, but now that it was no longer holding in the Port Harcourt, the NBA should do the most honourable thing by refunding Rivers State.
However, in a statement Monday evening 2025 NBA AGC Planning Committee chairman Emeka Obegolu, said the money would not be returned since it was a gift to the lawyers’ body. He rubbished claims by Ibas that it was hosting rights fee.
“Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, the NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organizations, agencies of government and state governments for support and the support requested is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever.
“The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class conference to members of the Bar and will not be drawn into any unnecessary controversy over this issue,” he stated.
