Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), Rivers Sole Administrator
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has demanded a refund of N300 million from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the association’s relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.
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The administrator’s demand was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, criticising the NBA’s reasons for moving the event, despite having received payment for hosting rights.
Vice Admiral Ibas urged NBA to promptly effect the refund to the state as a matter of integrity and rather not benefit from a state it now publicly discredits.
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’— failed to 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 insisted that the NBA’ reasons for the relocation of the event particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions had undermined democracy and the rule of law was misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prided itself on upholding justice and fairness.
He noted that It said the NBA that overlooked the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State emphasising that the declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.
He said President 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”.
The sole administrator stated should the NBA not be aware, it should consult 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.
The Sole Administrator noted that contrary to the NBA’s assertions, he had 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.
The statement said: “The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.
“Rivers 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 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.”
