BUSINESSDAY
The association of the legal practitioners did not sell hosting rights for the conference.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dismissed claims that ₦300 million received from the Rivers State Government was a loan, stating it was a donation. The demand for a refund came after the NBA relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing concerns over political instability in Rivers State.
Responding to the refund demand, Conference Planning Committee Chairman Emeka Obegolu clarified that the NBA did not sell hosting rights for the event and had accepted the funds as a contribution, not a commercial transaction.
“The money paid by Rivers State under the leadership of the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was a gift,” Obegolu stated.
He maintained that the NBA’s decision to move the conference was driven by the need to protect its members and ensure a secure environment. The NBA emphasized that the ₦300 million was a voluntary contribution by the former administration and is not subject to repayment.