NBA, Accountability, and the Rivers Controversy: A Gift Too Costly to Ignore.
By G.A. Fraser. MFR.
The National Patriots
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the apex body of legal professionals in Nigeria, is currently embroiled in a growing controversy following its decision to relocate the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, amidst the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
At the center of this controversy lies a disputed N300 million payment, made by the Rivers State Government under then-Governor Siminalayi Fubara, purportedly in support of the conference. Following the sudden venue change, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, formally demanded a refund of the N300 million, claiming it was paid for “hosting rights.”
In response, the NBA, through Emeka Obegolu, chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, issued a statement declaring that “no hosting rights were sold” and that the N300 million was a gift from the Rivers State Government—not tied to any contractual obligation or agreement.
But this position has sparked widespread disapproval from legal professionals, civic watchdogs, and concerned citizens, many of whom believe the NBA has not only failed to uphold principles of transparency and accountability but has also acted in violation of legal and ethical standards expected from the foremost legal body in the country.
“You Cannot Give What You Do Not Own” – Nemo dat quod non habet
As renowned Public Analyst, Strategist and Governance Consultant, Dr. G. A. Fraser, MFR, stated in reaction to the NBA’s position:
“Public funds are not private benevolence. When you withdraw N300 million from state coffers, it must meet constitutional and ethical tests of public interest, budgetary approval, and due process. You cannot claim it was a ‘gift’ when the giver has no legal right to donate public resources for personal discretion.”
In legal doctrine, the principle of “nemo dat quod non habet” (you cannot give what you do not have) holds that a person who does not own something cannot transfer its rights or benefits to another. The NBA should understand this better than any other institution.
Moral and Legal Failure on the NBA’s Part
The NBA’s insistence on keeping the N300 million while unilaterally relocating the conference venue is seen by many as an act of moral collapse, legal disregard, and institutional irresponsibility. If the funds were indeed from the Rivers State treasury—as all indications suggest—then there must be clarity on:
Which ministry or sector the funds were drawn from
Whether the Rivers State House of Assembly approved the disbursement
Whether the funds were appropriated for such a purpose
Whether the disbursement followed procurement and financial regulations
If not, the NBA’s acceptance and retention of the funds could be interpreted as collusion in public fund misappropriation with Governor Fubara. Transparency experts argue that if the conference was no longer to be hosted in Port Harcourt, the only ethical and legal remedy is for the NBA to refund the N300 million.
Global Precedents: Honouring Public Commitments or Returning Funds.
Internationally, organizations and event planners have returned funds where terms changed or agreements were voided:
In 2017, the Global Climate Action Summit refunded over $1.2 million to private sponsors when its original venue in Florida was moved to California due to policy disagreements.
In 2019, the World Economic Forum refunded sponsorships to a Gulf state following a diplomatic spat that led to its exclusion from the conference.
In both cases, the guiding principles were fiduciary responsibility, integrity, and institutional reputation—values expected of the NBA.
Accounting Ethics and Due Diligence in Fundraising
According to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), any funds received by a non-profit or institution from public resources must be traceable, auditable, and tied to deliverables. The NBA’s claim that the money was a “gift” is untenable and reckless, especially in the absence of documentation supporting the nature of the transfer.
As Dr. Fraser. noted:
“Even gifts from government must be approved and appropriated. The NBA’s framing of this transfer as a ‘gift’ insults the intelligence of Nigerians and sets a dangerous precedent.”
Political and Legal Implications
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, reserves the constitutional right to initiate a probe into the N300 million transaction. Given that Governor Fubara is currently suspended and not in a position to clarify the source and legality of the funds, the public deserves answers.
The Public Procurement Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, and Rivers State Financial Regulations all require due process for such expenditures. The NBA’s action could open it to investigation for aiding financial impropriety, a violation of its own constitutional and ethical responsibilities.
Final Analysis: NBA’s Role Is Bigger Than This
The NBA is not just a private association; it is the moral compass of Nigeria’s legal fraternity. It ought to uphold the highest standards of justice, fairness, transparency, and public accountability. In this case, it has failed woefully.
If the NBA wishes to preserve its credibility, it must refund the N300 million, apologize to the people of Rivers State, and cooperate fully with any investigation into the disbursement. This is not just about optics—it is about integrity.
As the Latin maxim goes: Fiat justitia ruat caelum – Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.
Conclusion:
This matter is no longer just a disagreement over conference venues. It is a test of Nigeria’s legal conscience. Will the NBA lead by example or sink further into institutional decay?
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR
The National Patriots.
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Reactions to the article by various readers.
Forward comments to editor.headlinenews@gmail.com.
“NBA and the N300 Million Gift: A Betrayal of Justice and Public Trust” – Headlinenews.news.
“Legal Hypocrisy: How the NBA Failed Its Own Standards in the Rivers AGC Controversy” This is my view on this matter after reading this well written report. I like the analysis and comparison. Kudos to the writer. I will look out for your articles in future.” – Retired Nigerian Ambassador.
“You Cannot Gift What You Do Not Own: NBA’s Ethical Failure Over Rivers State Funds” This is the crux of this matter. NBA has no leg to stand on in this issue. They should eat humble pie and resolve this matter. The world is watching, not just Nigeria. Headlinenews.news is an International News Portal.
-Dr. Amiida, the National Patriots
“From Law to Lapse: NBA’s Role in the N300 Million Rivers Conference Scandal” This is a shameful headline. What’s happening to the leadership of the NBA? It’s obvious that the quality of the leadership has gone down. This matter ought not to have been in the media space. Please refund the matter and let sleeping dogs lie before you start an investigation on Fubara which you can’t stop. Princess, your articles are always so impressive.” -Former Head of State.
“Justice or Justification? The NBA’s Dubious Defense of a Public Fund Gift” ” I thank the writer for her objectivity in this impressive piece. The NBA need not say more if they read this piece, they should keep quiet and resolve this matter discreetly as it’s disgraceful. Was it Fubara’s money? – Former Distinguished Senator.
“AGC Relocation Scandal: Why NBA Must Refund Rivers’ N300 Million: I believe the NBA must refund the N300m at all cost in order to keep their integrity. This articles supports this also. A good balanced piece. Well done” Prof. Olushola Fawole. Academia.
“NBA Under Scrutiny: The Gift, The Conference, and The Crisis of Credibility, these are well addressed in this article. I commend the writer on doing justice to this sensitive but very important issue” – Former Governor.
“Ethics on Trial: The NBA, Rivers State, and the Conference Cash Controversy, quite an interesting article. I appreciate the analysis.”- Member of the UK Parliament.
Forward comments to editor.headlinenews@gmail.com.
