Ibas Blows Hot: Rivers Administrator Denies ₦300M Payment To NBA, Vows To Sue!

Rivers Administrator Ibas Denies NBA’s Claim of ₦300M ‘Gift’, Threatens Legal Action....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has firmly denied the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) claim that the ₦300 million paid by the Rivers State Government was merely a “gift” and not tied to the hosting of the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).

Reacting to the NBA’s recent decision to move the AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu, Ibas described the claim as “unethical” and a serious “breach of trust,” insisting the funds were disbursed based on a clear, mutual agreement.

In a statement issued Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas clarified that the ₦300 million was explicitly intended to secure hosting rights for the prestigious event, which was expected to boost Rivers State’s economy and local businesses.

“The Rivers State Government entered into this agreement in good faith, with the understanding that the NBA’s AGC would bring significant economic value to our state,” the statement noted.

Ibas expressed deep disappointment over the NBA’s unilateral decision to relocate the event without consultation and warned that unless the funds are returned, the government would take legal steps to recover the money.

While expressing the state’s openness to working with professional bodies like the NBA, Ibas stressed that Rivers State would not tolerate exploitation.

“We remain open to partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not allow our government or people to be exploited,” Igbikiowubo stated.

He urged the NBA to resolve the matter amicably and avoid escalating the situation into a legal dispute.