NBA Under Fire: PDP Chieftain Blasts Call To Return Gifts Over Venue Switch

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has dismissed demands for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the ₦300 million donation it received from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The call for a refund came from Ibok-Ette Ibas, the Sole Administrator appointed for Rivers State, who argued that the funds were intended for the NBA’s Annual General Conference, initially scheduled to take place in Rivers before being moved to Enugu State.

NBA President Afam Osigwe had earlier stated that the change in venue was prompted by the unconstitutional removal of Governor Fubara and the controversial appointment of Ibas, which the association strongly condemned.

Responding via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Umar Sani—former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and the 2019 PDP presidential campaign—argued that the demand for a refund is baseless.

He wrote: “The NBA clearly stated that the ₦300 million was a goodwill donation with no conditions attached. Public and private contributions to such conferences are normal. Should the NBA now return every donation just because plans change? That reasoning is flawed.”

Sani also praised the NBA’s stance against authoritarianism, citing the resignation of a magistrate who refused to act under unconstitutional directives.

He added, “Governor Sim Fubara remains the legitimate leader of Rivers State. Once the unjust State of Emergency is lifted, the conference can still be hosted there.”