NBA Under Fire: Wike Alleges Bribe Behind Support For Rivers Emergency Rule

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cast doubt on the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) credibility over its stance against the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

During a media chat in Abuja, Wike alleged that the NBA received a ₦300 million “gift” from the suspended administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—a move he claims compromised the association’s impartiality and explains its opposition to the emergency measure.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, questioned the sincerity of the NBA’s criticism amid the unfolding political turmoil, which came after President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara and several top officials for six months.

In reaction to the suspension, the NBA relocated its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing the emergency rule and deeming it unconstitutional. However, the decision has drawn criticism—particularly after Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, requested the return of the ₦300 million originally allocated for the event.

While the NBA insists the amount was a “gift,” Wike contested the legality of the funds, arguing that they were not officially appropriated.

“It’s unfortunate. How can the NBA criticize the emergency rule in Rivers after receiving gifts?” Wike asked. “When the Body of Benchers visited me, I made it clear. When a judge ruled on the local government issue, the NBA condemned the ruling without even reviewing it.”

He continued: “The President declared a state of emergency, and they said it was unconstitutional. Now it’s clear—they opposed it because they had received an unappropriated ₦300 million gift from the state.”

Wike concluded: “When I was governor, I gave the NBA a ₦300 million grant—legally, because it was appropriated in the budget. This one wasn’t. What they got from the Fubara administration was not a grant—it was an illegal gift.”