The ongoing debate over the N300 million donation from the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has become a focal point of national attention. Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, a prominent legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, has called the situation a pivotal moment in Nigerian jurisprudence. In a statement, Dr. Ubani explained that while it is not uncommon for state governments to provide financial support for the NBA’s Annual General Conference, this particular incident has raised significant concerns due to the unique circumstances surrounding it.
The Rivers State Government, during Governor Fubara’s tenure, contributed N300 million to support the 2025 NBA conference, a gesture typically seen as an act of goodwill. However, the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the dissolution of the democratically elected state government by President Bola Tinubu and the appointment of Mr. Ibas as a sole administrator, has sparked a controversy. In response, the NBA condemned the federal action, demanded the reinstatement of the elected government, and moved its annual conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu in protest.
In the wake of this, the new emergency government in Rivers State, led by the sole administrator, sought to reclaim the N300 million donation, arguing that it was specifically intended to fund the event in Port Harcourt. However, the NBA maintained that the donation was an unconditional gift and not tied to any particular location, making it ineligible for refund.
Dr. Ubani pointed out that this dispute raises important legal and ethical issues regarding the appropriateness of professional associations like the NBA accepting financial donations from government bodies. He questioned whether the donation was conditional or unconditional, and whether a change in venue would alter the original intent of the donation. Additionally, he raised concerns about whether a successor government has the right to demand the return of public funds donated by a previous administration without evidence of fraud or misuse.
The allegations of bias made by the Sole Administrator against the NBA, based on the financial support it received, have added an ethical layer to the controversy. The potential for legal action against the NBA, Dr. Ubani noted, could push the limits of government involvement in supporting professional bodies in Nigeria. He stressed that if the matter reaches court, it could set a significant judicial precedent concerning the obligations and limits of professional organizations when dealing with government patronage.
Dr. Ubani further emphasized that clarity from Governor Fubara, the original donor, could be crucial in resolving the situation. He noted that the ongoing legal and public debates are likely to escalate until the former governor addresses the issue, potentially serving as a turning point in the matter.
In closing, Dr. Ubani urged the NBA to maintain its professionalism and legal integrity as it navigates the dispute. He cautioned that how the association handles this situation will not only impact its reputation but also set a precedent for how future professional organizations in Nigeria engage with government funding.