The Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that a ₦300 million payment from the state was merely a “gift” unrelated to the hosting rights for the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC). Responding to the NBA’s decision to relocate the 2025 AGC from Port Harcourt to Enugu, the Administrator condemned the move as “unethical” and “a breach of trust.” In a statement released on Tuesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the Administrator emphasized that the payment was made based on a clear and mutual agreement that Rivers State would host the prestigious event. “The Rivers State Government entered into this arrangement with the NBA in good faith, with the understanding that hosting the conference would attract significant economic benefits to our state and directly impact the businesses of our people,” the statement read. He expressed dismay over what he called the NBA’s “unilateral” decision to move the event, warning that failure to refund the ₦300 million would leave the state with no choice but to initiate legal action to recover the funds. “We reaffirm our willingness to engage in partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not accommodate exploitation of our people and the Rivers State Government,” the statement concluded. He urged the NBA to act swiftly to resolve the matter and avoid unnecessary legal confrontation.