Drama Unfolds: PDP Chieftain Challenges NBA’s Integrity Over Conference Shift

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has rejected calls for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to return the ₦300 million financial support it received from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

It was earlier reported that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ette Ibas, had written to the NBA demanding a refund of the ₦300 million Governor Fubara had provided for the association’s Annual General Conference, which was originally scheduled to take place in Rivers State. However, NBA President Afam Osigwe announced that the event would now hold in Enugu, citing the unconstitutional nature of Ibas’ appointment and the removal of Fubara.

Responding to the refund demand, Umar Sani—former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo—described the call as unjustified.

Taking to his handle, Sani argued that the NBA had already clarified that the money was a no-strings-attached donation. He wrote:

“The NBA has stated clearly: the ₦300 million was an unconditional gift. It is standard practice for conferences of this nature to receive donations from both public and private sources. Should the NBA now return every donation it’s received just because the venue has changed? That logic doesn’t make sense.”

He emphasized that the NBA’s decision was guided by principle, referencing a magistrate who resigned rather than obey unconstitutional directives:

“The NBA opposed the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers because it contradicts the constitution. By moving the venue, the association distanced itself from any semblance of authoritarianism.”

Sani concluded that since Siminalayi Fubara remains the legitimate Governor of Rivers State, the conference could still be held there once the State of Emergency is lifted.