By: Favour Achimugu, Esq
April 21, 2025
In a startling development that raises fresh questions about transparency, governance, and institutional integrity within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), it has emerged that the Association’s leadership failed to disclose the controversial ₦300 million “donation” from the Rivers State Government to its National Executive Council (NEC)—the NBA’s highest decision-making body between AGMs.
The donation, reportedly made during the tenure of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was never mentioned in the NBA NEC Bundles of November, 2024 or February 2025. The NEC Bundle is a comprehensive document where all activities, budgets, and reports by the NBA and its Committees are expected to be disclosed. This omission is even more striking given that previous Annual General Conference Planning Committees (AGCPC), under earlier administrations, routinely disclosed such financial contributions in their reports to NEC and to the wider membership.
However, in the most recent NEC Bundle reviewed by this publication, the AGCPC Report submitted by Chairman Emeka Obegolu SAN, runs from pages 55 to 59 and makes no reference whatsoever to the ₦300 million donation—not the request, not the approval, and not the receipt.
This marks a critical departure from precedent and raises uncomfortable questions:
Why was NEC not informed? Why was the general membership of the Bar kept in the dark? And who approved the request, release, and use of the funds?
A Cloaked Decision and an Opaque Process
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN has publicly defended the donation, calling it a “gift” made in response to a sponsorship request by the NBA, and asserting it was not in exchange for any “hosting rights.” But his assertion conflicts with the manner in which the money was handled. Not only was it solicited and received without prior NEC approval, but it also followed a unilateral decision by the NBA President to name Port Harcourt as the 2025 AGC host city during his inaugural speech—months before NEC had a chance to discuss or ratify the venue.
When the Rivers political crisis exploded in early 2025, threatening governance and legality in the state, the NBA NEC was convened to deliberate on a possible relocation of the Conference. Rather than lead with clarity, the NBA steered the Council to refer the final decision back to him—effectively granting himself a retroactive mandate over a decision he had already made.
“The President’s maneuver sought to use NEC as a rubber stamp,” said one NEC member who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals. “Now it appears the entire exercise was a cover for decisions already taken behind closed doors.”
A Gift at What Cost?
Legal and public accountability voices have decried the NBA’s acceptance of the money, pointing to the deep economic hardship faced by the people of Rivers State.
“₦300 million could have refurbished hospitals, supplied medicines, or improved schools in the creeks,” said human rights lawyer Abdul Mahmud in a widely shared op-ed. “Instead, it was funneled into the coffers of a private professional association already funded by its members. This is not just unseemly; it’s a moral collapse.”
Similar calls have been made by Human Rights activists like Ebunoluwa Adegboruwa, SAN. The fact that NEC, constitutionally empowered to scrutinize and ratify decisions of the Executive, was not given the opportunity to deliberate on the donation, may mean more than just an omission—it may be a deliberate act of concealment.
A Dangerous Precedent
Critics argue that the Bar’s refusal to return the funds, even after a change in Rivers State’s leadership, threatens the independence of the legal profession. “He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Mahmud warned. “If the NBA becomes financially entangled with state actors, it will no longer be able to hold them accountable.”
What Next?
Calls are now mounting from across the legal community for a full audit, public disclosure of the fund’s usage, and possible refund of the donation to the people of Rivers State.
“This money was given under questionable circumstances, hidden from the oversight body, and defended with defiance,” said a senior lawyer. “The only way for the NBA to reclaim its soul is to return the money and apologize.”
Similar concerns have emerged regarding the lack of transparency in the criteria used to select Enugu State as the new venue. Its choice over cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Imo—each with more robust infrastructure, security, and air travel connectivity—has further deepened questions about the rationale behind the decision. How much has the Enugu State government pledged or donated? Will the NBA convene an emergency NEC meeting to notify the Council and seek ratification of the amount?
As the dust continues to rise, one thing is clear: the Bar that should be leading the fight for integrity in Nigeria is now fighting for its own.
This story is developing. Further details to follow.
