NBA Conference Funding Dispute: Senior Lawyers Ubani, Ogunye Clash Over Funding Source

Patience Adie16 hours ago

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NBA Conference: NBA Relocates 2025 Annual General Conference to Enugu Amid Constitutional Crisis in Rivers State

Two prominent lawyers have expressed opposing views on the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to seek financial support for its annual conference from the Rivers State government.

Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), former Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), defended the move. In contrast, rights advocate and legal practitioner, Jiti Ogunye, criticized the association for relying on external funds instead of contributions from its members.

Ubani maintained that there is nothing unethical or improper about the NBA accepting funds from the government. He clarified that the Rivers State Government donated money to cover logistics like security arrangements, not for hosting the conference. He further explained that the funds came from the administration of the now-suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara, not the current government.

“The NBA has already addressed this matter, and I align with their position,” Ubani stated. “They’ve explained the rationale behind receiving the funds.”

However, Ogunye strongly disagreed, arguing that the NBA should never seek government funds, as doing so could compromise its neutrality, especially when it needs to speak out against governmental abuses or breaches of the rule of law.

“When the NBA goes to the government for funding, it risks losing its moral authority and independent voice,” Ogunye warned. “The association must rely solely on contributions from its members, including conference fees and special levies.”

He further argued that while it’s straightforward to account for member-generated funds, it becomes difficult to track or justify unsolicited financial gifts, leading to transparency concerns. Ogunye cited disputes during the last Annual General Conference (AGC) over such unaccounted funds, highlighting the need for stricter financial discipline.

He emphasized that the NBA, as a body that promotes the rule of law and accountability, should lead by example.

“Was the N400 million budgeted? What was it allocated for? The NBA, given what it represents, should not be endorsing off-budget expenditures,” he said.

Ogunye added that the NBA is capable of funding its events through the support of its wealthy members and should uphold financial independence and transparency at all times.

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