Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, retired, has demanded a refund of N300 million from the NBA. Ibas claims the funds were paid by the Rivers State Government as hosting rights for the 2025 Annual General Conference.
Since the NBA relocated the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu. Ibas asserts that the move contradicts the original agreement and undermines the Rivers Government’s investment.
Ibas said his Senior Special Adviser, Hector Igbikiowubo, confirmed that Rivers paid the funds unconditionally. “We expect the NBA to refund the N300 million,” Ibas declared.
Ibas argued that the NBA must honour its commitments. He urged the association to address the refund promptly. Ibas stressed that the hosting rights do not belong to the NBA. He accused the NBA of politicising a constitutional matter. “The NBA must engage constructively instead of amplifying divisive narratives,” he added.
The NBA had earlier stated that retaining Rivers as the host would endorse constitutional violations. The association claimed that the move would support a state that breached the rule of law. Ibas rejected this reasoning, saying the state’s actions were constitutional and necessary. He cited a Supreme Court ruling that validated the interim government’s decisions in Rivers.
Ibas warned that any delay in refunding the N300 million would damage the relationship between the state and the NBA. He called on the NBA to focus on constructive engagement with all stakeholders. Ibas said, “We must resolve this dispute without further controversy.”
Supporters of Ibas and critics of the NBA now monitor the situation closely. Analysts say the case may have broader implications for future conference hosting and state partnerships.
The controversy continues to stir debate in legal circles. Both sides now await further developments in the dispute over the N300 million refund.
