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Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria have dismissed the calls for the resignation of the Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe, over the N300m received from the Rivers State Government for the NBA 2025 Annual General Conference.
The SANs said those calling for the resignation of Osigwe and the Chairman of the conference planning committee, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, were sponsored by politicians.
The controversial N300m came to public knowledge after the NBA moved the conference out of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu as a result of the emergency rule in the state.
Responding to the NBA’s decision, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) asked the association to return the N300m paid by the state for hosting rights.
However, the NBA insisted that the money was a legitimate sponsorship gift and not tied to the choice of conference venue.
Despite the NBA’s explanation, a group known as the Public Interest Lawyers League, led by Abdul Mahmud, demanded Osigwe and Obegolu’s resignation.
“These resignations are not punitive; they are necessary acts of organisational cleansing. They are the first steps toward the restoration of credibility and trust in the NBA,” Mahmud stated during a press conference.
However, some senior advocates described the group as faceless and politically motivated, maintaining that all procedures were followed in receiving the Rivers sponsorship, and no wrongdoing had occurred on the part of its leadership.
One of the lawyers, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, stated that, “The protest is absolutely uncalled for. It is clear those behind it are sponsored. No credible lawyer would associate with such antics. The NBA President has overwhelming support from members, even more than when he was elected.”
For Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN, the NBA leadership had no direct involvement in sourcing the funds.
“It is the AGC Committee, not the NBA Exco, that is responsible for seeking sponsorships. The Rivers State Government agreed to sponsor the 2025 AGC and the funds were tied to souvenirs. This is standard practice and has nothing to do with hosting rights,” he stated.
He added that demanding resignation over a matter handled by a separate committee was misplaced and unjust.
In his comment, Sunusi Musa, SAN, simply described the resignation calls as “baseless.”
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