A growing controversy surrounds the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following revelations of a N300 million donation from the Rivers State Government towards its Annual General Conference.
Prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has vehemently called for the immediate refund of the funds, citing concerns over the association’s independence and ethical standing.
Adegboruwa, in a statement released today, expressed “utter shock and disbelief” at the reported donation.
He argued that the NBA, funded by annual practicing fees and conference registration charges, should not be soliciting financial support from government entities.
“Lawyers are the conscience of the society, who are expected to champion the rule of law. Such an organization should not be seen to be romancing with any government, especially in the face of suffering by the masses of our people due to wicked economic policies and human rights abuses by the government. After all, he who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Adegboruwa stated.
He further emphasized the need to avoid any perception of impropriety, asserting, “We have no basis retaining the ‘gift’ from Rivers State, so NBA should refund the money immediately.
“We should not hide under any semantics or bureaucracy to retain the money. It should be paid into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria pending the restoration of democracy in Rivers State. NBA is not a bank.”
Adegboruwa urged the “elders of the Bar” to intervene urgently, calling the situation a “collective shame.”
He proposed that if the funds had already been expended, all SANs and senior lawyers should contribute ₦1 million each to facilitate the refund.
Looking ahead, Adegboruwa called for stricter financial protocols within the NBA. “Going forward, NBA should thread cautiously in raising funds from all manner of persons and institutions. Lawyers in Nigeria are well endowed to fund any programme for the NBA,” he concluded.
The statement has ignited a debate within the legal community, with many lawyers expressing support for Adegboruwa’s stance and demanding greater transparency and accountability from the NBA leadership. The association is yet to officially respond to the growing calls for a refund.
