Wike: NBA’s criticism of Rivers emergency rule motivated by N300m illegal gift

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its stance on the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike alleged that NBA’s criticism of the emergency rule in Rivers was influenced by a N300 million ‘illegal gift” by the state government.

The FCT minister alleged that legal association received the gift from the Rivers government even though it was aware it was not budgeted for.

Wike explained that during his time as governor, he included provisions for donations in the appropriation bills under the line item labeled “grant”.

When asked if he believed that the NBA criticised the Rivers emergency rule declaration because of the N300 million donation from the state government, Wike responded: “Of course, are you not aware? Everybody has seen it.”

The FCT minister added that the money would have remained unknown to Nigerians if not for the recent controversy between the association and the Rivers sole administrator.

“It is unfortunate. The president declared a state of emergency, they said it is unconstitutional, until everybody knew why they said that — the state gave them a gift of N300 million,” Wike said.

“A gift that was not appropriated. There is no appropriation. The NBA took an illegal gift.

“Assuming all these issues did not come out, did you know they took gift?”

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state over the political crisis and instability in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

The decision elicited varied reactions as many stakeholders, including the NBA, criticised the president.

Recently, the NBA clashed with the Rivers government, under the leadership of Ibas, over the payment of N300 million to the association by the Fubara-led administration for the 2025 annual general conference (AGC).

The state government said since NBA moved its conference from Port Harcourt in Rivers to Enugu, NBA should refund the sum given for the hosting rights.

However, the legal body responded that the money was a “gift” to the association and not payment for the hosting rights of the conference.