Former presidential aide and veteran journalist, Laolu Akande, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the controversial N300 million received from the Rivers State Government for hosting its annual conference in Port Harcourt.
Akande made the remarks during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, on Thursday.
According to Akande, while the NBA was commendable in its principled stand against the proposed declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State amid the ongoing political crisis, it must also demonstrate consistency by relinquishing public funds that raise ethical questions.
“The NBA was right to have spoken out against the state of emergency declaration—specifically the move of the President and the National Assembly to remove the Rivers State Governor and the State Assembly. Now, what has happened is that the NBA leaders don’t seem to understand that when you stand on principle, it comes at a cost,” he said.
Akande noted that standing on principle isn’t just about issuing public statements—it also involves making sacrifices that align with such ideals.
“You cannot stand on principle and not be willing to pay the costs. There is a sacrifice that goes with standing on principle. The NBA did the right thing, said the right thing, but [it is] not willing to relinquish the money that is associated with the hosting—whether it is a gift or hosting right,” he stated.
The former presidential aide pointed out that the N300 million—whether seen as a donation or an incentive for bringing the event to Port Harcourt—remains public funds and therefore cannot be ethically justified for private institutional benefit.
“Even if it’s a gift, it’s a gift because the NBA says it’s bringing the event to Port Harcourt. So, I will expect the NBA to do the right thing again—return the money,” Akande insisted.
He further stressed that the NBA, as the apex body of legal professionals in the country, must set the standard for transparency and ethical conduct.
“The NBA is not the kind of association that should be going cap in hand collecting money. It belittles the nobility of the legal profession,” he added.
The N300 million donation from the Rivers State Government has generated public criticism amid concerns that it could be a political move to curry favour or legitimacy from the NBA at a time of deepening political turmoil in the state.
Observers say the controversy threatens to undermine the NBA’s credibility, especially following its recent commendable stance on upholding democratic principles. For many, Akande’s call reflects a growing expectation for professional associations to model the values they advocate—particularly when public trust is at stake.
The NBA, which prides itself on defending the rule of law and promoting accountability in governance, is now being urged to lead by example by returning the funds to the state.
