Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on Nigerian Bar Association to refund the N300 million received from Rivers State Government as support for its Annual General Conference.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adegboruwa expressed dismay over the development that the state government, under suspended Governor, Sim Fubara disbursed a large sum to the NBA.
He described it as inappropriate and unjustifiable.
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The legal practitioner also warned that NBA as the conscience of society and a defender of the rule of law, must not be seen aligning with any government, especially at a time when Nigerians are suffering from economic hardship and alleged human rights abuses.
READ MORE: “N300m Hosting Fund Was Gift From Gov Fubara” — NBA Replies Rivers Govt Over Refunding
He said: “All lawyers in Nigeria pay their practising fees annually. Fees are also charged for those who wish to attend the conference.
“There is no basis for the NBA to go cap in hand, begging for money to host a conference of lawyers.
“Such an organisation should not be seen to be romancing any government, especially in the face of mass suffering due to harsh economic policies and human rights violations. After all, he who pays the piper dictates the tune.
“The NBA should refund the money immediately. We should not hide under semantics or bureaucracy to retain it. The amount should be paid into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria pending the restoration of democracy in Rivers State. The NBA is not a bank.
“Going forward, the NBA should tread cautiously in raising funds from all manner of persons and institutions. Lawyers in Nigeria are well-endowed and capable of funding any NBA programme.”
