A member of the House of Representatives, Solomon Bob, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to return the N300 million reportedly given to it by the Rivers State Government, describing the transaction as inappropriate and lacking transparency.

Bob, who represents Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency, described the NBA’s position that the money was a “gift” as “unreasonable and unbecoming” of a body that positions itself as a national watchdog.

“The money must be returned to the coffers of the Rivers State Government,” Bob said in a statement on Thursday. “Failing that, the authorities should take all necessary steps to recover it.”

The controversy stems from funds reportedly paid by the administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to support the NBA’s annual conference, which has since been relocated from Port Harcourt to Enugu in protest against the political crisis in the state.

Bob accused the NBA of “insincerity, hypocrisy and misguided praetorian pretensions,” and said its stance was a distraction from the group’s silence during what he described as “crass lawlessness and wanton irresponsibility” under Fubara.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), had earlier also requested that the NBA refund the N300m, noting that the funds were tied to the now-cancelled event.

The NBA has yet to respond officially to Bob’s demand.