The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed Mr. Bamidele Ojo, the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, to immediately revoke any alleged appointment of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Branch.
In a statement released on X on Friday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed disapproval of the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as the ‘Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch.’ He emphasised that such an appointment undermines the government’s efforts to combat corruption.
The NBA pointed out that appointing someone convicted of embezzling over N2 billion in pension funds tarnishes the reputation of the legal profession and the NBA, which is committed to promoting the rule of law.
Osigwe also cautioned Mr. Ojo to refrain from making statements, comments, or representations on behalf of, or in favour of, Mr. Maina or any other litigant regarding ongoing court cases.
He indicated that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch for actions inconsistent with the NBA’s Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession. He described Ojo’s conduct as a significant breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline.
According to Osigwe, integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and public confidence in the legal profession are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association. He warned that any actions undermining these principles would provoke a strong response from the organisation.
The NBA also condemned the Chairman’s decision to comment on Abdulrasheed Maina’s appeal, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court. While the NBA acknowledges Mr. Maina’s right to pursue his appeal, Osigwe stated that the Bar will not comment on it or attempt to sway public opinion in his favor.
“The actions of the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, as well as those who support his decisions, suggest an endorsement of corrupt practices.
“The Bar fails in its responsibilities to society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, or neglects to take firm actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices,” the statement reads.
Osigwe affirmed that the association will not, under any circumstances, use its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings regarding cases that are sub judice, nor will it take steps that could be seen as efforts to rehabilitate the image of any individual convicted of criminal offences.
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