The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former public official convicted for stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds, as “Grand Patron” of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a grave affront to the legal profession and the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement issued and signed by the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association expressed deep dismay at the action allegedly taken by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The NBA said the purported appointment not only brings the Bar into disrepute but also undermines the association’s core values, including its commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
The Association further faulted comments reportedly made by the branch chairman concerning Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court. While acknowledging Maina’s constitutional right to exhaust all avenues of appeal, the NBA stressed that it would not, under any circumstances, comment on or attempt to influence judicial proceedings that are sub judice.
According to the NBA, the actions of the NBA Garki Branch chairman, and any endorsement of such actions, create the impression that the legal profession is condoning corrupt practices. The Bar, the statement noted, fails society when it encourages or appears to legitimise corruption, or when it allows its platform to be used to launder the image of individuals convicted of criminal offences.
“The Association will not lend its name, platform, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial processes in respect of pending cases,” the NBA said, adding that any such attempt amounts to a serious violation of professional ethics and a direct challenge to the rule of law.
Consequently, the NBA directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as a patron of the branch and to cease forthwith from issuing any statements or representations in support of him or any other litigant with matters pending before the courts.
The Association also announced that it would commence disciplinary proceedings against the chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, describing his conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline, contrary to the Constitution of the NBA and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
READ THE FULL RELEASE BELOW
PURPORTEDLY APPOINTING A PERSON CONVICTED OF STEALING AND MONEY LAUNDERING OR CORRUPT PRACTICES AS PATRON OF ANY BRANCH OF NBA, MAKES A MOCKERY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
The Nigerian Bar Association views with disdain the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, who was convicted for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch’ by the Chairman of NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light but also makes a mockery of the Government’s fight against corruption, as well as the Association’s motto of promoting the rule of law. Equally reprehensible was the decision of the Chairman to make comments about Abdulrasheed Maina’s appeal, currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court. While the NBA respects Mr. Maina’s right to exhaust his right to appeal against the conviction, the Bar will NOT under any guise comment on such an appeal or be seen to try to sway public opinion in his favour.
These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and, indeed, any person who endorsed his putrid actions as condoning corrupt practices. The Bar fails in her duties to the society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, and or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices. The Association will not, under any guise, lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in respect of cases that are sub judice or take steps that may be perceived as laundering the image of any person convicted of criminal offences. Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law.
In view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Bamidele Ojo, is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Branch and to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements, comments, or representations on behalf of, or in support of, Mr. Maina or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court.
The NBA views this conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline. Accordingly, disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession. Integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association. Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response.
The NBA therefore disclaims the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch’ by the Chairman of the Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The NBA strongly condemns his actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption.
MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
In this article