The NBA denounces Garki Branch over alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, warning against actions undermining justice, ethics, and anti-corruption efforts.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong condemnation of the reported appointment of convicted former pension reform boss, Abdulrasheed Maina, as “Grand Patron” of the Garki Branch.
The Association described the alleged move as disgraceful, unethical, and a blatant affront to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association expressed its “utter disdain” for the purported appointment, which it said was allegedly carried out by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo.
Maina, who was convicted for misappropriating over N2 billion in pension funds, has been at the center of public attention for his criminal conviction and ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court.
According to the NBA, the reported appointment of Maina as a patron of the NBA Garki Branch severely damages the reputation of the Association and the legal profession as a whole.
It also undermines the federal government’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts and diminishes public trust in the ability of legal institutions to uphold the rule of law.
“The purported appointment not only casts the NBA and the legal profession in a negative light, but it also sends a dangerous signal that corruption can be condoned or even rewarded,” the statement said.
“Such actions are inconsistent with the core values of the Association and the ethical standards expected of legal practitioners in Nigeria.”
The Association specifically criticized the NBA Garki Branch Chairman for publicly commenting on Maina’s pending appeal.
The NBA stated that making statements about cases before the Supreme Court, or appearing to influence public opinion in favor of a convicted individual, constitutes a serious violation of professional ethics and undermines the integrity of the judicial process.
“The NBA respects the right of every convicted person to exhaust their appeals.
“However, under no circumstance will the Association lend its name, platform, or institutional credibility to launder the image of any individual convicted of criminal offences,” the statement added.
By endorsing or failing to check such actions, the NBA said, the NBA Garki Branch Chairman and those supporting him risk being seen as condoning corruption.
The Association emphasized that tolerance of such behavior amounts to a breach of professional responsibility, and it warned that decisive disciplinary measures would follow.
Consequently, the NBA has directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Maina as patron of the NBA Garki Branch.
He is also ordered to cease and desist from issuing statements or representations on behalf of Maina or any other litigant in cases pending before the courts.
Failure to comply, the Association noted, would result in formal disciplinary proceedings against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch.
The NBA further stated that integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process remain non-negotiable pillars of the profession.
It warned that any conduct undermining these principles would attract firm and decisive sanctions, emphasizing that public confidence in the legal profession is of utmost importance.
“The actions of the NBA Garki Branch Chairman, if left unchecked, could erode public trust not only in the NBA but in the justice system as a whole,” the statement said.
“The Bar will take all necessary steps to uphold the rule of law, discourage corrupt practices, and ensure that no individual’s misconduct compromises the integrity of the legal profession.”
Observers have expressed concern over the reported appointment, noting that it comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying its fight against corruption.
Public confidence in institutions like the NBA is crucial to sustaining the country’s anti-graft campaigns, and any perception that legal professionals are tolerating or rewarding corrupt behavior could have far-reaching consequences.
The NBA has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rule of law and ensuring that all members of the legal profession adhere strictly to professional ethics.
It reiterated that any conduct inconsistent with these principles, particularly acts that appear to condone corruption, will be met with prompt disciplinary action.
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