Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team convicted over the theft of more than ₦2 billion in pension funds, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA described the alleged appointment reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo as a development that brings the legal profession into disrepute and undermines the fight against corruption.
The Association said the move, if allowed to stand, would amount to condoning corrupt practices and contradict the NBA’s core values, including the promotion of the rule of law and integrity in public life.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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,” the statement said.
The NBA also faulted comments allegedly made by the Garki Branch Chairman concerning Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court. While affirming Maina’s constitutional right to exhaust all avenues of appeal, the NBA stressed that it would not, under any circumstance, comment on or attempt to influence public opinion on matters that are sub judice.
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According to the Association, any attempt by its officials or branches to lend institutional credibility to individuals convicted of criminal offences or to make public statements capable of influencing ongoing judicial proceedings constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics.
Consequently, the NBA directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as a patron of the branch and to cease and desist from issuing statements or representations in support of Maina or any other litigant with cases pending before the courts.
The Association further announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch for actions deemed inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the foundational values of the legal profession.
Reiterating its stance, the NBA formally disclaimed the alleged appointment and emphasized that it would not allow its platform or name to be used to launder the image of persons convicted of corruption-related offences.
“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,” the statement concluded, warning that any conduct undermining these principles would attract decisive institutional sanctions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
