The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pension reform task force boss convicted of stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds, as “Grand Patron” of its Garki Branch.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the President of the Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA described the action as reckless, deeply troubling, and a mockery of the legal profession, as well as Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.
According to the NBA, the purported appointment allegedly made by the Chairman of the Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo not only undermines the integrity of the Bar but also erodes public confidence in the justice system and contradicts the Association’s core values of integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
The Association noted that while Abdulrasheed Maina retains the constitutional right to pursue an appeal against his conviction, reportedly pending before the Supreme Court, the NBA will not, under any circumstances, comment on the merits of such appeal or engage in conduct capable of influencing public opinion or judicial proceedings.
“The Bar will not lend its name, platform, or institutional credibility to any attempt direct or indirect to launder the image of a person convicted of criminal offences,” the statement said, stressing that such actions amount to a grave violation of professional ethics.
The NBA further stated that comments allegedly made by the Garki Branch Chairman regarding Maina’s appeal were equally reprehensible, as they portray the Bar as condoning corrupt practices and interfering with matters that are sub judice.
Consequently, the Association directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of Maina as a patron of the Garki Branch and to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements or representations in support of Maina or any other litigant with cases pending before the courts.
The NBA also announced that disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Garki Branch Chairman, citing serious breaches of professional responsibility, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Reaffirming its institutional stance, the NBA stated that integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence remain foundational to the legal profession, warning that any conduct undermining these principles will attract firm and decisive action.
The Association therefore formally disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as “Grand Patron” of the NBA Garki Branch and reiterated its commitment to using its institutional authority to oppose corruption and uphold the rule of law.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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