The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the purported appointment of convicted former pension reform boss, Abdulrasheed Maina, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a mockery of the legal profession, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said it viewed “with disdain” the reported appointment allegedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo, noting that such action gravely undermines the integrity and core values of the Bar.
“Purportedly appointing a person convicted of stealing, money laundering or corrupt practices as patron of any branch of the NBA makes a mockery of the legal profession and the fight against corruption,” the Association stated on Thursday in a statement shared with THE WHISTLER.
The NBA recalled that Abdulrasheed Maina was convicted on November 8, 2021, by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, for misappropriating over N2bn pension funds.
Maina was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment after being found guilty on multiple counts of money laundering and pension fraud.
According to the NBA, while it recognises Maina’s constitutional right to pursue his appeal, reportedly pending before the Supreme Court, it finds it “equally reprehensible” that the Garki Branch Chairman allegedly made public comments concerning the appeal.
“While the NBA respects Mr. Maina’s right to exhaust his right of 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,” the statement read.
The Association warned that any attempt by its officers or branches to use the NBA’s platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in matters that are sub judice amounts to a grave violation of professional ethics.
“The Bar fails in her duties to society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices,” the NBA said.
Consequently, the NBA directed the Chairman of the Garki Branch to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Maina as a patron 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 it would commence disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Ojo, describing his conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline.
“Integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession” the NBA said “are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association. Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response,” Osigwe said.
The NBA formally disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch and reiterated its commitment to the fight against corruption.
“The NBA strongly condemns these actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption,” the statement said.
Maina, who received the Rule of Law and Courage Award from the NBA Garki Branch said Thursday during the event that “I received this honour with humility, but I must speak plainly. This is not a celebration for me at all. It is a testimony of endurance and of what can happen when you insist that the law must be stronger than power.”
He denied ever being a signatory to any account linked to pension funds, saying, “We never had any account in the name of ‘Pension Reform tax team.’ It has never existed.
“All the banks are there, and you can approach them. I have given the NBA my petition, the banks’ signatures, and the signature cards.”
