The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disowned the purported appointment of former pension reform task force boss, Abdulrasheed Maina, as “Grand Patron” of its Garki Branch, describing the move as unethical and damaging to the integrity of the legal profession.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe and shared on the association’s official X handle on Friday.
TheFact Daily recalled that Maina in November 2021 was convicted by a federal high court on Abuja for stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds.
NBA condemned the action allegedly taken by the Chairman of the Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Ojo, stating that honouring a person convicted of corruption ridicules both the rule of law and Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
According to the NBA, the purported appointment projects the Bar as condoning corrupt practices and contradicts its constitutional mandate to uphold justice, integrity and accountability.
The Association also criticised comments reportedly made by the Garki Branch Chairman concerning Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court.
While affirming Maina’s right to pursue all legal remedies, the NBA said it would not comment on, nor be associated with, any attempt to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in matters that are sub judice.
“The NBA will not, under any guise, lend its platform or institutional credibility to actions capable of laundering the image of persons convicted of criminal offences,” the statement said.
Consequently, the Association directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw the purported appointment and to refrain from issuing any statements or representations on behalf of Maina or any other litigant with pending court cases.
The NBA described the conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Garki Branch Chairman for actions inconsistent with the NBA Constitution and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Association stressed that integrity, respect for the judicial process and public confidence in the legal profession remain non-negotiable values.
The NBA therefore formally disclaimed the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as patron of its Garki Branch and reiterated its resolve to deploy its institutional authority in the fight against corruption.
