Maina as Grand Patron: Chairman, NBA Garki Branch to Face Disciplinary Proceedings
The national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has faulted the purported appointment of ABADULRASHEED MAINA as the Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch.
The President of the NBA, AFAM OSIGWE, said the appointment of any person convicted of stealing and money laundering or corrupt practices as patron of any NBA branch makes a mockery of the legal profession and the fight against corruption.
OSIGWE said the purported appointment of MAINA by the Chairman, NBA Garki Branch, BAMIDELE OJO, paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light, just as his comment on MAINA’ appeal, currently pending at the Supreme Court.
He said NBA respects MAINA’s right to exhaust his right to appeal against the conviction, and will not under any guise comment on such an appeal or be seen to try to sway public opinion in his favour.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned that the Bar fails in its duties to the society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices.
Following the development, the NBA President said disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman, NBA Garki Branch, BAMIDELE OJO, for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
He said OJO is further directed to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of ABDULRASHEED MAINA as a Patron of the Branch and to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements or representations on behalf MAINA or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court.
He said the NBA views OJO’s conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline. “Accordingly, disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession. 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. Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response.
He further stated that “the NBA therefore disclaims the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch’ by the Chairman of the Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The NBA strongly condemns his actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption.”