The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pension reform task force chairman convicted for stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the action as a mockery of the legal profession and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement signed by the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association expressed “deep disdain” over the alleged appointment reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo.
According to the NBA, the purported appointment not only tarnishes the image of the legal profession but also undermines the Association’s commitment to the rule of law and the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
The Association also criticised comments allegedly made by the Garki Branch Chairman concerning Mr. Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court. While reaffirming that Mr. Maina retains the constitutional right to exhaust all appellate remedies, the NBA stressed that it will not, under any circumstances, comment on or attempt to influence judicial proceedings in matters that are sub judice.
“These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki Branch and anyone who endorsed them as condoning corrupt practices,” the statement said, adding that the Bar fails in its duty to society when it condones or appears to sanitise corruption.
The NBA emphasized that it will not lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings, or to launder the image of any person convicted of criminal offences. It described any such attempt as a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law.
Consequently, the Association directed Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Garki Branch and to desist from issuing any statements or representations in support of Mr. Maina or any other litigant in respect of matters pending before the courts.
The NBA further disclosed that disciplinary proceedings would be commenced against the Chairman of the Garki Branch for conduct inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
Reaffirming its stance, the Association formally disclaimed the purported appointment and reiterated its resolve to use its institutional power to combat corruption.
“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,” the statement concluded.