NBA faults Maina’s alleged appointment, says it’s mockery of anti-corruption fight

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denounced the reported appointment of former Pension Reform Task Force chairman, Abdulrasheed Maina, as Grand Patron of its Garki Branch, describing the move as damaging to the image of the legal profession and a betrayal of the anti-corruption campaign.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association said it regarded the alleged appointment with “disdain,” noting that it was reportedly made by the chairman of the NBA Garki Branch.

Maina was convicted in 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja over the theft of more than N2bn in pension funds and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. The conviction followed a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering.

In May 2023, the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment, upholding the eight-year prison sentence.

In its ruling, a three-member panel of the appellate court said there was no basis to overturn the decision of the Federal High Court, which had found Maina guilty as charged.

READ ALSO:What I did after embarrassing myself at NBA forum – Shettima

Reacting to the alleged appointment, the NBA said the development brought the association into disrepute and contradicted its core principles as well as the government’s anti-corruption drive.

“The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light but also makes a mockery of the Government’s fight against corruption, as well as the Association’s motto of promoting the rule of law,” the statement partly read.

The association also criticised comments allegedly made by the Garki Branch chairman regarding Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court.

While acknowledging that Maina retains the constitutional right to pursue all legal remedies available to him, the NBA stressed that it would not comment on matters before the courts or attempt to influence public opinion on cases that are sub judice.

“Equally reprehensible was the decision of the Chairman to make comments about Abdulrasheed Maina’s appeal, currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court.

“These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and any person who endorsed such conduct as condoning corrupt practices,” the NBA said.

The association added that the legal profession fails society when it is seen to excuse or encourage corruption.

According to the statement, any act capable of rehabilitating or sanitising the image of a person convicted of criminal offences amounts to a serious breach of professional ethics.

“While the NBA respects Mr Maina’s right to exhaust his right to 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 Association will not, under any guise, lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in respect of cases that are sub judice or take steps that may be perceived as laundering the image of any person convicted of criminal offences.

“Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law,” the statement added.

Consequently, the NBA directed the chairman of the Garki Branch to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of Maina and to refrain from making statements or representations in support of any litigant whose case is before the courts.

The association further disclosed that disciplinary action would be commenced against the branch chairman for conduct said to be inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct and the foundational values of the legal profession.

“In view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Bamidele Ojo, is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Branch and to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements, comments, or representations on behalf of, or in support of, Mr. Maina or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court,” Osigwe stated.

Reaffirming its position, the NBA formally distanced itself from the alleged appointment and restated its commitment to integrity, accountability and due process.

“Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response,” Osigwe stated.