NBA Condemns Appointment of Convicted Abdulrasheed Maina as Garki Branch Patron
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as Grand Patron of its Garki Branch in Abuja, deeming the action unethical and detrimental to the reputation of the legal profession.
In a statement issued by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA emphasized that Maina was convicted of embezzling over ₦2 billion from pension funds. Associating the Bar with an individual convicted of corruption undermines the rule of law and undermines national anti-corruption initiatives.
The NBA expressed disapproval of Anthony Bamidele Ojo, the Chairman of the Garki Branch, who reportedly announced Maina’s appointment and commented on his pending appeal before the Supreme Court.
The Association reaffirmed that while Maina retains the right to pursue his appeals, the Bar must avoid commenting on or influencing cases that are currently before the courts.
The NBA stated that the act of the Garki Branch chairman risks giving the impression of endorsing corrupt practices, thereby violating the core values and ethical standards of the legal community.
Furthermore, the NBA declared it would not allow its name, platform, or credibility to be used in any manner that could facilitate the whitewashing of individuals convicted of criminal conduct.
As a result, the NBA ordered Ojo to immediately revoke Maina’s purported patronship and to refrain from making any further statements supporting him or other litigants with ongoing cases.
The statement further condemned any actions by the Garki Branch chairman or others that appear to condone corruption, asserting that such conduct undermines societal trust and justice.
“The Bar has a duty to uphold integrity and must act decisively against corruption. Endorsing or failing to act against wrongdoers dishonors the profession and threatens the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
