The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the purported appointment of a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Abdulrasheed Maina, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a disgrace to the legal profession and a mockery of the nation’s fight against corruption.
The NBA made its position known in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
In the statement, the association said it viewed with “disdain” the alleged appointment, which was reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr Anthony Ojo.
The NBA stressed that the development, if true, runs contrary to the core values of the legal profession, which include integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Maina was convicted in 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja for stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds and was subsequently sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
According to the NBA leadership, honouring a person with such a criminal record, particularly one involving large-scale corruption, undermines public confidence in the legal system and sends a dangerous message to society.
The association emphasised that the legal profession must remain at the forefront of promoting justice and ethical conduct, noting that any action capable of portraying lawyers as tolerant of corruption is unacceptable.
The NBA also called for an immediate clarification and appropriate steps to address the situation, warning that it would not hesitate to take necessary disciplinary measures to protect the integrity and image of the association.
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting national efforts to combat corruption, insisting that the NBA would not be associated with actions that ridicule justice or dishonour the profession.
