NBA Condemns Appointment of Convicted Ex-Pension Boss Abdulrasheed Maina as Garki Branch Patron

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force convicted of stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as Grand Patron of its Garki Branch in Abuja. The association described the move as a disgrace to the legal profession and a mockery of Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the body expressed disdain over the alleged appointment made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo. Maina, who was convicted in 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and sentenced to eight years imprisonment, had his conviction upheld by the Court of Appeal in May 2023. Reports indicate that the appointment occurred during a ceremony where Maina was also presented with a “Rule of Law” award, sparking widespread outrage on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter)

“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 read in part.

The NBA further criticized comments allegedly made by Ojo regarding Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court. While acknowledging Maina’s constitutional right to exhaust all legal remedies, the association emphasized that it would not comment on or influence public opinion on sub judice matters. “These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and any person who endorsed such conduct as condoning corrupt practices,” the NBA added, warning that condoning corruption undermines the Bar’s duty to society.

Consequently, the NBA directed Ojo to immediately withdraw the appointment and cease issuing any statements in support of Maina or other litigants in pending cases. The association also announced the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the Garki Branch chairman for violating the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.

Reaffirming its commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process, the NBA formally disclaimed the appointment and stated that any conduct undermining these principles would attract a firm response. Social media reactions have echoed the NBA’s stance, with users expressing shock and calling the appointment a “big shame” on the branch.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, especially within professional bodies tasked with upholding the rule of law.