A group of lawyers, Concern Lawyers of Integrity and Justice, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA to investigate the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for acts of electoral malpractice.
In a letter signed by Barrister Hussaini Saraki, which was sent to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and equally made public to Journalists on Thursday, the group expressed concern about a recent statement attributed to Yakubu Dogara.
According to the letter, “Dogara, despite being a senior legal practitioner in Nigeria, allegedly admitted to facilitating actions that may constitute electoral malpractice by introducing Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to Governor Nyesom Wike, who purportedly sponsored and influenced the PDP primaries in Bauchi State.
“This admission raises serious ethical questions about his conduct as a lawyer and public servant.”
The statement explained that Dogara’s actions and statement have driven him to stoop to unprecedented levels in his attempts to discredit and destabilize.
The group noted that as a former Speaker and practicing lawyer, Yakubu Dogara is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and adherence to the law.
“His alleged actions and open admission potentially violate the core principles of justice and fairness that the legal profession upholds.
Barrister Hussaini quoted relevant instances and judicial authorities violated, including Breach of electoral laws, code of conduct for legal practitioners, and judicial precedents.
He explained that “Electoral malpractices contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which criminalizes undue influence and manipulation of electoral processes. Participation in such acts constitutes aiding and abetting electoral fraud under Nigerian law.”
Also “The Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2007, particularly Rule 1, mandates lawyers to maintain the highest standard of professional ethics and conduct. Lawyers are required to refrain from engaging in or encouraging any action that undermines the rule of law or the administration of justice.
“In Abdulrahman Muhammad Tumbido v. INEC & Ors (2023) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1907) 301 SC, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of adhering to due process in electoral matters and condemned actions that compromise the integrity of elections. Also In Gbenoba v. L.P.D.C. [2021] 6 NWLR (Pt. 1773) 499, the Supreme Court upheld disciplinary actions against a legal practitioner for professional misconduct, reinforcing the expectation that lawyers must adhere strictly to ethical standards.”
The group then called on the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA “To investigate this self-admission by Yakubu Dogara to determine whether his actions constitute a violation of his professional obligations.
“If found culpable, Yakubu Dogara should face appropriate sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of his legal practicing certificate, to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.”
Saraki believe that NBA must use the case as a precedent to deter other legal practitioners from engaging in actions that undermine the rule of law, electoral integrity, and democracy.
