“Dogara A Disgrace To Our Profession,” Lawyers Fume, Call On NBA To Investigate Former Speaker

From Paul Orude Bauchi

A group, Concern Lawyers of Integrity and Justice, has described former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara as a ‘disgrace’ to the legal profession, calling on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate him for allegedly admitting to electoral malpractice.

The converner, Barrister Husseini Saraki made this known in a letter sent to the NBA, Abuja,  where the group expressed deep concern that Dogara, a senior legal practitioner, allegedly admitted to facilitating actions that might constitute electoral malpractice.

Saraki explained that the former Speaker claimed he allegedly introduced Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to Governor Nyesom Wike, “who purportedly sponsored and influenced the PDP primaries in Bauchi State”, adding that, “Dogara’s admission raised serious ethical questions about his conduct as a lawyer and public servant”

He said Dogara’s recent actions and statements were a reflection of his desperation to exact revenge for the painful defeat Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed inflicted on their adopted gubernatorial candidate during the last general election in Bauchi State.

“This resentment has driven him to stoop to unprecedented levels in his attempts to discredit and destabilize,” he said.

“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.

“Relevant Instances and Judicial Authorities:

“Breach of Electoral Laws: 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.

“Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners: 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.

“Judicial Precedents: 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 called on the NBA investigate the self-admission of Yakubu Dogara to determine whether his actions constitute a violation of his professional obligations.

They also appealed to the association to “apply Sanctions Where Necessary: 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” they pleaded

Saraki insisted that sanctioning of Dogara would serve as deterrent to promote the rule of law, electoral integrity, and democracy.

“The admission by Yakubu Dogara is both disgraceful and damaging to the reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria,” the letter said further.

“As custodians of justice, lawyers are expected to lead by example and promote the rule of law at all times.

“Yakubu Dogara’s recent actions and statements, motivated by desperation to avenge the defeat of their gubernatorial candidate in Bauchi State during the last general election, reflect a disregard for the principles of justice and integrity.

“If Yakubu Dogara’s actions are allowed to go unaddressed, it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the sanctity of our legal and electoral systems.

“

We trust that the NBA will act decisively in this matter to restore public confidence in the legal profession and reaffirm its commitment to justice and fairness.”