By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
For publicly and willingly admitting facilitating alleged electoral fraud, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barr Yakubu Dogara has been berated and described as a let down to the noble legal profession.
The assertion was made by a group of legal practitioners in Bauchi, Lawyers of Intergrity and Justice in a letter sent to President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja, singed by Barrister Hussaini Saraki on behalf of the group.
The Group therefore, called on concerned security agencies and Anti-Corruption agencies in the country to immediately commence full-fledged investigation and sanction against Yakubu Dogara for confession of alleged Electoral Malpractice.
The group wrote that, “We write to express deep concern regarding the recent statement attributed to Hon. Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a senior legal practitioner in Nigeria.”
According to him, “He 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 group stressed that, “Yakubu Dogara’s recent actions and statements are 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.”
“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,” he added.
He gave relevant instances and judicial authorities to include: 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.
On 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.
On 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.
In the Group’s call to action, it stated that, “We hereby call on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to commence an Investigation. The NBA should investigate this self-admission by Yakubu Dogara to determine whether his actions constitute a violation of his professional obligations.”
It also wants the NBA to apply sanctions where Necessary stating that 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.
The NBA set a deterrent precedent and must use this case as a precedent to deter other legal practitioners from engaging in actions that undermine the rule of law, electoral integrity, and democracy.
In conclusion, the Group stressed that the admission by Yakubu Dogara is both disgraceful and damaging to the reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria.
“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,” The Group opined.
It stressed that,”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.”