•Yakubu Dogara
A group known as the Concerned Lawyers Of Integrity and Justice has petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate and sanction former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, over an allegation of electoral malpractice in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State.
This was contained in a letter addressed to the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN and obtained by journalists in Bauchi, reports Daily Independent.
The letter signed by the convener, Barrister Hussaini Saraki, the lawyers further urged the NBA ti launch an investigation into Dogara’s statements to determine if they constitute a violation of electoral laws and professional ethics as well as impose sanctions if found guilty, including suspension or revocation of his legal practicing certificate.
The group stated 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, adding that the resentment has driven him to stoop to unprecedented levels in his attempts to discredit and destabilize.
The group stated in the letter that Dogara allegedly admitted to facilitating actions that constitute electoral malpractice by introducing Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to Governor Nyesom Wike, who purportedly sponsored and influenced the PDP primaries in Bauchi State, adding that the admission raised serious ethical questions about his conduct as a lawyer and public servant.
It said that Dogara who is a senior legal practitioner in Nigeria had claimed that Wike played a key role in financing Bala Mohammed’s 2019 gubernatorial election, an assertion, according to the petitioners, raised serious ethical and legal concerns.
“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 letter read.
The petitioners noted that his statements amounted to an admission of actions that violate Nigeria’s electoral laws and the professional ethics expected of legal practitioners.
The petition outlined the legal grounds for the NBA’s intervention, citing key judicial precedents and professional conduct rules,.
“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”
“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,” it said.
The group warned that failure to address Dogara’s alleged admission could undermine public trust in the legal and electoral systems calling on the NBA to act decisively in upholding professional integrity and ensuring that lawyers remain committed to the principles of justice and fairness.
