Concerned Lawyers Demand Dogara’s Probe Over Admittance Of Electoral Fraud

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – A group of legal practitioners in Bauchi on the aegis of “Lawyers of Integrity and Justice” has called on security and anti-corruption agencies in the country to immediately commence full-fledged investigations into the public admittance and open confession of electoral malpractice by Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 8th National Assembly.

The group in a letter addressed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), singed by Mr Hussaini Saraki, Esq., expressed concern over the recent statement attributed to Dogara, who is a senior legal practitioner in Nigeria.

Saraki noted that the admission by Dogara was both disgraceful and damaging to the reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria.

According to Saraki; “He allegedly admitted to facilitating actions that may constitute electoral malpractice by introducing Senator Bala 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. Yakubu Dogara’s recent actions and statements are a reflection of his desperation to exact revenge for the painful defeat Senator Bala 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 said.

Saraki gave instances and judicial authorities to include the breach of electoral laws and malpractices which contravened the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, that criminalizes undue influence and manipulation of electoral processes.

The group of lawyers noted that participation in such acts constituted aiding and abetting electoral fraud under the Nigerian law and violate the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners.

The letter further said; “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.

“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”.

The group of lawyers also demanded the NBA to apply sanctions where necessary, stating that if found culpable, Dogara should face appropriate sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of his legal practicing certificate, to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

It said; “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.”