The NBA Elections Appeal Committee (North) has disqualified Victor Giwa from running for the position of chairman of the NBA Garki Branch in Abuja. This decision follows allegations of documented misconduct and an imminent arraignment on an eight-count criminal charge related to illegal eviction.
The complaint was lodged by Ms. Asabe Waziri, founder of the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), who accused Giwa of blackmail and orchestrating her illegal eviction, after which he was appointed as Director. The Attorney General of the Federation has also filed a nine-count charge against Giwa, and he is currently before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
The Committee reviewed the petition titled “Documented Misconduct: Victor Giwa’s Candidacy Raises Ethical Concerns” and found substantial documentation supporting the allegations against Giwa. Despite Giwa’s denial, he failed to provide contradictory evidence. The Committee emphasized the need to maintain the integrity and independence of the Bar and Judiciary, stating that unresolved legal and disciplinary issues make Giwa’s candidacy inappropriate.
The NBA Elections Appeal Committee’s decision was based on the principle that it would impugn the Bar’s integrity to have a leader entangled in criminal litigation. Therefore, Giwa’s name has been removed from the list of candidates, and he is barred from participating in the election until he resolves the pending issues and provides evidence of resolution.
Additionally, the Committee disqualified another candidate, Ogechi Duruaku, following a petition from AG Samuel Esq, dated May 28, 2023. The petition argued that both Giwa and Duruaku failed to meet the required attendance of five branch meetings within the previous twelve months, as stipulated by the Uniform Bye Laws. The Committee verified that the electoral committee incorrectly extended the attendance period to enable Giwa and Duruaku to qualify, which contravenes the prescribed rules.
The Committee’s unanimous decision reflects a strict adherence to the provisions of Article 14 (1)(b) of the Uniform By-laws, emphasizing the importance of compliance with established regulations. Consequently, both candidates have been disqualified from participating in the forthcoming branch election.
