Suspended Adamawa REC Petitions NBA over Planned Disciplinary Action
The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), over alleged plans by the Bar to refer him to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) following his conduct in the last governorship election in Adamawa State.
Ari predicated his petition on grounds that the subject matter of his actions was pending before the Adamawa State High Court in charge No. HC/ADSY/15/2023, which was filed on July 5, 2023.
He, however, submitted that the move to discipline him amounted to double jeopardy since the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Mr President, your alleged anticipated referring me to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee may result in double jeopardy against me and a breach of my fair hearing contrary to the provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as Amended,” Ari stated.
He expressed optimism that the alleged plans to refer him to the LPDC would remain only an allegation, adding that the, “Nigeria Bar Association, has been in the forefront of advising against comments or taking steps on matters pending before courts of law in the overall interest of justice.
“It is in the light of the above, especially the pending cases and criminal charge on the same subject matter, that I request that you stay any action regarding the subject matter of my duties as Resident Electoral Commissioner during the Adamawa Gubernatorial Elections and to refrain from referring the matter to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as to do otherwise would violate sections 144, 145 and 149 of the Electoral Act; Section 36 of the Constitution and; will grossly undermine the proceedings in the various courts,” Ari wrote.
The acknowledged copy of the petition by Ari, titled, Re: Fallout Concerning My Role As Resident Electoral Commissioner Concerning The 2023 Adamawa State Governorship Election, Request For Stay Of Action Thereto” was dated August 21, 2023, and addressed to the NBA President.
Ari said his letter was informed by reports and speculations in the media space that he would be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee following his role at the Adamawa State supplementary Gubernatorial Elections of the 15th April, 2023.
