Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN has declined the appointment of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria(BOSAN) appointing him as the Chairman of the Audit Committee, with the responsibility to audit the 2018 & 2020 NBA Elections.

This is contained in a letter dated 9th day of September, 2020 addressed to BOSAN which was sighted by Legaldeskng

He noted that this rejection is in consequence of the fact that he contested the 2016 elections and as such, “will want that election added to the list of the elections to be audited by this Committee in the interest of justice and fairness.”

“Indeed, it will be desirable to expand the Committee’s scope of work to include audit of 2016 NBA elections more so that I alleged that I actually scored 2,963 votes while my opponent then scored 2,465 votes in that election. This is more so as no proper audit of the 2018 and 2020 elections can be done without proper examination of the 2016 elections.” He said.

Also, he stated that it will not be proper to head the Committee “without being biased a complainant” himself. He said obviously, “doubts (whether genuine or not) may be raised about the Committee and its processes if it continues” with him as the Chairman.

In addition, he stated that the minute of the meeting of BOSAN included therein that there should be an audit of the 2016 elections, but it was removed because he was made the Chairman.

Furthermore, he noted that having congratulated Mr. Olumide Akpata as the NBA President, it would be viewed with suspicion, whatever emanates from the Committee.

Also, he noted that it will defeat the principle of natural justice, nemo judex in causa sua for him to be part of the Committee.

Meanwhile, he restated his firm support for the work to be done by the Audit Committee and charged that the most senior member of the Committee be replaced as Chairman.

In addition, he said he will be glad to make presentations before the Committee and the one set up by the NBA President.

“I honestly believe that this move by BOSAN in partnership with the NBA is a step in the right direction as it will definitely crystallize into concrete resolutions which may be considered for incorporation into the NBA Constitution or future electoral guidelines.” He added.