When I was accused of compromise over perceived poor performance by my client supporters – Bello

Barrister Abdulganeey Bello is the new chairman of the Ilorin Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). After his first degree in law from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto in 1998, he proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife for his Masters obtained in year 2010. Called to the bar in year 2000 after his graduation from the Law School, he has established his chamber in Ilorin from where he had since practiced. In this interview with ACTING EDITOR, MUMINI ABDULKAREEM, he reveals one of the most dramatic incidents since he began his practice.
It has to do with a pre-election matter in a case between Waheed Olushola Idiagbon and Alhaji Abdulganiyu Olododo of the APC following a dispute about their primaries. In October 2018, Idiagbon approached the court to be declared as the rightful candidate that won the primary election and Olododo who is the third defendant engaged me. The APC is the first defendant in the matter and I was working for the two of them. I approached the court with a preliminary objection that the case was statue bar having been filed after 15 days, a day outside the requirement. I also argued that the court lacked jurisdiction. During the hearing of the case, the court was full to the brim with lots of politicians present and after we left the court, messages were flying about that I did not do well and that I have compromised. My client later called echoing the reservations of his supporters. But I told him I have done my work to the best of my ability and hopeful and he should go and pray and leave the judgment to God. For two days I couldn’t go to the office. We were just two lawyers and our opponent paraded about ten lawyers. But the court upheld my objection and we won the case. That day I felt so happy. The case later went to the Appeal and Supreme Court and I won in all of them.