By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has warned Nigerians against reading political meanings into purely judicial matters.
The AGF spoke shortly after the presentation of a book: “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola in His Own Words!” in Lagos on Thursday.
He also urged stakeholders to do away with emotion and rely on the Constitution in seeking answers to legal questions.
The book, which is an autobiography of the late Ajibola, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, chronicled the life and times of the former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.
Ajibola was the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president when military President Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida appointed him AGF in 1985.
He was also the founder of Crescent University in Abeokuta.Ajibola died on April 8, 2023, aged 89.
Reflecting on the emergency rule in Rivers State, Fagbemi said he had maintained neutrality on the subject because it is a matter of litigation.
He said, “When issues like this come up, people should go and read very well and get themselves familiar with what the law says. It’s not a matter of sentiment or emotions, but a matter of basic facts on ground.
“Nigerians should stop interpreting the law based on political partisanship, but let’s stick to the law. You’ll see that I’ve avoided taking sides on any issue, though I’m part of the government. I know that this matter has been subjected to judicial scrutiny, and we should allow the court to make its decision one way or the other.
“People should avoid making unnecessary comments. Since we have subjected the matter to court interpretation, let’s wait for the judiciary to make its pronouncement.”
Fagbemi described Ajibola as a reformer and an achiever, stressing, “He was a man of sterling qualities and impeccable character and integrity, who was always speaking the truth.
“In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there. He did so much in terms of law reforms, in establishment of critical agencies and advising the authorities at critical times. Every lawyer should strive to emulate this great man who did so much in Nigeria and beyond.”
The dignitaries present at the event were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, among others.
