In an official transition of power, Lateef Fagbemi has formally taken up the mantle of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, marking the commencement of his tenure as the nation’s chief legal officer.
As the 24th individual to hold this esteemed office, Mr. Fagbemi stepped onto the ministry premises at 3:10 p.m. amidst a warm reception. He was greeted by a gathering of dignitaries, including Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, he was introduced to directors and heads of agencies and parastatals operating under the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Among the prominent figures within this assembly were Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Guiding the new AGF through his new workplace was Mrs. Jeddy-Agba, ensuring that he met essential personnel within the ministry. Mr. Fagbemi, an esteemed legal practitioner with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), now follows in the footsteps of his predecessors as Nigeria’s 24th Attorney-General. He succeeds Abubakar Malami, who held this vital role during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for nearly eight years.
During his initial interaction with ministry officials, the AGF expressed his openness to suggestions and criticisms, highlighting the importance of constructive feedback. He emphasized the crucial role the Ministry plays in coordinating national affairs and called for maximum cooperation from all staff members.
However, the AGF also issued a warning against indiscipline and protocol breaches, urging adherence to proper channels and mechanisms. He emphasized the importance of timely file handling and respect for protocols, stating that any deviation could potentially weaken the Ministry’s effectiveness.
Mr. Fagbemi’s policy direction hints at significant changes in the legal landscape, as he suggested the potential merger of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Expressing concerns about due process and law enforcement practices, Mr. Fagbemi criticized the tendency to arrest crime suspects before thorough investigations are concluded. He also voiced his objections to law enforcement institutions disregarding court orders, emphasizing the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law.
As Mr. Fagbemi takes on this weighty role, his actions and decisions will inevitably influence Nigeria’s legal framework, shaping the nation’s approach to justice and governance.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer