The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of politicizing judicial issues.
His statement followed the launch of the book “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola in His Own Words!” in Lagos on Thursday.
Fagbemi stressed the need to prioritize the Constitution over emotions when dealing with legal matters.
The book, which is an autobiography of the late Bola Ajibola former Attorney-General of the Federation and Judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) highlights his life and accomplishments.
Ajibola, who served as NBA president and was appointed AGF by military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1985, passed away on April 8, 2023, at the age of 89.
Speaking on the emergency rule in Rivers State, Fagbemi reiterated his neutral position, as the issue is currently under litigation. He urged Nigerians to avoid politically motivated interpretations of the law, emphasizing that legal matters should be approached based on facts, not sentiment.
“It’s not about emotions but about the law,” he asserted, urging that the judiciary be allowed to make its final ruling without external pressure.
Fagbemi also commended Ajibola as a reformer of great integrity, whose contributions to legal reforms and institutions have left a lasting legacy in Nigeria. He encouraged lawyers to look up to Ajibola’s exemplary career as a model.
Among the distinguished guests at the book launch were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.
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