A major Igbo socio-cultural organisation, under the auspices of Anyi-Anyi has congratulated the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on his appointment.
In doing so, the organisation took the opportunity to ask the new AGF to urgently look into the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who having been discharged of all criminal charges, remains in detention only as a prisoner of conscience.
In a statement signed by the National Leader of Anyi-Anyi, Barr. Anthony Okolo, reminded the new AGF that Kanu should be released unconditionally to pave the way for genuine national reconciliation and healing.
“This is the right time to lay the issue of Nnamdi Kanu to rest permanently. In view of the host of national challenges facing the federation, we shouldn’t allow the continued unlawful detention of Kanu and other prisoners of conscience to linger on unnecessarily, as it is a needless distraction to the task of nation-building that faces the current government.
“Release him and let’s move on as a people. Then we can kickstart the process of genuine national reconciliation.”
While assuring the AGF of Ndigbo’s unalloyed support, Barr. Okolo, described Fagbemi as a legal colossus of distinguished character and career, adding that the AGF is a “lawyer of lawyers.” He described Fagbemi’s appointment as a manifestation of the esteem in which he is held within the legal fraternity.
“As a socio-cultural group, Anyi-Anyi has immense admiration for the new AGF because of his esteemed reputation as an erudite legal expert with remarkable skills, ethical integrity and knowledge.
“We have unwavering confidence in Fagbemi’s ability to excel in his new role as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. His extensive experience and profound grasp of legal principles has uniquely equipped him to navigate the intricate challenges posed by the absence of true rule of law in Nigeria.”
Recalling his exceptional performance during his Senate screening, Okolo underscored Fagbemi’s assertion that “bad laws operated by good men” are preferable to “good laws being operated by bad men.”
He emphasized that Fagbemi’s appointment signals an opportunity for positive change, urging him to epitomise the traits of a true and patriotic Attorney General, guided by the principles of justice and the rule of law.
Anyi Anyi commended Fagbemi’s capacity to handle the multifaceted duties associated with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. He stressed the importance of restoring Nigerians’ faith in the justice system and due processes, which have faced considerable challenges in recent times.
Articulating the pressing need for reforms within the Nigerian legal profession and judicial system, Okolo also drew Fagbemi’s attention to the urgent need to decongest the Supreme Court by appointing more judges and enhancing access to justice through digitalization of the judiciary.
Okolo proposed innovative solutions, including the allocation of a dedicated budget for the payment of judgment debts and collaborative stakeholders’ meetings to chart a path toward justice reform.
Anyi-Anyi urged Fagbemi to champion merit-based recruitment processes within the judiciary and to approach his responsibilities with unwavering dedication and courage.