4 Major Accomplishments Of AGF Malami’s Office In Last One Year

The Federal Ministry of Justice, headed by the Attorney General of the Federation has captured some of its remarkable achievements in the last one year.

This is contained in a Ministerial Performance Report (May 2019 – May 2020) by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, obtained by THE WHISTLER.

The Ministry of Justice, which has nine parastatals under it, covers the entire court system, human rights, legal advice, prosecution, among others.

According to the report, the ministry advised President Muhammadu Buhari on assent to 12 bills during the period.

The advice led the President to assent to 5 out of the 12 bills and decline assent to 7 of the bills from the National Assembly.

The ministry also stated that it had been able to clamp down on corrupt elements by fast-tracking trials.

Among the major achievements of the ministry listed are the following:

NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN

The Justice Ministry noted that it advised the President to assent to the ‘Not Too Young To Run Bill’, which was proposed by the National Assembly.

The Not Too Young To Run Bill, sought to reduce the age limit for vying for political offices.

The ministry stressed that its approval by President Buhari “opened up the democratic space” in the country.

The ministry also noted that the Act allowed many in the young age bracket to contest in the 2019 elections.

“100% implementation as can be seen in the 2019 election,” the report added.

STATE LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

The ministry, according to the report, has taken major steps to help the president improve the independence of the state legislature and judiciary.

It said there is “a bill to provide for fiscal independence of Legislative and Judicial arm of State Government by the direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.”

It also said the Executive Order by the President, on State Judiciary and Legislation was a win-win that would have a positive bearing on national development.

According to the ministry, the Order would enable ” the judiciary to deliver free and fair judgment at the State level,” without any form of external or political influence.

PRE-ELECTION MATTER

The report stated that the President assented to a “bill to provide for pre-election matters, set statutory time for determination of pre-election matters.”

According to the OAGF, it was a step forward for judicial processes in the country “such that election petitions are adjudicated upon within record time thereby eliminating undue delays.”

SPEEDY TRIALS

The Ministry of Justice noted that it has “minimized delays in trial of criminal cases more especially the high profile cases.”

It has ensured legislation for speedy trial of cases.

For instance, the ministry stated that three former governors have been convicted and “mechanisms have been set in motion towards” seizing their assets, which are proceeds of crime.”