AGF Fagbemi Meets Journalists, Promises Transparency On Tinubu Administration, Justice Sector

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has promised transparency and clarity in dealing with journalists regarding the Bola Tinubu administration and the justice sector.

Fagbemi made the commitment during a meeting on Friday with editors and correspondents from online media and the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC).

The Attorney-General’s spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, arranged the interactive “meet-and-greet” session.

Fagbemi assured the press that his office was available to respond to questions and provide clarification.

“The office (of the AGF) is yours. If you have any reason to call or you want to clarify about certain things, it is better for us to clarify so that you can help us enlighten members of the public,” Fagbemi said, adding ministers have all been encouraged by President Tinubu to always have the interest of the masses at heart.

When asked about his views on separation of powers and the alleged intrusion of executive governments on local governments, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said there is nowhere in the world where there is watertight separation of powers.

“All you do is to maintain your jurisdiction to the benefit of the system, to the benefit of the citizenry, to the benefit of the generality of the people.

“Therefore, where you need to bend, you just have to without compromising. You don’t have to say that because you have taken a position, it must be you. You must bow when you get superior arguments like I said, it must always be in the interests and benefits of our people. So, that is one thing about separation of powers,” the AGF said.

Fagbemi also called for the election of credible leaders as a pathway to bring development to the grassroots.

He however, assured that efforts are on by the Tinubu administration to facilitate collaboration among the three tiers of government for the benefit of Nigerians.

The AGF seized the moment to once again ask Nigerians to be patient with the president as his administration navigates the country into economic development amid current realities.

“I always say that it is better to have a leader, not in love with money but in love with justice; and a leader not in love with publicity but with humanity. These are some of the sterling qualities that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in more than sufficient qualities than most. He is a democrat, he has come to rescue, he has come to serve . If you observe since he came, there is hardly any month he would not travel. He is not going for medical as the main reason. Each time he jets out, it is either he wants to attract investments, he wants some people to give us money or he wants some people to give us grants.

“But one thing about us is that we want to take omelette without breaking egg. It is not possible. If you want to take omelette, you must be prepared to break egg. I will plead that you just give him a little more time, then you see the benefits of what he has been going to do outside. I know with time, we will reap the benefits”, Fagbemi said.

After the meeting, the AGF exchanged pleasantries with judiciary correspondents working with online, print and broadcast organizations.