Nnamdi Kanu Not On Agenda As British High Commissioner Visits AGF Malami

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Thursday, received the High Commissioner of the Great Britain, Ms. Catriona Laing, at his office in Abuja.

Malami, during the meeting, spoke about the federal government’s plans regarding future elections in the country, the ban on Twitter, violence, among other things.

A statement issued by Malami’s spokesperson, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu,
said the duo shared ideas on Nigeria’s asset recovery efforts, anti-corruption crusade, amendment of the Electoral Act, Audit Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill and counter terrorism approaches.

However, there was nowhere in the statement that suggests that Malami and the UK High Commissioner spoke on the arrest and extradition of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indeginous People Of Biafra (IPOB).

Meanwhile, Malami was said to have also told Laing that President Muhammadu Buhari was wary of anyone who uses “freedom of expression” to cause violence.

He made it clear that the FG will not tolerate it.

“Our government is not averse to freedom. Freedom is not borderless. Freedom of expression must not be used in such a manner that incites citizens to violence or calls for an overthrow of a democratically elected government. There are bounds to freedom within the laws,” he said.

The AGF’s comment came days after the federal government had arrested and extradited the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

He had said that the IPOB leader allegedly instigated violence in the South-east region.

Malami also assured the UK diplomat that the current administration was doing its best to create an enabling environment for investment, thereby “protecting the public interest for the maximum benefit of the country”.

Regarding the ban on Twitter, Malami said the social media company would not operate in the country until it meets provisions of the Nigeria Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

“If you want to operate as a business entity in Nigeria, you must do so within the context of Nigerian laws. Nothing offensive or that breach the Nigerian laws should be entertained”.

“The essence of the amendment of the Electoral Act was to enhance the democratic system thereby aiming at addressing delays in judicial determination of pre-election matters, as well as ensuring justice and fairness in the conduct of election processes including party primaries,” the statement partly read.