The federal government Thursday warned that it won’t condone any subversive acts against a democratically elected government under whatever guise.
The government also reiterated its commitment to massively change the course of narratives within the country’s justice sector.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said this at the valedictory session in honour of the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola in Abuja.
The CJN retired upon attainment having of the mandatory age of 70 years.
He is to be succeeded by Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo who is to be sworn in today (Friday) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although no allusion was made by the AGF, the federal government’s position might not be unconnected with the last #EndBadGovernance protest which was alleged by the security agencies to be an attempt to forcefully change the government at the centre.
Also, the position is coming at a time the Force Headquarters invited President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, to come for an “interview” over his alleged involvement in terrorism financing, treason and related crimes.
While the police invitation ordered the labour leader to appear Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Ajaero, through his legal team, requested to appear August 29.
…FG warns
Speaking at the event, the AGF affirmed that government would continue to promote and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens and cautioned against any infraction or breach of same rights by any person or organisation under any guise except as stipulated by the constitution.
The present administration, he further said, had a clear mandate of the people, and can only be changed at the end of its tenure as prescribed by the constitution.
Fagbemi said any other mode or attempt to change a democratically elected government except as provided by the Constitution, is nothing but a clear case of treason and subversion of democratic governance.
He said: “The laws of the land have made copious provisions on how to deal with treasonable acts, therefore, the full wrath of the law will catch up with such treasonable felony.
“The government will promote and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens, but no breach of same rights by any person or organization under any guise except as stipulated by the constitution would be accepted.”
The AGF added: “With the massive turnaround being put in place by the present administration, the justice sector will be given a place of pride it deserves.
“The FG will eradicate all forms of obstacles militating against the modernisation, effectiveness and efficiency of the justice sector.
“Remember, the recent 300 percent salary increment for judicial officers, these efforts of the government will enhance and promote the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.”
…Lauds apex court on LG autonomy
He lauded the Supreme Court for rescuing Local Governments in Nigeria from the claws of governors.
Fagbemi, therefore, called on the States’ Attorneys General to advise their various governors to obey the judgment of the apex court on the financial autonomy for local government councils in Nigeria.
…Tinubu extols Ariwoola
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded the Nigerian judiciary for contributing immensely to the socio-economic development of the country and its people.
The president said this in Abuja at the public presentation of an autobiography of CJN Ariwoola, titled “Judging with Justice.”
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the judiciary in Nigeria plays a key role in sustaining democracy through landmark judgements.
He described Justice Ariwoola as a lucky person because the judiciary witnessed significant reforms during his tenure as the CJN.
“His lordship’s commitment to the ideals of a just and fair society cannot be overemphasized and I am thankful for the support the judiciary has extended to the growth and development of our dear nation.
“Incisive judgements that provide extensive societal reforms such as the one that recently liberated the local government councils from the shackles of financial lack are critical for our society’s growth and development.
“As President of Nigeria, I am happy to have witnessed some of these laudable achievements under Justice Ariwoola. I hope his successor in office will carry on the torch passed by his lordship,” he said.
He the judiciary to live up to its mandate and ignore those who see nothing good unless the pendulum of justice swings in their favour.
Also speaking, the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said there was a connection between the judiciary and the military because they border on the provision of justice to citizens and the security of the nation.
“It is my conviction that there is a seemingly natural connection between the profession of law and the military profession which I belong to. This is because the two pillars upon which the prosperity and stability of any nation rests are justice and security.
“In the past two years, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has led the Nigerian judiciary remarkably well. I congratulate him,” he said.
…Ariwoola on backlog of cases
In his own remarks, Justice Ariwoola called for measures to be put in place to reduce the backlog of cases at the Supreme Court.
Access to justice, according to him, had significantly contributed largely to the delay in the hearing of cases, forcing both litigants and lawyers to wait for several years to have their cases decided.
“There are too many cases before the apex court which ought to have terminated at the appellate court, he added.
Justice Ariwoola explained further that the right to fair hearing can only be guaranteed when lawyers and litigants do not have to wait for so long to have their cases adjudicated upon.
He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.
“Access to justice has contributed largely to the delay in the hearing of cases as litigants and lawyers are forced to wait for several years to have their cases decided,” Ariwoola added.
Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011 from the Court of Appeal where he had served between 2005 and 2011, following his elevations from the Oyo State High Court.
…Kekere-Ekun steps in
In a related development, Justice Kekere-Ekun would be sworn in by President Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale, has said.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom. Her quest in the legal profession commenced at the University of Lagos where she obtained her first degree in law in 1980. After her completion of the Nigeria Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981. Academism was the driving force that propelled her to the London School of Economics where she was awarded a master of Law in November 1983.
Kekere-Ekun began her career in the judiciary in the capacity of the Senior Magistrate II in the Lagos State Judiciary before being promoted to the status of State High Court Judge.
She also served as the chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja from November 1996 to May 1999.
She was appointed to Court of Appeal in 2004 in recognition of her contribution to the development of the judiciary.
This was followed by her promotion as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 2013.
Her service to the judiciary was acknowledged in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari who awarded her the national honours of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
(additional reports from NAN)
