Lateef Fagbemi, attorney general of the federation
Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, says Nigerians should stop interpreting judicial matters through partisan lenses.
Fagbemi spoke with journalists on Thursday after the presentation of a book titled: ‘Tribulations and Trophies: Bola Ajibola… in His Own Words!’, in Lagos.
The book is the autobiography of the late Bola Ajibola, a former attorney-general of the federation and ex-judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.
Speaking on the emergency rule in Rivers state, Fagbemi said he has avoided taking sides on the declaration since the matter is being subjected to judicial scrutiny.
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The AGF said there is a need for stakeholders to shun emotions and sentiments when seeking answers to legal questions.
“When issues like this come up, people should go and read very well and get themselves familiar with what the law says,” the AGF was quoted by Punch.
“It’s not a matter of sentiment or emotions, but a matter of basic facts on ground.
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“Nigerians should stop interpreting the law based on political partisanship, but let’s stick to the law. You’ll see that I’ve avoided taking sides on any issue, though I’m part of the government.
“I know that this matter has been subjected to judicial scrutiny, and we should allow the court to make its decision one way or the other.
“People should avoid making unnecessary comments. Since we have subjected the matter to court interpretation, let’s wait for the judiciary to make its pronouncement.”
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state, citing a protracted political crisis.
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He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.
The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
