The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has delivered a firm message asserting that any attempts to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process will be met with zero tolerance.
Fagbemi underscored that the proper and constitutionally sanctioned method for altering the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is through elections at the end of its term. His comments were made during a valedictory court session in Abuja, honoring the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kayode Ariwoola.
At the ceremony, the AGF reiterated the government’s dedication to preserving democratic principles and the rule of law, emphasizing that changes in leadership must occur through transparent electoral processes as outlined in the constitution.
“The laws of the land provide clear measures for addressing treasonable acts, and those who engage in such actions will face the full force of the law,” Fagbemi warned.
The minister also highlighted the government’s pledge to uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens, stressing that any violations, except as constitutionally allowed, will not be tolerated.
In his address, Fagbemi outlined the federal government’s plans to reform the justice sector, aiming to address inefficiencies and modernize practices. He pointed to recent measures, including a 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to enhancing the judiciary.
Retiring Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 70, also spoke at the event. He called for measures to alleviate the backlog of cases at the Supreme Court, noting that delays in accessing justice have significantly impacted litigants and lawyers, often resulting in years of waiting for case resolutions.
