THE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged legal practitioners to defend citizens’ fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law, insisting that nobody should be above the law.
News Point Nigeria reports that Fagbemi spoke on Sunday at the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko branch, in Ondo State.
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He said the law must apply equally to public officials and private individuals, regardless of their positions or influence, warning against discrimination and favouritism in the administration of justice.
“No individual or institution should be above the law, and everybody should be below the law to be protected,” he said.
The Attorney-General urged lawyers to discharge their duties with integrity and courage, noting that public confidence in the justice system depended on their commitment, alongside that of judges, to fairness and accountability.
He said the legal profession extended beyond courtroom advocacy to protecting individual rights, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
Fagbemi also called for stronger collaboration between the bar and the bench to improve justice delivery, reduce delays in court proceedings and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.
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He urged the NBA to use the new centre to promote legal education, professional development, mentorship and ethical practice, particularly among young lawyers.
The minister said the newly built facility should also serve as a platform for legal discourse and community engagement, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved communities.
Fagbemi called for closer cooperation among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA and other stakeholders to strengthen justice institutions, protect judicial independence and uphold constitutional governance.
He also urged lawyers to embrace technological advancements and continuous learning to meet the changing demands of the profession.
The minister congratulated Salam-Alada, a former chief director of legal services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing him as a professional whose contributions had benefited Ikare-Akoko and the wider Akoko community.
Former NBA President Osigwe Afam (SAN) said disagreement and criticism were essential to democracy, provided they did not incite violence or advocate the violent overthrow of government.
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Afam called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that transparency and fairness were necessary for credible polls.
He urged political actors to shun violence and allow candidates to campaign freely while voters exercised their rights without fear.
