News Investigators/ Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, says all citizens must be equally protected as no individual or institution is above the law.
Mr Fagbemi made the declaration on Friday while commissioning the newly built secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko Branch in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State
The AGF said the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA and other stakeholders shared a common responsibility to uphold constitutional governance, protect citizens’ rights and promote the rule of law.
Mr Fagbemi, who charged the bar to continue to speak courageously and responsibly on issues affecting the administration of justice, emphasised on judicial independence, due process and professional ethics.
“No individual or institution should be above the law. And everybody should be below the law to be protected.
“Equally, we must address barriers to access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and undeserved communities, Pro bono services,” he said.
Mr Fagbemi urged lawyers to embrace continuous learning, technologically innovation, efficient legal practice, and high standards of professional responsibility.
Earlier, Afam Osigwe, SAN, Former NBA President, warned politicians against inciting violence ahead of the forthcoming elections, saying political statements which threatened the nation’s democracy should be investigated by security agencies.
Mr Osigwe also said disagreement and criticism of those in power were cardinal principles of democracy, while dissent should not be a source of concern.
According to him, dissent is normal as long as violence is not incited and there is no call for violent overthrow of government.
He, however, called for a level playing field for all contestants, urging those in power not to use state machinery against opposition parties and candidates.
” There is need to keep violence out of our electoral process so that there will not be any loss of life and property and they will be able to freely campaign and they will be able to freely come out to vote.
” INEC also need to be transparent and fair to all so that the election will be credible and the outcome will be accepted by all,” he said.
Also, Omotan Ogunmodede, Chairman, NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, who commended the donor of the branch secretariat, said the new facility would help develop the career of young lawyers in the area.
“I want to commend the person who facilited this for us, Salam. It is also a way of encouraging up-and-coming lawyers because law is a financial-consuming profession. It demands a lot of money to buy books, equip libraries.
“But if young lawyers have access to free libraries, they will be able to do research. Those without offices yet can also use part of the building to meet clients,” Ogunmodede said.
Similarly, Mr Kofo Salam-Alada, Former Director of Legal Services, Central Bank of Nigeria, explained that although the secretariat was named after him, it was built by his friends.
He said the idea for the project came up when he was invested as Grand Patron of the branch, while his friends who attended the ceremony decided to put up the structure in the community.
“I have a resolve to continue to show love to Akoko land, to my alma mater, to everywhere that I’ve passed through, to continue to relate with them within my capability.
“I’m not a politician but somebody who’s interested in socio-economic development of Akoko land,” he said.
NAN