Attorney General Of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, has conveyed his confidence to Nigerians that the reform initiatives put forth by President Bola Tinubu are authentic and aligned with the welfare of the nation.
Gatekeepers News reports Fagbemi provided this affirmation during an event organized by his circle of friends and associates in his honor in Abuja on Saturday.
In his address, Fagbemi called for the collaboration and backing of Nigerians to facilitate the successful implementation of President Tinubu’s objectives. He characterized President Tinubu as a genuine democrat committed to advancing the interests of Nigerians and steering the country towards a path of progress and development.
“If you look at his antecedents when he governed Lagos State, you will know that he should be a man to work with.
“A minister or worker is as strong and powerful as his appointor wants him to be; that is a factor that has put me in a very comfortable position.
“It is not that I am expecting that there won’t be quarrels or misunderstandings. No, there will be no doubt.
“It cannot be a bed of roses, but I pray that the light will come on brightly, strongly, and ceaselessly,” Fagbemi said.
The AGF expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their unwavering support since his appointment as Minister of Justice and promised not to disappoint them.
“I have heard all that you said, the admonitions and the pledges; I hold unto them. So, if I fail, it is all of us, and I am not going there to fail.
“I want to succeed, and I am enamoured by your pledge, and I know you are not men or women of frivolities. I know what you stand for, and I know what you can do,” he said.
Fagbemi commended the qualities of Tinubu and expressed confidence that convincing his principal to uphold the rule of law wouldn’t be a challenge due to Tinubu’s commitment to democratic values.
Wale Olanipekun, the event’s chairman, praised Tinubu’s receptive nature and high regard for legal professionals.
Olanipekun expressed his belief in the AGF’s intelligence and competence, predicting that he would skillfully navigate the political challenges that may arise.
Olanipekun emphasized the need for sobriety in the AGF’s new role, urging him to be reflective, prayerful, and tactful in managing delicate situations.
He highlighted President Tinubu’s openness and approachability, suggesting ways to effectively work with him.
“You have to be reflective, you have to be retrospective, you have to be prayerful, and I know your boss, I know the president, and I have been his lawyer for the past 25 years.
“He is a man who appreciates the legal profession; he is a man who will give you his ears; he is a man you can always whisper to.
“He is not like others who will say no, I don’t want it; he is not aggressive, but you also know how to woo him and how to woo your colleagues in the cabinet,” he said.
Olanipekun wished Fagbemi well and prayed for his success in office, urging him to work so as to be remembered for doing well in office long after his tenure.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo advised the minister to maintain trust in his principal while remaining cautious of the actions of civil servants in the Ministry of Justice.
Former AGF, Akin Olujinmi advised the new justice minister to seek divine wisdom in handling relationships between fellow ministers in the Federal Executive Council and legal professionals assigned to various government departments and agencies.
