“We Will Not Tolerate Removal Of Democratically Elected Government” – FG

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has sounded a note of warning to Nigerians not to embark on subversive activities capable of truncating the present administration.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN), warned that the Federal Government would not tolerate removal of the democratically elected government under whatever guise.

Fagbemi affirmed that government will promote and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens, but insisted that any infraction or breach of same rights by any person or organization under any guise except as stipulated by the constitution would be condoned.

The AGF pointed out that  the present administration has  a clear mandate of the people, and can only be changed at the end its tenure as prescribed by the constitution.

Fagbemi, spoke on Thursday, at the valedictory court session in honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired on August 22, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

According to Fagbemi, any other mode or attempt to change a democratically elected government except as provided by the constitution, is nothing but a clear case of treason and subversion of democratic governance.

The AGF pointed out that the laws of the land have made copious provisions on how to deal with treasonable acts, stressing that the full wrath of the law will catch up with such treasonable felony.

He reassured that the Federal Government is irrevocably committed to massively changing the course of narratives within the country’s justice sector.

The Justice Minister said with the massive turn around being put in place by the present administration, the justice sector will be given a place of pride it deserves.

Specifically, the AGF assured that the federal government will eradicate all forms of obstacles militating against the modernization, effectiveness and efficiency of the justice sector.

He added that with the recent 300 percent salary increment for judicial officers, the efforts of government will enhance and promote the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Fagbemi thanked the Supreme Court for rescuing Local Governments in Nigeria from the claws of governors.

The AGF called on Attorneys General of States in the country to advise their various governors to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy for Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ariwoola, as he retired as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career.

Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011.

He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer.

President Tinubu commended the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.

The President thanked Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele announced that President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on Friday.