The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, declared on Thursday that the federal government would not yield to blackmail by political figures he described as desperados. Speaking through a representative at the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) conference in Abuja, Fagbemi stated, "Those fanning the embers of hatred must be stopped," and warned that those who have lost their sense of patriotism would not be allowed to set the country on fire. He emphasized that government agencies would carry out their duties without interference, regardless of who violates the law, and reiterated that violence, hate speech, and criminal tendencies would not be tolerated ahead of the 2027 general elections. The AGF, whose speech was read by Hussain Oloyede, stressed the media's responsibility in safeguarding national unity, urging journalists not to amplify voices seeking to divide the country. He described the media as partners in democracy, citing his office's non-intimidatory relationship with correspondents. Fagbemi also praised the judiciary as the legal backbone of democracy, underscoring its role in interpreting the 1999 Constitution and ensuring adherence to constitutional limits. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed this, stating that public trust in judicial decisions is crucial for constitutional democracy. She highlighted the judiciary's role in protecting citizens' rights and ensuring governance remains within legal bounds. The NAJUC Abuja chairman, Kayode Lawal, said the conference was designed to foster dialogue between judiciary actors and journalists.
The AGF condemns political blackmail while his administration faces accusations of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies against opposition figures. The same media he calls a partner has repeatedly reported intimidation of journalists covering sensitive political cases. His appeal for unity sits uneasily with the reality of growing distrust among opposition parties. Nigerians named in these allegations are left navigating a landscape where legal action and political targeting appear increasingly indistinct.
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