Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has debunked reports in the media space that President Bola Tinubu, has endorsed Afam Osigwe, SAN, as his preferred candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election.
To buttress what he described as “these lies”, Prince Fagbemi, said he was made a point of reference for confirmation.
A statement by the AGF on Saturday, stated categorically, “that at no time did Mr President give any such instruction”.
“I completely dissociate myself from such statement because nothing of such happened.
“I am also in a position to confirm, and I do so, that the President neither had discussion with the author nor did he give any such divisive instruction.
“I also had no such discussion with anyone” Fagbemi explained.
Without mincing words, the AGF said “the news is a lie from the pit of hell being peddled about by mischief makers seeking cheap popularity to ride on the acceptance of Mr President among lawyers”.
Mr President is a democrat who believes in playing by the rules. He has not and will not endorse anyone as a preferred candidate in the ongoing NBA election.
“As a democrat and President of the country, he will abide by the outcome of a free and fair election. He is also ready to work with any candidate that emerges” the AGF clarified.
Fagbemi, therefore, seized the opportunity to call on those who are bent on causing disaffection among NBA members on the one hand and between President Tinubu, and the respected NBA on the other hand, to desist from such an unprofitable venture.
The President wishes the NBA a hitch free election and is looking forward to working with whoever emerges, the AGF said.