In a notable address, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the 24th Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unique privilege of serving in his distinguished capacity. He extended his profound appreciation to the President for entrusting him with this pivotal role, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to fulfilling the oath of office.
Mr. Fagbemi highlighted the reassuring presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a steadfast supporter of the rule of law, an essential pillar of their shared vision for the nation.
Acknowledging the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) and the 2023 Annual General Conference Planning Committee’s extensive efforts, he lauded their selection of the conference theme, “Getting it Right – Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” for its relevance and significance.
During his address, Mr. Fagbemi noted that this marked his first annual conference as Attorney-General, alongside NBA President Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, and he lauded the evolution of the NBA into Nigeria’s preeminent professional association.
Amidst a complex global economic landscape, Mr. Fagbemi emphasized the nation’s resilience in the face of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. He called upon all legal practitioners to prioritize the nation’s interests, aligning with the NBA’s mission of promoting Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Good Governance in Nigeria, as well as upholding the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.
Mr. Fagbemi urged legal practitioners to play active roles in the nation’s development, focusing on the realization of the objectives outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He emphasized the importance of promoting national ideals and nationalism and acting as the conscience of the nation.
Transitioning to his responsibilities as Attorney-General, Mr. Fagbemi acknowledged the enormity of the challenges and expectations placed upon him. He outlined his vision of a people-centered approach to justice and legal reforms, with a commitment to transparent and responsive processes that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
His key priorities include improving strategic relationships across government branches and justice sector institutions, enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice, introducing necessary legal reforms, and leveraging 21st-century information technology for efficient justice administration.
Mr. Fagbemi expressed his eagerness for collaborative efforts with the NBA and justice sector stakeholders, pledging to work toward improvement, independence of the judiciary, and strategic legal interventions to aid government policy formulation and implementation.
In a momentous conclusion, Mr. Fagbemi introduced President Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a distinguished figure who would deliver the keynote address and officially open the 63rd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, receiving a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
