Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has firmly denied rumors circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Afam Osigwe SAN as his preferred candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election. Fagbemi, addressing the misinformation, stated that he was erroneously cited as a source of confirmation for these claims.
“I wish to state categorically that at no time did Mr. President give any such instruction,” Fagbemi said. “I completely dissociate myself from such statements because nothing of such happened. I am also in a position to confirm, and I do so, that the president neither had a discussion with the author nor did he give any such divisive instruction. I also had no such discussion with anyone.”
Fagbemi further emphasized that the news is a falsehood propagated by individuals seeking to exploit President Tinubu’s popularity among lawyers. “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,” he added.
Fagbemi underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles, noting that the president believes in adhering to the rules and has not endorsed any candidate in the NBA election. He assured that President Tinubu would respect the outcome of a free and fair election and is prepared to work with whoever emerges as the winner.
“I seize this opportunity to call on those who are bent on causing disaffection among NBA members and between our respected president and the respected NBA to desist from such an unprofitable venture,” Fagbemi stated. “The president wishes the NBA a hitch-free election and is looking forward to working with whoever emerges.”
This statement aims to clarify the president’s stance and dispel any false information surrounding his involvement in the NBA election.
