The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has dispelled rumours circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidency.
Fagbemi issued a statement on Saturday in Abuja, categorically denying any such endorsement by the president.
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, addressed the alleged misinformation in a signed statement, emphasising the president’s commitment to democratic principles and impartiality in the NBA election:
“My attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds in the social media to the effect that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Afam Osigwe, SAN, as his preferred candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election.
“To buttress these lies, I was made a point of reference for confirmation. I wish to state categorically, that at no time did Mr. President give any such instruction. I completely dissociate myself from such a statement because nothing of such happened.”
Fagbemi further clarified that neither he nor President Tinubu had any discussions regarding endorsing a candidate:
“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,” he said.
He condemned the rumours as false and harmful, suggesting they were the work of individuals seeking to exploit the president’s popularity within the legal community:
“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.”
Fagbemi reaffirmed President Tinubu’s stance as a democrat who supports a fair electoral process and is prepared to work with whoever wins the NBA presidency:
“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 Attorney General called for an end to the spread of divisive rumours, urging respect for the NBA’s election process and its members:
“I seize this opportunity to call on those who are bent on causing disaffection among NBA members on the one hand and between our respected president 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 NBA, the umbrella professional association for all lawyers admitted to the bar in Nigeria, is also an influential body in Nigerian civil society.
Founded in 1933 as the first professional association for legal practitioners in Nigeria, it has evolved into a formidable organization with over 120 branches across the country.
It has consistently advocated for legal reforms, human rights, and the independence of the judiciary and has been instrumental in key legal and political issues in Nigeria, including the fight against military rule, advocacy for democracy, and the promotion of legal education and standards.
The NBA elections are a significant event within the Nigerian legal community, as they determine the leadership of the association for the next term.
The elections are held periodically, with all registered members eligible to vote.
The positions up for election include the President, Vice President, General Secretary, and other executive committee roles.
The NBA employs an electronic voting system to ensure transparency and efficiency in the election process. Members cast their votes online, a process overseen by an independent electoral committee.
