Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has firmly denied claims that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidency.
This comes amid rumors that Tinubu had expressed support for Afam Osigwe, SAN.
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In a statement released on Saturday, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), clarified that the president has not directed anyone to campaign for any particular candidate in the NBA election.
He labeled the rumors as baseless and fabricated by those seeking to create division and gain popularity.
“My attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Afam Osigwe SAN as his preferred candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election,” Fagbemi stated.
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“This is a lie from the pit of hell, concocted by mischief makers.”
Fagbemi emphasized that no such directive had been issued by President Tinubu.
“I categorically state that at no time did Mr. President give any such instruction. I completely dissociate myself from such statements because nothing of such happened,” he said.
“The 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.”
He further stressed that the president is committed to respecting the outcome of a free and fair election and is prepared to work with any candidate who emerges victorious.
“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,” Fagbemi affirmed.
Fagbemi urged those spreading false information to desist from such actions, which he described as unprofitable and divisive.
“I 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,” he said.
He concluded by wishing the NBA a successful and peaceful election, expressing President Tinubu’s readiness to collaborate with the new leadership.
“The president wishes the NBA a hitch-free election and is looking forward to working with whoever emerges.”
