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Governors

Ebonyi State Governor Calls for Judicial Independence

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, emphasized the importance of judicial independence, warning state Attorneys-General against succumbing to pressure from their governors to influence the course of justice. The call was made during a state dinner for the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, which is led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. The Committee aims to review the existing laws of the federation, which were last reviewed in 2004, over 20 years ago. The Governor urged the Attorneys-General to be fair and firm in their duties, as "the prestige of your profession is more important than anybody's sentiment."

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Nwifuru warned state Attorneys-General against succumbing to pressure from their governors to influence the course of justice, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence.
  • The Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, aims to review the existing laws of the federation, which were last reviewed in 2004, over 20 years ago.
  • The Committee's expected key areas of focus include identifying outdated laws and harmonizing conflicting laws to ensure uniformity and consistency.
  • The Attorney-General of the Federation, Fagbemi, commended Governor Nwifuru for his non-interference with the judiciary, stating that the Governor is "one Governor we will always want to have."
  • The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odo, emphasized the importance of laws in creating room for life to flourish and justice to be stronger when it is on the shoulders of the communities.

Statistics:

  • 46: The number of members on the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
  • 2004: The year when the laws of the federation were last reviewed.
  • 2009: The year when the state's laws in Ebonyi were last reviewed and codified.
  • 20: The number of years since the laws of the federation were last reviewed.

Sources:

  • Governor Nwifuru's speech during the state dinner for the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
  • The Attorney-General of the Federation, Fagbemi's, speech during the state dinner.
  • The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odo's, welcome address during the state dinner.
  • The inauguration of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, which was held on October 24, 2024, by President Tinubu.

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