The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has said he was happy with the execution of the judgement of the Supreme Court that granted financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
Fagbemi, who stated this Thursday evening at the commissioning of a multi million naira Law Corridor new office complex and book presentation on Modern Nigerian Legal System in Abuja however said, it will take time to actually have a full implementation of the judgement.
Answering questions from judiciary correspondents, the AGF said everybody will be happy by the time there is full implementation of the judgement of the apex court that granted autonomy to the LGAs in the country.
According to the Minister, “I will not start a project that I will not finish. The President is happy. With the way the public reacted to the decision of the Supreme Court suggest that the President could not have done better than he has done”.
On the the President’s order for the release of the minors arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, the AGF said, there is no law in Nigeria which says a minor cannot be tried.
As against the impression by some people that the minors should have been tried at the family court, Fagbemi said, a study of the law and the Constitution leaves one with no other conclusion that, it is the Federal High Court that has the jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and allied matters.
He said, “If you look at the facts in the matter by security agency, you will marvel. But, in spite all these, the President, being a father and a grand father was compassionate enough to order the release of the minors”.
Earlier in his speech at the commissioning of the Law Corridor complex, the AGF advised legal practitioners in the country to embrace partnership in the law profession, saying that, partnership in legal practice enhances expertise, increased capacity, risk management etc.
The Law Corridor has Pelumi Olajengbesi as Managing Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu (Lead Partner) and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello (Deputy Managing Partner).
Fagbemi said, it was no longer ideal for individual law firm to work in isolation, insisting that partnership brings lawyers with diverse knowledge in different fields to come together to work towards achieving efficient legal practice.
The AGF, who spoke on the topic; “Leveraging Partnership for growth in Nigeria Legal Practice” said, it allows comprehensive legal solution to wide range of issues, enhances creativity and jurisprudence.
“When seasoned practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation of practitioners learn from their experiences. In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives in adaptability.
“Another good aspect of partnership is sustainability and resilience to create more room for accountability, to support network where challenges can be faced collectively to meet client’s expectations.
“Collaboration enhances good relationship which is a cornerstone of the law profession as client’s seek not expertise, but a team that understands their needs to receive comprehensive services” the AGF stated.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the occasion, who doubles as Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged lawyers behind Law Corridor firm to be good partners, and making trust amongst them their watchword.
Awomolo added that they should continue to build integrity in the law profession, while upholding high ethical integrity as cornerstone of their legal practice.
In his remarks, Pelumi Olajengbesi said the modern Law Corridor edifice “is an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, uniquely positioned to practice across a broad spectrum of traditional and modern legal disciplines.
“We are partnerships committed to the highest standards of legal excellence. The Law Corridor is distinguished by a team of seasoned legal experts, each bringing a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both straightforward and complex legal matters.
“We seamlessly navigate conventional practice areas, corporate law, and pioneering legal fields, grounded in a steadfast commitment to ethical principles, meticulous due diligence, and the cultivation of long lasting client relationships”, he said.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include, the AGF, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Attorney General of Ondo state, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN among others.
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