Nigerian President Denies Endorsing Candidate in NBA Election
In a statement released on Saturday, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no preferred choice for the Presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said that the president has not instructed anyone or any group to canvass votes for a particular candidate.
Fagbemi clarified a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja, which reads in part: “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.”
He stated categorically that at no time did the president give such an instruction, and he dissociates himself from the statement. Fagbemi also confirmed that the president neither had a discussion with the author nor gave any such divisive instruction.
Fagbemi accused mischief makers of peddling the false information, seeking cheap popularity by riding on the acceptance of the president among lawyers. He emphasized that the president is a democrat who believes in playing by the rules and will abide by the outcome of a free and fair election. The president is also ready to work with any candidate that emerges.
Fagbemi urged those bent on causing disaffection among NBA members and between the president and the NBA 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.
This clarification comes amid speculation and rumors surrounding the NBA election, which has been marred by controversy and disinformation. The statement is seen as a move to clear the air and restore calm to the legal community in Nigeria.
