THE House of Representatives on Tuesday moved to separate the office of Attorney-General of the Federal, AGF, from that of Minister of Justice.








The move followed the second reading of a Bill for an Act to alter the 1999 constitution to introduce the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation separate from the Minister of Justice.


Presenting the Bill, Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), said that if passed, it would emphasise the independence of the AGF’s office and ensure it was not subjected to political consideration.


Mr. Monguno said that separation of the AGF’s office would allow for effective separation of power, adding that the two offices would be given the necessary environment to function optimally.


Mr. Monguno said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation, being the Chief Law Officer is empowered in Section 150 and 195 respectively of the 1999 Constitution to enter nolle prosequi.”


Nolle prosequi is an entry on the record of a legal action that denotes that the prosecutor or plaintiff will proceed no further in an action of suit either as a whole or as to some count or as to one or more of several defendants.


The lawmaker added that, “The power can only be exercised if office is free from any political interference.


“The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation is such an office that should be seen to be Independent and not be subjected to some political consideration,


“His appointment should be seen to meet some standard in legal profession.


“The fact (is) that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) performs some quasi judicial functions hence, the need for the office to be separated from the Minister of or Commissioner for Justice.”


According to him, the AGF is the chief law officer of the federation and advises the government whether at the federal or state levels on matters relating to law generally.


“Whereas, the office of the minister of or commissioner for justice is political in nature, if read alongside other ministers or commissioners.


Mr. Monguno further advised that the office of the AGF should be based on merit and competence and the National Judicial Council be involved.


“It should be shielded from the vicissitudes of political influence”.


The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, referred the bill to the special adhoc committee on constitutional review for further legislative action.


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Icecomrade:

Good move.


After the passage of this Bill

Initiate another bill that would strip EFCC the power to prosecute.

Limit them to investigation.

#[b]SayNoToPoliticalProsecutions

[/b]

Icecomrade:

Good move.


After the passage of this Bill

Initiate another bill that would strip EFCC the power to prosecute.

Limit them to investigation.

#SayNoToPoliticalProsecutions

herzern1:
Welcome Development.

We need drastic steps from our lawmakers if truly they are after the qrowth of this Nation.

Make severe laws that will discouraqe people from lootinq.Look at China,a political office holder was killed last two months when he was found quilty of corrupt practices.

We need severe laws.

bettercreature:
They are just wasting their time PMB wont sign these bills

kulobyno:
Nigerian politicians and self interest

bettercreature:
They are just wasting their time PMB wont sign these bills

bettercreature:
They are just wasting their time PMB wont sign these bills

seunmsg:


How will separating the office of the AGF and the justice ministry discourage looting?

I don't see the president signing this bill anyway but even if he signs, the separation will not achieve anything. The AGF will still dance to the tune of the president whether or not NJC is involved in his/her appointment. We will only end up duplicating the duties of the two offices and creating more bureaucracy to be funded by government. And in essence, more bureaucracy is more corruption.

In the US, the department of justice is the department of justice. It is an institution and the presidents control over it is limited even though the president is responsible for appointing the attorney general. We should keep working towards making our own justice ministry stronger and devoid of political influence instead of separating the two offices and creating unnecessary confusion in the way.