The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has urged judges and lawyers to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the justice system positively benefits all.
Fagbemi added that Nigerians and others, who deserve justice must not be unjustly denied access.
He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during a valedictory court session held by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in honour of one of its late Chief Judges, Justice Daniel Abutu.
Fagbemi urged stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure they contribute to the ongoing Federal Government’s reform initiatives aimed at safeguarding citizens’ rights and enabling socio economic development.
He eulogised the deceased and spoke glowingly about his contributions to the improvement of the nation’s judicial delivery system.
The AGF said that the late Chief Judge would fondly be remembered for his boldness, fearless and positive contributions to the country’s judiciary.
He said: “As we assemble today to pay glowing tributes to celebrate the life and time of a dedicated, firm and quintessential jurlst, we are equally celebrating our nation and profession.
“His lordship was renown for his unwavering commitment to advancing the rule of law and the administration of justice.
“Under his watch, the Federal High Court made commendable progress and boldly asserted Itself as a formidable temple of justice in Nigeria’s judicial architecture.
“The late erudite jurist, not only contributed his quota in the sustenance of Iegal education and constitutional democracy, his lordship also shaped our jurisprudence as a courageous judge. patriot and true nationalist.
“His lordship’s contributions to nation building and social stability remain quite indelible and phenomenal.
“Sometime in 1998, the then military junta decided to scrap the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus and chose to alienate the premises upon the establishment of the Bwari Campus as the main and only Campus of the Nigerian Law School.
“In response, some eminent leaders of the Lagos Bar instituted SUIT NO. FHC/L/CS/92/99: Chief Emmanuel Ofulue & ANOR vs The Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and 3 others.
“Regardless of the opposition and determination of the military government to pursue that cause of action, His Lordship, on 3rd February 1999, issued an injunctive order restraining the Federal Government and its servants or privies from selling, alienating or otherwise parting with the possession of the Nigerian Law School Campus and appurtenances thereto in Lagos. While good reason later prevailed.
“In January 2010, while the nation was witnessing tensed constitutional crisis over the non-transmission of presidential powers to the then Vice President by then ailing, (but now late) President, Hon Justice Abutu was called upon to interpret Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
“His lordship rendered concise decisions in a timely manner over multiple cases seeking to compel the President to transmit a written notification to the National Assembly.
“His Lordship doused the growing tension by interpreting Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution to mean that the President cannot be compelled to transmit the notice, that is the President cannot be compelled to surrender or abdicate Presidential powers without following procedures set out in the Constitution.
“The National Assembly subsequently built on this foundation by making the historic invocation of the doctrine of necessity through which the Acting President was conferred with full powers of the President and Commander-in-Chief,” Fagbemi said.
Justice Abutu, who served as the court’s fifth Chief Judge from September 4, 2009 to March 15, 2011 died on June 3, 2025.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho described the deceased as an impartial judge, who left behind a legacy of extreme humility.
Justice Tsoho said the late Abutu lived a private, but silently impactful life and has left a lasting legacy of extreme humility, joviality, kindness and compassion and always willing to extend a helping hand.
He added: “He presided over several cases where his impartiality, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the law were brought to fore.
“He navigated complex legal issues with clarity and fairness, warning the respect and admiration of his colleague, lawyers, litigants and staff of the court.
“He ensured that the court family was kept united and focused and it was during his tenure that the Lokoja judicial division was opened,” Justice Tsoho said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
