Abakaliki, Nigeria – Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged State Attorneys-General across the country to resist undue influence from political leaders in the discharge of their constitutional duties, warning that bending the law to please governors undermines the integrity of the justice system.
Governor Nwifuru made the call on Tuesday at a state dinner held in Abakaliki in honour of the Committee for the Review of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The Committee, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is meeting in Ebonyi from August 26 to 30, 2025.
The governor, while commending President Bola Tinubu for initiating reforms aimed at strengthening governance and the rule of law, stressed that the judiciary must continually earn the trust of Nigerians by upholding integrity.
Directing his remarks to state Attorneys-General, Nwifuru said their primary duty should be to the law and not to political officeholders.
“Anytime your governor calls you, asking for a judgment to go a particular way, remind him that justice is not something to be bargained for in the marketplace,” Nwifuru said. “If he pressures you to release a criminal or murderer, face him and explain the legal consequences of such an act. Serving as Attorney-General does not mean your professionalism should be compromised. The prestige of your profession is more important than anybody’s sentiment.”
He added that since assuming office, he has never attempted to influence his Attorney-General or interfere with the judicial process in Ebonyi State.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Fagbemi, lauded Nwifuru’s stance, describing him as “one governor we will always want to have.” He noted that governors must learn to accept the professional advice of their Attorneys-General, even when it comes as “a bitter pill that ultimately brings healing.”
In his welcome remarks, Ebonyi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odo, highlighted the role of law in shaping societies, stating that in Ebonyi “justice is stronger when it rests on the shoulders of communities.” He encouraged the visiting committee members to enjoy the serene environment of the state as they carried out their work.
The Committee Chairman, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), and his 46-member team, inaugurated by President Tinubu in October 2024, are tasked with reviewing Nigeria’s laws, many of which were last updated in 2004. Their mandate includes identifying outdated provisions, resolving conflicts in existing statutes, and harmonising laws to reflect contemporary realities.
Governor Nwifuru described the committee’s work as “timely and essential,” stressing that its outcome will shape the legal future of Nigeria. Ebonyi State, he noted, last codified its laws in 2009, making the review particularly relevant for states as well as the federation.
