The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abubakar Malami

  • Court okays IPOB’s proscription

    Court okays IPOB’s proscription

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday granted an order proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The court also declared illegal all activities of the group in the country, particularly in the South East and South-South regions of the country.

    In addition, it restrained “any person or group of persons from participating in any of the group’s activities.”

    The Acting Chief Judge of the court, Justice Adamu Kafarati, granted the orders after hearing an ex-parte application filed and argued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

    Justice Kafarati directed the AGF to ensure the publication of the IPOB proscription order in the official gazette and two national dailies.

    Malami was accompanied to court by the Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Tayo Apata; Acting Director, Civil Litigation, Mrs. Maimuna Shiru and other lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Specifically, the judge said:

    “That an order, declaring the activities of the respondent – Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) – in any part of Nigeria especially in the South East and South-South regions of Nigeria amount to acts of terrorism and illegallity, is granted.

    “That an order, proscribing the existence of the respondent (IPOB) in any part of Nigeria, especially in the South East and South-South regions of Nigeria either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called and publishing same in the official gazette and two national dailies, is granted.

    “That an order, restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the respondent (IPOB) under any other name or platform however called or described, is granted.”

  • FG warns against breach of peace, security

    FG warns against breach of peace, security

    Mr Abubakar Malami, the Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has warned that the Federal Government would not allow any individual or group to compromise the peace and security of the country.

    Malami gave the warning while declaring open a three-day summit of the 36 states Attorneys-General holding in Yola on Friday.

    He said that where the action or interest of an individual presents an imminent threat to national interest, the individual interest must be subjected to the national interest.

    “Permit me to draw attention to the current happenings wherein some people have overheated the nation’s polity through hate speech with its divisive implication for the unity, peace and security of the country.

    “As the Chief Law Officer of the Nation and custodian of her legal conscience, we have a responsibility to ensure that the unity, peace and security of the country are not compromised by selfish interest over and above national interest.

    “The constitution under section 174 and 211 empowers us as chief law officers to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in respect of any offence under any Act of the National Assembly,” Malami said.

    He explained that the essence of the rule of law was the supremacy of the law over all institutions and persons irrespective of his political and social standing in the society.

    ”No one is above the law, for anyone who chooses to deliberately promote discord and threaten the security of the country, it is our responsibility to ensure the full weight of the law is brought to bear on such person.

    He said that all state Attorneys-General were recently directed to prosecute all federal offenses in their states on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    He urged the Attorneys-General to put the directive into action and ensure that hate speeches were quickly nipped in the bud.

    In his remarks, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa, said that the state government would support any meaningful judicial and justice reform for the interest of the people.

    Bindow said that one of the cardinal aspects of his administration was to ensure peace, unity and stability among the diverse communities irrespective of their religious, tribal or sectional differences.

    NAN reports that over 20 state Attorneys-General are attending the seminar with the aim of reviewing some National Prosecution Policy, Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Prosecutors.

  • AGF dissociates self from alleged probe of CJN

    AGF dissociates self from alleged probe of CJN

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) has dissociated himself and his office from report that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen was being investigated for corruption related issues.

    Malami, in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Salihu Isah, said he holds the CJN in high esteem and will not be part of an attempt to denigrate his person and the office he (Onnoghen) occupies.
    The AGF faulted insinuations that the information which formed the basis of the media report emanated from his office.

    He said he was not aware of such probe of the CJN and would not be party to such act.
    The CJN, reacted to the report in a statement on Wednesday, denying any wrong doing and said he was ready to face any probe.

    The statement issued ON Friday by the office of the AGF reads: “The attention of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has been drawn to a report in the media space insinuating that the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON and other former and serving government and judicial officers are under investigation for alleged corruption.

    “The report also listed other high-profile Nigerians who it claimed are purportedly under investigation for corruption to include former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, present Minister of Solid Minerals Development and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a sitting judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Abdu Kafarati, among others.

    “The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to express his displeasure over the unfortunate and unbecoming innuendo by certain persons and agencies which sought to accuse his office of leaking what was termed as classified information to the public.

    “This office, therefore, wishes to state categorically, but with absolute repudiation, that it did not at any time leak such information to the media as wrongly alluded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “The pertinent question to ask is, since the EFCC has publicly denied that the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria is not under probe or investigation; is it then possible for the same EFCC to have forwarded any classified information on a non-existent probe or investigation of the Honourable CJN to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation?

    “It also goes to show that the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation could not have leaked a non-existent classified information on an equally non-existent probe or investigation.

    “The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice strongly frowns at any unsavoury attempt or conspiracy to drag his office and that of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria into petty squabbles in the midst of burning national issues.

    “We, therefore, use this opportunity to reaffirm our deep respect for the distinguished person and office of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, and we will never be party to any unpatriotic effort to denigrate his exalted office.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation will continue to collaborate with His Lordship in his efforts to reform the judiciary and galvanize the anti-graft war.

    “Indeed the present administration appreciates His Lordship for his unwavering support for its anti-corruption drive.

    “We wish to state further that we are neither aware of nor privy to any purported probe or ongoing investigation of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria by any security or anti-graft agency.

    “The office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation dissociates itself from the baseless allusion or suggestion obviously made in bad faith to the effect that His Lordship is under any form of probe or investigation whatsoever.

    “In view of the above, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to emphatically reiterate that he has profound confidence in the Chief Justice of Nigeria and wishes His Lordship the very best in the discharge or performance of his daunting duties to the nation at large.”

  • Why we are yet to retrieve $15m seized by South Africa from Jonathan’s govt, by AGF

    Why we are yet to retrieve $15m seized by South Africa from Jonathan’s govt, by AGF

    NIGERIA’s $15m seized in South Africa during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration is yet to be retrieved  – no thanks to diplomatic intricacies and the long process.

    Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami said such hindrances also accounted for why the government was yet to record appreciable success in its efforts to repatriate looted funds.

    “As it relates to the money in South Africa and other countries,  my reaction to recovery generally is that it is a process; a process involving mostly nations whose legal systems differ.

    “The process in respect of diplomatic consideration equally plays a key role over and above international convention and best practices.

    “So, when multiplicity of legal systems is in issue, multiplicity of diplomatic engagement is in contention, delay is naturally bound to set in.

    “But, one thing I want to state categorically is that the government is doing whatever is possible to ensure the recovery of moneys that relate to Nigeria in all jurisdictions and not necessarily limited to South Africa,” he said.

    Malami, who spoke in Abuja yesterday while reviewing the activities of his ministry in the last one year, however declined to answer a question on the rift between him and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, over the country’s suspension from the Egmont Group.

    He also declined comments on whether or not his directive that the EFCC provide him with a status report on on-going high profile cases had been complied with.

    Malami said the Federal Government planned a committee on how to defray the N113billion judgment debt pending against it and its agencies to avoid its assets being attached.

    He said the Judgment Debt Verification Committee, to be headed by the AGF, will, among others, ensure compliance with enforcement of court judgments and orders against government and its agencies.

    Malami said memos on the recommendations of the Senator Ken Nnamani-led Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee would soon be presented before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for deliberation and adoption, following which Bills relating to the recommendations would be sent to the National Assembly.

    The minister, who could not confirm if members of the Nnamani committee had been paid their allowances, said he was aware the Federal Government has approved the payment and that the approval had been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.

    On the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects being kept in custody, Malami said a speedy trial had been planned.

    He said some judges have been assigned to handle the prosecution. He declined to give further details, citing security concerns.

    Malami also hinted of plans for prisons decongestion, which he said would be electronically driven and last for the next two years.

    The AGF, who praised his ministry for a successful outing in the last legal year between 2016 and 2017, said it concluded 7,119 criminal cases, including 4,709 petitions and 325 civil cases in the last legal year.

    Malami, who highlighted various plans to be executed in the new legal year, said a coordinating centre would  be created in his ministry for among others, ensure coordination of all criminal justice agencies.

    The unit will enable the office of the AGF to “have a first-hand information of the status of all criminal investigations/trials in the country”.

    Malami also spoke about a plan to create an investigation unit in the ministry to address the “want of legal expertise in the conduct and process of investigation by the various security agencies and to address such anomalies leading to the consistent rejection of vital evidence in the course of prosecution.”

    The AGF is relying on his constitutional powers and the provision of Section 105(1) and (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to create the unit, it will coordinate and form part of every investigation to ensure robust investigation and successful prosecution of cases, Malami said.

     

  • EFCC, Magu frustrating anti-graft war – Malami

    EFCC, Magu frustrating anti-graft war – Malami

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Wednesday accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, of frustrating the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.

    Malami, in a statement issued in Abuja, alleged that Magu and the EFCC leadership have “manipulated and misused intelligence to the detriment of the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.”

    He also accused them of working to prevent the lifting of the country’s suspension by the global financial intelligence gathering body – Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (Egmont Group) and ensure the country’s formal expulsion.

    The Egmont Group, currently made up of 156 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), representing 156 countries, serves as a platform for exchange of expertise and financial intelligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and functions as the operational arm of the international anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) apparatus.

    Nigeria, represented in the group by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), was suspended on June 1, 2007 because the NFIU lacks independence and was subject to the control of the EFCC via the provision of the Section 1(2)(c) of the EFCC Act.

    The group demanded autonomy for NFIU as a condition for the country’s readmission, failing which it would be expelled.

    Since the nation’s suspension, Malami and Magu have been unable to agree on how to meet the condition set by the Egmont Group for the country’s readmission.

    While the AGF wants the creation of an autonomous NFIU, detached from the EFCC, and has send a Bill to the National Assembly to that effect, Magu wants NFIU to remain part of EFCC, but with mere re-organisation of its operations.

    In the statement issued for the AGF by his spokesman, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, Malami frowned at Magu’s hard stance on the issue and noted that the uncooperative attitude of EFCC’s leadership could encourage the Egmont Group to carry out its threat to expel the country.

    Malami regretted that Magu appeared not to understand the implication of Nigeria’s expulsion from the group on government’s efforts to combat corruption, terrorism, money laundering and other related vices.

    The AGF, who insisted on ensuring the separation of NFIU from the EFCC, praised the Senate for passing the Bill for an independent NFIU and urged the House of Representatives to urgently pass similar Bill currently pending before it.

    The statement reads: “The EFCC is now in a state of paranoia, as it dreads the effort of the government to have an independent NFIU, which it has stood against stoically since 2006.

    “As it presently stands, the NFIU staff are all deployed by the EFCC to serve in the interest of whoever is its current Chairman. This has to stop if it must conform to the new thinking and global best practice. Nigeria cannot be an island of its own. It cannot fight corruption in isolation.

    “The threat of expulsion from the Egmont Group calls for a thorough review of the NFIU and the manner in which the EFCC leadership has manipulated and misused intelligence to the detriment of the fight against corruption and financial crime in Nigeria.

    “To achieve the desired goal, NFIU needs to stand alone as an agency with full complements of power to recruit its staff and an annual budgetary allocation guaranteed for its operations.

    “Its independence must be ascertained in the new law to set up Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (NFIA) to enable it carry out its mandate, which shall include responsibilities for receiving, requesting, analysing and disseminating financial intelligence reports on money laundering, terrorist financing and other relevant information to law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies, and other relevant authorities.”

     

  • AGF calls for diligent prosecution of human traffickers

    AGF calls for diligent prosecution of human traffickers

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Friday stressed the need for diligent prosecution of human traffickers in order to give hope to victims.

    Malami spoke in Abuja at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Justice to mark the 2017 International Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Elimination of Human Trafficking: Advocacy for Prosecuting Agencies and the Public.’’

    He said: “Stakeholders must do all that they can to give hope to the victims of human trafficking by reporting any known case of human trafficking.

    “That is the first step to the prosecution of perpetrators of this heinous crime.

    “The issue of human trafficking and forced labour had become a great concern the world over, because many persons are deprived of their basic rights to dignity of person and right to life.

    “A vibrant public awareness of the crime, modus operandi of the perpetrators and public participation in reportage, follow-up and support for prosecuting agencies are therefore, steps in the right direction.”

    According to Malami, since no society can effectively police itself without the full involvement of the citizens, this year’s celebration is a call to duty for members of the public to assist the prosecuting agencies.

    The Chairman of Senate committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Sen. Shehu Sani, said for the war against human trafficking to be won, Nigeria must fine tune its legal framework.

    He said the fine tuning would enable the country to keep pace with the ever changing antics of the traffickers.

    NAN

  • SERAP urges FG to recover over 40b received by ex-governors as pension

    SERAP urges FG to recover over 40b received by ex-governors as pension

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Government to recover the more than  N40 billion so far received by  ex-governors currently serving as senators and ministers.

    A statement by Executive Director, SERAP, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, on Sunday said the politicians were already enjoying pensions and other privileges and ought not to receive further emoluments from the Federal Government.

    It said that it had dispatched a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, to initiate steps toward the recovery of the funds.

    “We urged Malami to urgently institute appropriate legal actions to challenge the legality of states’ laws permitting former governors currently serving as senators and ministers to enjoy serving governors’ emoluments as pensions.”

    The organization expressed concern that many serving senators and ministers were receiving salaries and life pensions running into billions of naira from states that were currently unwilling or unable to pay workers’ salaries.

    It said that double emolument and large severance benefits for former governors now serving public officials constituted a blatant betrayal of public trust.

    It listed the beneficiaries as Dr Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Kabiru Gaya (Kano), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Theodore Orji (Abia),Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).

    Also on the list are Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara), Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Bukar Ibrahim (Yobe), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi) and George Akume (Benue).

    Others are Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti), Enyinaya Abaribe (Abia), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Chris Ngige (Anambra) and Babatunde Fashola (Lagos).

    “We are urging you to use your good offices as a defender of public interest, and exercise your powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “This is for you to urgently institute appropriate legal actions to challenge the legality of states’ laws permitting former governors, who are now senators and ministers to enjoy governors’ emoluments while drawing normal salaries and allowances in their new political offices.

    “SERAP is also asking you to seek full recovery of over N40bn of public funds that have so far been received from those involved.

    “We want you to begin to take these steps within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.’’

    The group said failure to do this would make SERAP to institute legal proceedings to compel the discharge of constitutional duty and full compliance with Nigeria’s international anticorruption obligations and commitments.

    SERAP noted that under the Lagos Pension Law a former governor would enjoy the following benefits for life: Two houses, one in Lagos and another in Abuja estimated to cost between N500m and N700m.

    It said they also enjoy six brand new cars, furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual salary to be paid every two years, and a close to N2.5m monthly  as pension (about N30m pension annually).

    It said he was  also entitled free medicals with his immediate families as well as house maintenance, car maintenance, entertainment and utility allowances inadditon to several domestic staff.
    It said in Rivers, the law provided 100 per cent of annual basic salaries for ex-governor and deputy, one residential house for former governor anywhere of his choice and one residential house for the deputy.

    It said three cars were given to the ex-governor every four years; two cars for the deputy, 300 per cent of annual basic salary for furniture; and 10 per  cent of annual basic salary for house maintenance.

    It said Akwa Ibom law provided N200m annual pay to ex governors, deputies; pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of the incumbent governor/deputy governor respectively.

    It said a new official car and utility-vehicle , one personal aide and provision of adequate security; a cook, chauffeurs and security guards were provided for the governor.

    Others benefits include free medical services for governor and spouse at an amount not exceeding N100m for the governor per annum and N50m for the deputy governor.

    It said the law also gave a five-bedroom mansion and allowance of 300 percent of annual basic salary for the deputy governor; 300 percent of annual basic salary and severance gratuity.

    It said the Kano State Pension Rights of Governor and Deputy Governor provided for 100 percent of annual basic salaries for former governor and deputy as well as  furnished and equipped office.

    It said it also provided for a 6-bedroom house; well-furnished 4-bedroom for deputy, plus an office; free medical treatment for self and immediate families, two drivers; and a provision for a 30- day vacation within and outside Nigeria.

    It said Gombe law gave N300 million executive pension benefits for the ex-governors while Kwara law gave a former governor two cars and a security car replaceable every three years.

    The act  also provided for a well-furnished 5-bedroom duplex, 300 per cent of his salary as furniture allowance and five personal staff.

    The ex-governor and his deputy are  also entitled to free medical care, 30 per cent of salary for car maintenance,  20 per cent for utility, 10 per cent for entertainment; 10 per cent for house maintenance.

    SERAP said in Zamfara , former governors received pension for life, two personal staff, two vehicles replaceable, two drivers and  free medical treatment for them  and their immediate families in Nigeria or abroad.

    Ex-governors in the state are also entitled to  a 4-bedroom house in Zamfara, an office, free telephone and 30 days paid vacation outside Nigeria.

    It said the Sokoto State law gave former governors and deputy governors N200 million and N180million respectively being monetisation for other entitlements which included domestic aides, residence and vehicles that could be renewed after every four years.

  • FG appeals Saraki’s acquittal by CCT

    FG appeals Saraki’s acquittal by CCT

    … Why we appealed tribunal’s verdict – AGF

    The Federal Government on Wednesday appealed the acquittal of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    The 11-ground notice of appeal was filed through Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) and Pius Akutah, an assistant Chief State Counsel, at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

    The tribunal had on June 14 discharged and acquitted the Senate President on the 18-count charge of false assets declaration.

    The government, in the appeal, urged the court to set aside the CCT judgment that upheld the no case submission filed by Saraki and ask him to enter his defence.

    Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said on Wednesday that his total commitment to the anti-graft war informed his decision to approve the appeal filed against the CCT ruling.

    Malami, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salihu Isah and the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution (AGF Office), Okoi Obono-Obla, highlighted several measures he had put in place to fight corruption as demonstration of his commitment to the anti-graft crusade of the present administration.

    He insisted that despite some recent setbacks suffered in the anti-corruption war, the fight would continue to be fought “resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal tools at the disposal of the Federal Government.”

    The statement reads: “The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation wishes to assure Nigerians that despite some recent setbacks recorded in some of the cases involving politically exposed people; that the war against corruption is fully on course.

    “It shall be fought resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government is more than ever before committed towards the complete eradication of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.

    “In this regard, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has directed that a Notice of Appeal be lodged against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal acquitting and discharging false assets declaration case preferred against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.”

     

     

     

  • Senate faults AGF’s approach to anti-graft war

    Senate faults AGF’s approach to anti-graft war

    Senate on Tuesday carpeted the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over what it described as his poor handling of the anti-graft war.

    The lawmakers faulted Malami for not seeking the collaboration of the National Assembly on the appropriate legislation required to aid offenders’ prosecution.

    The Senate joint Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters with the Anti- Corruption and Financial Crimes Committee expressed the views at a public hearing on two critical bills meant for strengthening of the anti-graft war.

    The two bills are – Proceeds of Crimes Bill 2017 and Nigerian Assets Management (establishment etc) bill 2017.

    Malami, who was represented by one Anthony Odu Abba at the hearing, could not attend the event due to other pressing matters in his office.

    The senators were taken aback when Abba said the office of the Attorney General had no prepared position on the two proposed bills.

    Rather, Abba said the Executive arm would forward a single bill on the matter to the National Assembly for consideration at a later date.

    But the committee chairman, Senator David Umaru, said the position of the AGF was unacceptable to the panel.

    Umaru said, “This is unacceptable to us. One, you have no written memorandum on your position on the bills. Two, your principal, the AGF who was recently reported in the media to have castigated the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly for allegedly sitting on anti-corruption bills sent by the executive is not here. Three, your submission is neither here nor there as regards support for or opposition to the bills.

    “What is expected from the office of the Attorney- General on these bills are clearly written positions saying yes or no and not verbal proposition or information on another bill. This is not right and not expected from the AGF.”

     

  • How to restructure Nigeria – AGF

    How to restructure Nigeria – AGF

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Tuesday added his voice to the ongoing debate on the need to restructure the country.

    He said although the alteration of the nation’s structure was inevitable in view of emerging challenges, such restructuring must be effected methodically.

    The AGF spoke in Abuja at the opening session of a Think-Tank Conference organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

    The theme of the event was:  “Federalism and the challenges of dynamic equilibrium in Nigeria: Towards a national strategy.”

    Malami argued that the choice of federalism as a system of government was not imposed on the country, but adopted in 1954 because of existing diversities that needed to be accommodated.

    He contended that though it was normal to reform and modify existing institutional arrangements, systems and processes in any federation, such alterations should not be effected at once as being advocated in Nigeria.

    The AGF said, “There were federalising tendencies that were as ancient as the Olumo Rock and which facilitated its adoption in 1954 as a compromise between what Lord James Bryce referred to as centrifugal and centripetal forces.

    “It is true that Nigeria’s federal system has been experiencing challenges and there have been agitations and prescriptions to reform and modify it.

    “As things stands, restructuring requires amending the constitution to accommodate referendum or, in the alternative, a constitutional amendment to the 1999 Constitution which, in this case, must be supported by majority of legislators in 24 states of the federation as enshrined in Section 9 of the constitution.

    “One thing that is certain is the inevitable implication that abolishing states through restructuring process will certainly translate to the eventual multiplier effect of abolishing the State Houses of Assembly and perhaps downsizing the National Assembly.

    “This, indeed, is a tall order that cannot be achieved through advocacy, emotional outburst or provocative rhetorics and demonstration.”