The Omoyele Sowore’s release on the eve of Christmas of 2019 has once again been visited with Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) saying the government was not influenced by the pressures coming from some international elements but took its decision, strictly, by national magnanimity.
Malami stated this Thursday when he featured on an NTA network programme monitored by The DEFENDER in Sokoto.
He featured with Prof. Seyi Akinseye (SAN), and other interlocutor, who contributed via skype.
Abubakar Malami impressed it upon purveyors of contrary information to know that the truth of the matter should be viewed from the angle whereby the government had the rights to appeal against the court order but decided to step down his right to do so.
He said therefore that such decision, in truth, is from the angle of national magnanimity as against the twisted and fake news being peddled around.
On interference of executive with the judiciary, the AGF said those still holding the views that government of Muhammadu Buhari influences how judicial verdicts are determined should be guided by at least the case of Zamfara.
Noting the fact that ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government was in office in Zamfara State, when the court ruled against it in manner by which the party lost the entire rights to partake in the 2019 general elections, should satisfy any doubting Thomases that this Buhari-led government does not interfere but that, under the President, the judiciary has enjoyed its constitutional independence.
He however agreed with interlocutor Seyi Akinseye (SAN) that judiciary could be better improved upon by doing more for it in terms of funding, general supports and continued independence as an arm of government operating independent of executive.
On special courts, Akinseye said, “I have always disagreed with the special courts” idea.
He said part of his reasons for opposing special courts, “which reminds us of military tribunals”, is that the prosecutors and judges still remain the same that will be there.
Instead, therefore, of going for special courts he called for government to do more for the judiciary and thinker with the constitution in ensuring that not all cases get to certain levels of court particularly the Supreme Court.
The senior advocate of Nigeria lauded the government for doing well through the Attorney General of the Federation on the P&ID case he described as international conspiracy against Nigeria in collusion with some highly placed local elements.
