The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has reacted to the claims that he has no legal right to administer oaths At APC National Executive Council Meeting
In statement issued by Jibrilu Gwandu, the minister reacted to the criticisms that trailed his administering of oath to the newly appointed caretaker in the APC.
He said working towards the entrenchment of democracy and democratic culture is not only a desirable responsibility but a constitutional one.
Malami also explained that the office of the attorney-general exercises dual functions inclusive of that of the minister of justice which is a political and advisory function, while administration of justice is one of such functions.
A federation is an embodiment of the governance inclusive of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary with a possible expansion to accommodate private, corporate and associated entities.
“Within that context, it will not be out of place for an Attorney-General of the Federation to administer an oath on any one inclusive of leadership of any political party whether he belongs to it or not,” the senior lawyer said .
“Within the context of the other consideration, a lawyer, a judge and indeed a private legal practitioner and a commissioner for oath are recognized statutorily as people vested with the power to administer an oath. The Attorney General of the Federation that has fallen within that circle is never an exception,” he added.
The minister continued: “The fundamental question that begs for an answer remains whether there exists any legal impediment on Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in relation to administration of oath being a lawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a legal practitioner.
Malami, therefore, renewed commitment in discharging constitutional responsibilities of upholding the democratic culture and compliance to the rule of law.”