•No one can obstruct EFFC from its lawful duties, says AGF Fagbemi
The Federal Government through the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has advised former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to submit himself for trial without further delay saying that no one can obstruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from performing its lawful duties.
The AGF stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to TheIdeal News on Thursday.
Fagbemi spoke while reacting to Bello’s refusal to honour EFCC’s invitation and his resistance to lawful arrest by the commission on Wednesday.
The AGF added that the bizarre drama confronting the EFCC in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty came to his notice as the Chief Law Officer for the country, saying that the development is a matter of very grave concern.
According to the AGF, it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status.
He said, “Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting.
“ A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.
On the need to ensure rule of law and equitable society, Fagbemi said, “I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.”
Fagbemi further warned Bello against his continued refusal to honour EFCC’s invitation, saying that the Federal Government will take necessary action against any attempt to make a mockery of the country’s laws.
He then said, “I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.”
 and the Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),){kind=link}