The PUNCH learnt that a special
file had been opened for lawyers, who are prepared to be part of the
defence team against the 11-man legal team, constituted by the AGF in
the N10.2bn libel suit instituted against Melaye at an Abuja High Court.
But Melaye told journalists that neither himself nor the anti-graft group had been served the court notice.
He said, “It shows that those in the
legal profession have recognised the abuse of office and flagrant
disregard for the rule of law by the AGF. Many of the lawyers complained
of the conduct of the AGF and have vowed to furnish this office with
additional information and obvious cases of abuse of office by Adoke.
“The bastardisation, monetisation and
commercialisation of the legal profession must stop. Conflict of
interest must become history. Public interest must be placed above
selfish or personal interest in the discharge of official
responsibilities in the office of the AGF.”
A SAN, who spoke with journalists on
condition of anonymity, said, “The decision (Pro Bono) was premised on
the need to reform the legal profession in Nigeria.”
Melaye’s group had, in a petition to
President Goodluck Jonathan, dated April 11 detailed alleged graft and
“outrageous use of powers against public interest.”
But the AGF had insisted that rather than the Presidency, it was he that ordered the investigation.
A letter from the Office of the
Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, signed by Ali Amodu,
a Commissioner of Police in charge of X Squad, to the Executive
Secretary of ACN, had informed the group that it was investigating the
allegations of corruption, abuse of office and incompetence leveled
against the AGF.
When journalists visited Melaye’s Abuja
office on Friday, some of the lawyers suggested that Pro Bono should be
encouraged in Nigeria’s justice system.
A lawyer and one of the disciples of
late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Mr. Sikiru Akinrele, said he would defend
Melaye provided he has his facts.
He said, “The justice
system should encourage free legal services. If Dino (Melaye) has his
facts, I will defend him in court or advise him accordingly. I want to
encourage him to do what is right, even if he is standing alone; he will
know that some people appreciate him.”The PUNCH Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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More Power to your elbow Mr Dino Melaiye. Pls keep on going, God is your strenght.
ReplyDeleteGOD can only be somebody's strength if he is truthful, however being the first time that the position of AGF goes to small tribe like the EBIRAS, it is obvious that the west would definitely gang against him.
ReplyDeleteWho is this yeye Ebira man here...are you just occupying high ranked position in Nigeria Govt since independence?
ReplyDeleteSo does Dino have his facts? @anonymous 12:43pm - is Dino from the West? Or what are you talking about?
ReplyDelete