The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has stated that he acted within his duties as AGF when he swore in members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker committee members on Thursday.
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The National Working Committee NWC of the party was dissolved at the NEC meeting held within the chambers of the Federal Executive Council at the Aso Rock Villa. A caretaker committee was then put in its place, headed by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.
Malami’s action attracted condemnation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who accused the Attorney General of;
“functioning as a notary public to a political party and using official facilities of FEC chamber to administer oath of office to a functionary of a political party”.
Malami however said he did not break the law by carrying out the swearing in of the political Party officials.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, the AGF said it was not out of place for him to administer oath of office to anyone public or private.
Excerpts from the statement read;
Entrenchment of democracy and democratic culture is not only a desirable responsibility, but a constitutional one regard being had to the constitutional provisions and the demand for sustenance of democracy in the country.”
The office of the attorney general exercises dual functions inclusive of that of minister of justice which is a political and advisory function. 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.”
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