Buhari Finally Picks Femi Falana As New Attorney–General

The need for a person with strong character and a sound background in law may have informed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to settle for foremost lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) as the new Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Investigation revealed that Buhari’s choice of Falana was not only based on his perceived forthrightness and penchant for fighting for the interests of the under-priviledged but also because the President sees the lawyer as someone who can drive his anti-corruption war.

Sources had said Buhari was considering Falana or Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) as the next AGF.

But according to LEADERSHIP’s source, the realisation by the president that without a forthright and strong courtroom lawyer like Falana, who understands all the tricks in the books as the AGF, his desire to prosecute and recover stolen funds from ex-government officials and their accomplices would be very difficult. The source said the development may have prompted Buhari to give Falana the job.

Another reason which informed the decision is the need to reform the Judiciary and the Justice system.

On why Falana would make the difference as the next AGF, the source said, “There are many instances where the justice ministry just refused to defend or appeal cases in court. It is true that Buhari is looking for competent judges to handle corruption cases that would soon be filed in court. But the questionable conduct of some judges in recent time has underscored the need for an holistic reforms at the instance of competent AGF.

“A case where judges issue restraining orders against the anti-graft agencies and also grant unnecessary adjournments is not good enough and this may scuttle Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption.”