The House of Representatives is deliberating a bill seeking to separate the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation from the Minister of Justice, and those of state Attorneys General from their Commissioners of Justice.
The bill, co-sponsored by PDP lawmakers Mansur Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State) and Oluwole Oke (Osun), is under review by the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
If passed, the proposed amendment to Section 150 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) will introduce a new sub-section stipulating, “There shall be an Attorney-General of the Federation who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, different from the person occupying the position of the Minister of Justice, to be appointed by the President, subject to the confirmation of the Senate.”
Similarly, the bill proposes changes to Section 195 of the Constitution, with a sub-section stating, “There shall be an Attorney-General for each State who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the State, to be appointed by the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the House of Assembly.”
Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Soro told Sunday PUNCH, “The reason for this proposal is to enhance efficiency in the dispensation of criminal justice, safeguard public interest, and deter abuse of legal processes in public prosecutions at both federal and state levels.”
Soro argued that combining the roles of the Minister or Commissioner of Justice with those of the Attorney General often results in conflicts of interest, as the former is a political advisor while the latter is expected to be an impartial legal officer.
“The Minister of Justice and Commissioners of Justice serve as partisan political advisors, while the Attorney General litigates on behalf of the government and provides advisory services on draft legislations and agreements. Separating these roles will eliminate conflicts, limit political interference, and boost public confidence in the justice system,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about the financial implications of the bill, Soro maintained that the benefits far outweigh the costs. “I have always supported affordable governance, but the objectives of this proposal justify any additional costs,” he said.
The bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system and ensure greater accountability and impartiality in public prosecutions.
