Encomium Pours On Malami At Book Launch

Torrents of encomiums were showered on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, Thursday, at a book launch in honour of him.

The book titled “Contemporary Issues In Nigeria Law and Practice”, was edited by Prof. Mohammed L. Ahmadu, Dr. Umar J. Gwandu and Nafiu Yakubu.

First, in a keynote address, Chief Oladipo Okpeseyi, set the stage describing Abubakar Malami as a “man of valour and achiever par excellence”.

He noted that it was in deed, the Minister’s impeccable record of service to Nigeria and humanity at large that is being honoured.

According to Chief Okpeseyi, “Speaking from my own experience, Mr. Malami, SAN is a God fearing, astute, detribalised, dependable, discipline, diligent, effective, focused, humble, industrious, incorruptible, progressive, loyal with amiable disposition.

He is conscientious and studious lawyer, above all he is an advocate of truth. These and many more are the sterling qualities that drew him to me and I strongly hold the view that it must have endeared him to his boss and principal who is in deed a father to him and no other person than His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-In Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On his part, the Chief launcher of the book, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, noted that Malami is a national patriot, principled leader and icon in the Nigerian legal profession.

He noted that in his capacity both as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Deputy Senate president, he had both professional, legal, political and legislative interactions with Mr Malami.

Omo-Agege said: “His principle and commitment to the rule of law, our nation and continued fight against corruption to strengthen our democracy is exemplary. When I received the invitation to be the chief launcher of the book, I didn’t hesitate because the AGF has my deep respect and admiration.”

He noted that the AGF played a very important role in formation of All Progressives Congress and the present Government.

He further recalled that the AGF was in 2020 saddled with the repatriation of over $300 million from United States and the Island of New Jersey, adding that Malami had successfully seen to the repatriation of $311 million of Abacha loot.

Further, the Deputy Senate said that undeterred by the magnitude of the task, the AGF had ensured the relief of Nigeria from the over $1.5 Billion liability and got over $660 Million taxation costs.

He enumerated other achievements of Malami including: active participation in Ecosystem digital steering committee which gave birth to a new Nigeria data management bill; enactment of an Act on electronic transactions; the office of the AGF also established the office of the electronic national repository of all treaties entered into between Nigeria and other countries; as well as working with the leadership of the National Assembly for joint review of bills; and initiation of the newest version of anti-corruption laws; among others.

On his part, Mr. Malami expressed profound appreciation to all who came from different regions, zones and strata across the states of the nation.

He noted that their presence at the occasion represents the unity which Nigeria stood for.

According to him, “It is also gratifying to see people from all diverse backgrounds and from different strata of the country. This gives me optimism of the need to continue to advocate the maintenance of the corporate, unitary and peaceful and as strong and viral nation.

“This unity exhibited is exemplified in two respects: the first being the book itself and the second being the event of today. The book represents the diverse legal scholarship from all parts of Nigeria put together in one compendium. The second seeks to control people from all parts of geopolitical zones of Nigeria to be part of this proceedings.”

Earlier, the book reviewer, Prof. F.C. Nwoke, who also read the citation of Mr. Malami, said the book is a 692 page book of 35 chapters sub-divided into 17 parts with 51 authors and contributors with brief introduction into life and person of Mr Malami.

The topics covered by the book, 17 in all, touched on all areas of the legal practice and human endeavours.

Prof. Nwoke noted that the book speaks for itself, and recommended the book to scholars, researchers and legal practitioners and all who desire to know contemporary issues in nation’s legal system and practice.