December 18, 2014 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye today described the nomination of Professor Yemi Osibajo as running mate to the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential candidate as a good omen for the rule of law, federalism and constitutionalism.
Fashola who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of judges in Lagos lauded the emergence of Osibajo, describing him as the brain behind the transformation of judiciary in Lagos.
“Professor Osinbajo has had the tremendous contribution in the state judiciary today, building the Lagos judiciary. He has started his own journey as well because the vision of building an efficient and incorruptible judiciary started under his watch as the Attorney General of Lagos State. So as I wish my brother and friend Professor Yemi Osibajo the very best in the journey.”
On his part, Ipaye said everyone in the justice sector of the state could attest to the countless achievements of Osinbajo in the state while he served as the state Attorney-General between 1999 and 2007.
“In fact, we believe that his key contributions to the success of that administration are clear testimony to the great potential of the next APC government, once elected to the office in February 2015,”he said.
Ipaye who said he had received several enquiries as to the records of service of Professor Osinbajo in the state from many Nigerians, following his nomination said Osinbajo is by far the most impactful contributor to improvements seen in the Nigerian justice sector since the end of military rule in 1999.
“ During his tenure, the idea of bringing justice to the people became entrenched, particularly with the establishment of an Office of the Public Defender and a Citizens Mediation Centre. Both agencies have since benefited millions of Nigerians directly or indirectly by way of free legal services, free representation in court and free mediation services,”Ipaye explained.
