The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has sounded a warning to desperate politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the politicians must learn to act responsibly and within the laws of the land.
He stated that the federal government will not surrender to blackmailers masquerading as politicians during the 2027 general elections.
The AGF spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
Speaking further, Fagbemi, who was represented by Hussein Oloyede, the Special Assistant on Legislative Drafting, commended the media for its role in deepening democracy.
He noted that the press shapes political behavior and expectations in any election through its reportage.
To this end, he appealed to journalists to shun political actors with divisive tendencies and ensure the unity and development of the country.
Fagbemi noted that activities toward the 2027 general elections have commenced and the media has a vital role to play.
As the main bridge between INEC, political actors, and over 90 million potential voters, the press shapes trust and behavior before and after ballots are cast.
He urged the media not to provide a platform for political actors trying to tear the fabric of the nation, reminding them that the country must come first.
The Minister further warned that those who have lost their sense of patriotism would not be allowed to set the country on fire.
He emphasized that relevant government agencies will not be stopped from doing their work if anyone runs foul of the law.
He maintained that the government will not succumb to blackmail, regardless of whose interests are affected, and that violence, hate speech, or criminal tendencies will not be tolerated.
He concluded by calling on all Nigerians to protect the unity of the country, adding that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration sees the media as partners and is working to ensure journalists do their jobs without intimidation.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, called on judiciary correspondents to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
She cautioned that misrepresentation and sensational reporting could erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.
The CJN, who was represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, emphasized that judiciary correspondents serve as a vital bridge between the Bench and the public.
She warned that inaccurate or sensational reporting could undermine the Rule of Law, as even well-reasoned judgments achieve their purpose only when properly understood.
