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Tag: Federal Ministry of Justice

  • Reps Vote to Remove CCT Chairman

    Reps Vote to Remove CCT Chairman

    The House of Representatives voted to remove Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) during a plenary session on Tuesday. 

    The motion cited specific sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as grounds for his removal, which include issues such as misconduct or failure to properly perform his duties.

    However, the decision was met with controversy, as reports indicated that fewer than 150 lawmakers were present during the vote, far below the necessary two-thirds majority of the 360-member House required by the Constitution for such actions.

    This raises concerns over the legitimacy of the session.

    In a related development, the Nigerian Senate recently acknowledged an error in its motion to remove Umar. 

    Sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, the motion referenced an incorrect section of the Constitution, which pertains to the Code of Conduct Bureau, not the CCT Chairman.

  • Same-Sex Marriage: Ministry Requests DSS to Investigate Group Proposing Debate

    Same-Sex Marriage: Ministry Requests DSS to Investigate Group Proposing Debate

    The Federal Ministry of Education has written to the Department of State Services (DSS) to demand an urgent investigation into a letter from a group that goes by the name of Creative Africa Initiative, which is calling for a national debate on the legalization of same-sex marriage in Nigeria.
    In a correspondence dated August 9, 2024, and signed by Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, it was explained that the proposal is at odds with Nigeria’s cultural and religious values, as well as its current legal framework.
    The letter, titled “Request for Investigation into Letter from Creative Africa Initiative Regarding Same-Sex Marriage Debate,” articulated the necessity for a comprehensive investigation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the topic that not only contradicts the predominant cultural and religious beliefs of Nigerians but also violates existing laws in the country.
    The letter reads: “We write to bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern. It has come to my notice that an organization, Creative Africa Initiative, has issued a letter not originating from the Federal Ministry of Education proposing to debate the topic: “Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria.
    “Given the sensitive nature of this topic, which is not only against the cultural and religious values of the majority of Nigerians but also contravenes existing Nigerian laws. This initiative is capable of causing widespread confusion and potentially inciting unrest within the country.
    “The introduction of such a topic into public discourse, especially through a formal debate, may have far-reaching consequences that could disrupt public peace and social cohesion. The debate could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine the laws of Nigeria and destabilize societal norms, thereby causing unnecessary tension and division among the populace.
    “In light of the above, we humbly request that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the origin and intentions behind this letter from Creative Africa Initiative. It is crucial to ensure that such activities, which have the potential to incite discord, are thoroughly scrutinized and addressed appropriately.
    “We trust that your esteemed office will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation. “
    The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013 “…prohibits a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex, and provides penalties for the solemnisation and witnessing of same thereof.”

  • 98 Lawyers Shortlisted For SAN Rank -LPPC

    98 Lawyers Shortlisted For SAN Rank -LPPC

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 Lawyers and Professors of Law for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    The shortlisted applicants were in two categories of Advocacy and Academia.

    Among the names shortlisted are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers – Monday Onyekachi Ubani Esq, Kunle Edun Esq, Dr. Rapulu Nduka Esq and Stanley Imo Esq.

    Also, shortlisted is the chairman of NBA, Bwari Branch, Paul Daudu Esq and notable Abuja-based lawyer, Okey Ajunwa Esq.

    This was contained in a press statement issued in Abuja by the Secretary of LPPC, Harjo Sarki Bello, on Tuesday night.

    The statement read: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) by this Notice announces the shortlisting of applicants for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the year 2024.

    “The shortlisted applicants in the two categories of Advocacy and Academia.

    “Among shorlisted are Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Esq, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Esq.Johnson Odionu, Esq., Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Esq., Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Esq., Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Esq., Adamu Abubakar, Esq and Charles Oyaole Musa, Esq.

    “Others are Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, Esq., David Dare Onietan, Esq., Elele Chinatu Casmir, Esq., Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Esq., Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Esq., Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Esq, Moses Kolade Obafemi, Esq, and Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Esq. Baba Fika Dalah, Esq.

    “Among those in the academia are Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion, Prof. Collins Chijioke Obioma and Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo.

    “Also, in the list are Prof. Augustine Robert Agom, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan, Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu and Prof. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke.”

    The LPPC, however, called on the general public to comment on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the shortlisted applicants.

    “Every complaint(s) must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a Superior Court of Record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and be in twenty (20) copies.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process,” LPPC added.

  • NJC raises alarm over alleged bid to defraud retired Judicial officers

    NJC raises alarm over alleged bid to defraud retired Judicial officers

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has raised an alarm over alleged incessant bids by a group of fraudsters to defraud retired Judicial officers across the country.

    According to the NJC, the alleged fraudsters have been bombarding its retired Judicial officers with phone calls demanding for various sums of money to help them fast track payment of their retirement benefits.

    In a statement signed in Abuja on Sunday, by its Director of Information, Barrister Soji Oye, thr council dissociated itself from the actions of the alleged fraudsters and pleaded with retired Judicial officers not to fall victims of the unscrupulous people.

    The statement read in part “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to the incessant phone calls being made to retired Judicial Officers by some unscrupulous individuals demanding payments to fast track the processing of their retirement benefits.

    “The National Judicial Council by this medium, informs retired Judicial Officers and members of the public to disregard such phone calls as NJC would never demand money from any Judicial Officer to fast track the payment of his retirement benefit.

    “The public is hereby advised to be wary of and report such calls to the Pension Department of the Council for appropriate action”, the statement said.