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Tag: NBA

  • IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP assures the public of the commitment of the police to neutrality and adherence to legal directives.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allegations about the police’s role in the recent local government elections. 

    Egbetokun described Fubara’s remarks as baseless and unnecessary, emphasizing that the police acted lawfully.

    Fubara had accused the Nigeria Police Force and its state command of attempting to disrupt the elections by attempting to seize materials. The Governor warned Egbetokun to be mindful of his position.

    In response, Egbetokun clarified that the police only followed a Federal High Court ruling from July 19, 2024, which restricted their involvement in the elections. 

    He explained that the Rivers State High Court later issued a conflicting order on September 4, directing police to provide security at the elections. 

    However, the Federal High Court reaffirmed its earlier stance on September 30, declaring the police’s involvement unlawful.

     He stated that all court orders were reviewed by the police’s legal team, who advised compliance with the Federal High Court ruling.

    He urged the public to disregard misinformation and emphasized the importance of political decorum, stressing that the police would not engage in any political disputes but remain focused on their mandate.

  • Tinubu Asks Senate To Confirm Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN

    Tinubu Asks Senate To Confirm Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN

    President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
    This request was communicated through a letter, which was read aloud by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during a session on Tuesday.
    Justice Kekere-Ekun has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since August, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. President Tinubu had earlier sworn her into the acting role.
    In his letter, the President referenced Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
    Tinubu stated, “Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate,” the number one citizen said.
    “I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.
    “While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate, please, accept distinguished senate president the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
    Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration, with deliberations set to take place on Wednesday.
  • #EndBadGovernance: Court grants N10m bail on each 10 Protesters 

    #EndBadGovernance: Court grants N10m bail on each 10 Protesters 

    1. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, Wednesday, granted N 10 million bail each on the ten #endbadgovernance# protesters who were charged with attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4, 2024.

     

    Pending the perfection of their respective bail conditions, the Judge ordered that they be remmanded in prison custody.

     

    According to the court, the defendants are produce one surety each in the same amount while the sureties must be resident in Abuja.

     

    The sureties must have property in Abuja and must deposit documents of the properties to the court in addition to swearing to affidavit of means.

     

    Also both the defendants and the sureties must deposit their international passports and three recent passport photographs with the court.

     

    Justice Nwite while rejecting the objections of the Inspector General of Police against the bail request however ordered the defendants not to participate in any public rally throughout their trial.

     

    Meanwhile, September 27 has been fixed for commencement of their trial.

     

    The accused persons were said to have committed the treason offence during their one week nationwide protests when they allegedly levied war against Nigeria.

     

    The offences were said to be contrary to sections 96, 410 and 413 of the Penal Code.

     

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) who brought the charges against them alleged that the accused persons broke into the Abacha Army Barracks and openly called on the military to take over the constitutional government of President Tinubu.

     

    He also alleged that they attempted to force their way into into the seat of power during which they allegedly burned down police station and injured police officers.

     

    They were also said to have incited the Nigerian public against the government and destroyed several public properties comprising Police station, High Court complex and National Communication Commission (NCC) facilities.

     

    The accused persons are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair.

  • NBA condemns recent increase in pump price of fuel

    NBA condemns recent increase in pump price of fuel

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Afam Osigwe, SAN, has condemned the recent increase in the pump price of fuel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

    The Association said that significant and abrupt hike from 617 Naira to about 900 Naira has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians and further aggravate the economic challenges faced by

    In a press statement issued by the president of the association, Afam Osigwe, the NBA acknowledges the necessity of economic reforms and recognizes the government’s responsibility to make difficult decisions, these decisions must be made with the utmost consideration for their impact on the welfare of the citizens.

    The Association which says the sudden price hike as not only harsh but also unjustified at this time calls on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of this policy and engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant keyholders, including civil society organizations, labor unions, and economic experts, to explore more sustainable and less punitive alternatives.

    He also urge the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to pursue policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.

    The president however assured Nigerians that the NBA will engage constructively with the government to find a more equitable solution that ensures economic stability while safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians.

  • 100 Sacked Staff Sue Nigeria’s Central Bank

    100 Sacked Staff Sue Nigeria’s Central Bank

    …Claim Damages
    About 100 sacked staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have sued the apex bank at the National Industrial Court seeking payment for damages.
    About 200 staff of the CBN were sacked in May, by the Yemi Cardoso administration as part of the bank’s re-organization strategy.
    The sacked staff are, among other things, seeking full payment of their monthly salaries, allowances and all other financial benefits they should have been entitled to if they were still in the employment of the bank, from the time their employments were terminated to the time they should have retired from the apex bank.
    The former CBN staff’s Lead Counsel, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), on Thursday, made the court documents available to select journalists in Jos, Plateau State.
    Olanipekun stated that the sacked staff approached the court to enforce their right to fair hearing as workers who had been unjustly sacked by CBN.
    According to Arise TV, the sacked staff’s lead counsel said, “the unlawful action of the apex bank has caused monumental damages to his clients running into hundreds of millions of Naira, adding that they are praying the court to ensure that the defendant pay all the claimants their monthly salaries, allowances and other emoluments/entitlements.”
    Olanipekun added that “one of his clients who still has nine years of service left with the Bank would have earned, if his employment had not been unlawfully terminated, a sum of ₦1,621,455.70 monthly as evidenced by his salary payment, and such other monies in that regards as his current or subsequent promotion position/grades would be entitled.
    “He is praying for an order of the court to ensure that the defendant pays forthwith, all monthly salaries and allowances that the claimant would have earned in the course of his service/employment, being the sum of ₦178, 360,127.00 or such other sums in that regard, from the effective date of unlawful termination of his appointment up and until his due date of lawful retirement on 4th August, 2033.
    “The counsel said that the claimant is also praying the court to ensure that the sum of N100,000,000 million is paid to him as General Damages against the defendant, for wrongful termination of his contract of employment.
    “The sum of ₦30,000,000.00 as the cost of litigation/prosecuting the suit is also demanded from the defendant with 21 percent post-judgment interest, per annum, on all judgment sums awarded, from the date of judgment until the entire judgment sum is wholly defrayed/liquidated as well as further orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.”
    Olanipekun explained that the Originating Summons dated 22 August 2024, is supported by a 27 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by the Claimant himself.
  • Imo Guber: S/Court affirms Gov, Hope Uzodinma election 

    Imo Guber: S/Court affirms Gov, Hope Uzodinma election 

    In furtherance of what the critical public now calls “Judiocracy” the Supreme Court of Nigeria pronounced three major judgements today, Friday, August 23, 2024 all, affirming the electoral victory of state Governors.

    The beneficiaries of these judgements were Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo state governors.

    In the case of Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressive Congress APC, just as the other two cases, the Supreme Court affirmed his election.

     

    The court had in a judgement declared by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, dismissed the two separate appeals brought to it by the Labour Party LP and the People’s Democratic Party PDP against the declaration of Hope Uzodinma.

     

    The supreme court held that the appeals of the LP governorship candidate, Athan Achonu and that of PDP Samuel Anyawu were was lacking in merit.

     

    According to the judgement, the LP and PDP gubernatorial candidates were said to have failed to establish allegations of over voting and other malpractices against the November 11,2023 poll.

  • Tinubu Set To Return To France Less Than 24 Hours After Arriving in Nigeria

    Tinubu Set To Return To France Less Than 24 Hours After Arriving in Nigeria

    Barring any last minute change in plans, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for France today, Friday, August 23, 2024, barely 24 hours after arriving from Paris to swear in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

     

    Tinubu had returned to the country this morning to swear-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

     

    Tinubu swore-in Justice Kekere-Ekun at about 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja, making her the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria between July 2012 and November, 2014.

     

    She will operate in an acting capacity until confirmation by the Senate.

     

    Justice Kekere-Ekun takes over the new role following her recommendation for the position by the National Judicial Council and the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

     

    Among the dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in event were other Justices of the Supreme Court; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by Prof Julius Ihonbvere; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu; and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

     

    Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

     

    Recall that President Tinubu had cut short his trip to France, returning to the country early this morning to swear-in the new CJN.

     

    The decision of the President to return to France has made some to wonder about the reason for Mr. Tinubu’s predilection for Paris, France at this critical time of national socioeconomic ad security challenges.

  • Olukayode Ariwoola retires as CJN

    Olukayode Ariwoola retires as CJN

    Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired from service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

    Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished judicial career.

    Justice Ariwoola was appointed to the Supreme Court bench on November 22, 2011, and later became the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

    His appointment as CJN was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.

    As events marking his retirement unfold at the Supreme Court, there are strong indications that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun may be named as his successor, making her the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.

  • CJN: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun

    CJN: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja
    “…recommends the appointment of 27 others as Judges of various courts.
    The National Judicial Council (NJC), has recommended Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
    This is imperative as Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, will formally bow out of office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria next week Thursday, August 22.
    This was part of the outcome of the meeting of the NJC, which also recommended the appointment of 27 others as Judges of various courts.
    The decision was confirmed by the spokesman of the NJC, Soji Oye, in a statement on Thursday.
    The emergence of Kekere will be subject to confirmation by President Bola Tinubu and screening by the Senate.
    The recommend twenty-seven (27) candidates for appointment as Judges of States Courts and a candidate for appointment as Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja to their various State Governors and Mr. President as follows.
    Six judges for high court of Kwara state are; Olawoyin, Ibijoke, Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho, Folorunsho, Oba Muritala, Dikko, Yusuf Adebayo, Adeniyi, Oluwatosin Adenike, Osuolale-Ajayi and Temitope Olalekan.
    One judge for high court of Lagos state; Zubairu, Murtala Ja’afaru.
    Four judges for high court of Benue state includes, Kor, Vincent Tersoo; Ikwulono, Maigida Maimuna; Adagba, Nguhemen Julie; Tor, Damian Tersugh.
    Two judges for customary court of Appeal, Benue state are Onche, Ogah Inalegwu, and Igba, Theophilus Terhile.
    Others are eight judges for high court of River State which includes, Onyiri, Frank Ugoji, Victor Chinedum, Obomanu, Godswill Vidal, Oguguo, Rita Chituru, Fubara, Alatuwo Elkanah, Kokpan, Bariyima Sylvester Obu, Ibietela Innocent Madighi and Wifa-Adedipe, Lesi.
    The recommended Six judges for high court of Ondo state are Daomi, Williams Adebisi, Fabuluje, Adewumi William, Ogunwumiju, Mobayonle, Idowu, Demehin-Ogunbayo, Inumidun Happiness, Kpemi, Ojufisintei Justinah, Adegoroye, Olufunke Adeola.
    Concluding, it recommend one Kadi for Sharia court of Appeal, FCT in the person of Muhammad, Lawal Munir.
    All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after the approval of the NJC recommendations to the President and their respective State Governors.
  • Ned Nwoko warns legal action against rumor mongers

    Ned Nwoko warns legal action against rumor mongers

    Politician and prolific polygamist, Senator Ned Nwoko has spoken out against rumours that he passed away while overseas.
    The maverick businessman also responded to recent allegations that he bought a car for a teenage YouTuber, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.
    “Whether this is a misguided joke or a deliberate act of malice, it has gone too far and will not be tolerated,” he said, expressing his disgust.
    The senator threatened to make arrests and warned those responsible for disseminating these lies to prepare for the repercussions as he declared his determination to take swift legal action against them.
    He made it clear that his approach is to make people responsible for their damaging behavior rather than to use influence.
    Nwoko threatened, saying, “I will not tolerate any attempts to malign my character or to downplay the seriousness of this situation.” Those who engaged in these actions should immediately get ready for possible legal ramifications.