The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Stakeholders eulogize former Lagos CJ at valedictory court session

    Lagos State Judiciary on Thursday, held a special Valedictory Court Session for former Chief Judge Justice Opeyemi Oke.

    The event, which attracted stakeholders in the judiciary, was held at The Foyer, Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

    It was attended by judges, magistrates and legal practitioners, including former Attorney General, Adeniji Kazeem, the first lady silk, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and first female Life Bencher Mrs. Hairat Balogun.

    The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) was represented by Mr. Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN).

    They all eulogised the former chief judge as “a jurist of positive change and first class reformer of administration of criminal justice”.

    The acting Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, described Justice Oke as an advocate of a positive change in the administration of justice.

    Justice Alogba, who read the citation of his predecessor, described her as an achiever and a jurist with distinctive leadership qualities, emphasising that Justice Oke cherished her oath of office and integrity.

    Ayanlaja said those who appeared before Justice Oke would attest to the fact that “she was a judge per excellence”.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu appoints Alogba as acting Lagos CJ

    He described the former chief judge as one who had a hard stance for integrity.

    “Justice Oke took to the bench as an analogue judge but retired as a digital judge;  came in as a Christian but retired as a redeemed Christian; came in as a judge but left as a chief judge; came in as a mother but left as a grandmother,” he stated.

    Mrs. Balogun said as soon as she was appointed chief Judge, Justice Oke carried out wide-ranging reforms in the state judiciary  more than her predecessors and for which she would continue to be remembered for.

    She listed some of the reforms initiated by Justice Oke and urged the acting chief judge and staff of the state judiciary to be courageous in sustaining her legacies.

    Chief Solanke remarked that despite her short tenure, which was less than two years,  Justice Oke recorded “very impressive performance,” adding that was why she made it a point of duty to come to Lagos to honour her yesterday at the special court session.

    She listed the achievements of the former Chief Judge and urged staff of the state judiciary to emulate her, particularly her anti-corruption fight.

    Chairman of Ikorodu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bayo Akinlade, who spoke on behalf of the five branches of NBA in Lagos State, said Justice Oke was “bold and courageous”, particularly on how she confronted corruption in the judiciary frontally.

    Justice Oke, in her response, thanked the judges, magistrates and staff of the judiciary for their love and support for all the reforms initiated and making her tenure a success.

    “I want to appeal to you to continue in your support of our policies which are all geared towards delivering speedy and efficient justice to the good people of Lagos State, who we serve,” she said.

  • Ogun to create database for widows

    Ogun State Governor’s wife Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has expressed commitment to creating a database for widows.

    This database, which will serve as a pool, according to her, will assist in financial literacy and skills acquisition.

    It will be managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs.

    Mrs. Abiodun spoke during the 2019 International Widow’s Day at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

    She assured the people that the state government will also empower widows by providing them with tools, skills and support necessary to ameliorate hardship and lessen the burden of caring for their children after the demise of their husbands.

    To drive home the objective, Mrs. Abiosun said wives of chairmen of the various LGAs would ensure a communal quarterly meeting with all the widows in their LGAs with a view of monitoring them and tracking their development.

    Read Also: Succour for Anambra widows

    The forum, she submitted, would also foster a sense of communal and sisterhood among the widows.

    She was concerned that the effect of emotional and mental issues caused by grief from the loss of a husband had traditionally taken the back seat, saying this would be addressed by the present administration.

    According to her: “We understand the limitations caused by a poor emotional mental state and, as such, will be setting up monitoring and counselling schemes across the various widowed communities in the different LGAs.

    “We are committed to partnering with corporate organisations and private individuals to sponsor widows in Ogun State.”

    No fewer than 1,000 widows went home with gifts, cash and foodstuff during the occasion.

    Mrs. Adetola Quadri, a retired nursing sister and trader, who lost her husband about 16 years ago, advised widows to make friends with their in-laws and not see them as enemies as their friendship with them would earn them support.

  • Oyo Assembly seeks return of vigilance groups

    Oyo State House of Assembly has advocated the resuscitation of vigilance groups, especially in rural and agrarian communities.

    This is to enhance and complement the efforts of the security agencies in curtailing the activities of killer herdsmen, kidnappers and other security challenges.

    The call is coming barely 24 hours after governors of the six Southwest states met in Ibadan for a security summit to seek a solution to the myriads of security challenges facing the region.

    It was also part of the resolutions of the House at its plenary while deliberating on a motion on the need to beef up security against further incursions by killer herdsmen.

    The motion, which was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Abiodun Fadeyi (Ona Ara Constituency) and the Chairman, Parliamentary Council, Mr. Olajide Fatokun (Akinyele 1), made references to different cases of kidnapping in the state.

    They warned that if urgent action is not taken, the situation may degenerate beyond control.

    The motion generated a lot of reactions from the lawmakers, who condemned insecurity across the state and the incursion of kidnappers and herdsmen.

    Read Also: We will rely on agric to turn around Oyo’s fortunes – Makinde

    Other lawmakers decried the porous nature of the nation’s borders, which they maintained has given the unhindered movement of foreigners into Oyo State.

    They reiterated that security issues should not be left solely in the hands of the police and other security agents.

    They called for the involvement of traditional rulers, religious and community leaders and other stakeholders in the various communities in security meetings and strategies.

    The Speaker, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, reiterated that security remains a major challenge in the country, describing the motion as apt and timely.

    Harping on the importance of the vigilante group, the Speaker noted that employing such services and deploying them to various flashpoints and forest reserves in the state will reduce the activities of killer herdsmen and kidnappers.

  • How to surmount security challenges, by Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has stressed the need for a collaborative approach by citizens to tackle security challenges.

    The cooperation of all stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders and citizens, is urgently needed to overcome the hydra-headed situations, the governor said yesterday.

    He added that he has been in constant touch with his counterparts in the neighboring states of Ondo, Osun, Kogi and Kwara to secure boundary towns and villages.

    Fayemi spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while opening a three-day Federal and States’ Security Administrators’ Meeting (FSSAM) at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office.

    The governor, who spoke through his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, warned that the security challenges should not be politicized but must be frontally tackled in collaboration with all stakeholders.

    He noted that the appropriateness and timing of the meeting cannot be over-emphasized because it was convened at a time the country is grappling with various forms of insecurity.

    Fayemi stressed that security of lives and property is crucial to socio-economic development which explained why his administration has taken proactive measures to curtail emerging security challenges.

    Some of the measures, according to him, include, donation of two units of Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles to the state police command, monthly financial assistance to the security agencies in the state and regular meeting of the state security council.

    Read Also: Fayemi declares zero-tolerance for human trafficking

    Others are the inclusion of the informal security outfits in the state’s security architecture, enlistment of the support of traditional rulers in the maintenance of lives and property in their domains and security awareness campaign on electronic media.

    The rest are the establishment of the State Security Trust Fund to enable sustainable funding of crime prevention interventions, creation of an anti-crime outfit code-named ‘Operation Keep Ekiti Safe’, resuscitation of Peace Corps and security tracking system jettisoned by the immediate past administration.

    Fayemi said: “The current security challenges in the country should not be politicized as the proliferation and possession of unlawful firearms call for increased security measures.

    “And with what we are seeing now, it has become imperative to seek the cooperation of all security agencies, community and traditional leaders and other stakeholders for a safe and secure business climate

    “We are quite aware that there might be an incursion of criminals from outside the state. Therefore, I have started contacting my counterparts in the neighboring states with a view to synergising for more protection of lives and property along the boundary towns and villages.”

    The governor added that hosting of the meeting was a demonstration of his administration’s interest in the security of the people, expressing the belief that decisions reached would enrich the business of maintenance of law and order.

    FSSAM Chairman Dr. Amina Shamaki hailed the Ekiti State government for hosting the parley aimed at developing workable solutions to security problems confronting the country.

    Mrs. Shamaki, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the Federal Government is concerned about the security challenges in some parts of the country and working hard to tackle them.

    According to her, the government is concerned about the incessant farmers-herders clashes, saying part of the strategies to find a solution is the engagement of all stakeholders.

    The meeting, which will end on Saturday, was also attended by the Police Commissioner Asuquo Amba; Director, Department of State Services; commandant, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Solomon Iyamu; Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps; Comptroller, Nigerian Immigration Services among others.

  • Community decries dearth of doctors

    Residents of Anambra East Local Government Area have lamented the dearth of doctors in the area.

    They appealed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to deploy corps members who are medical doctors and pharmacists to the community.

    Community chairman Orji Okafor spoke on Thursday in Ezi Anam, at the Passing out Parade (POP) of the 2018 Batch B Stream I youth corps members.

    Okafor lamented that the council, with of 21 health care centres, had no single medical doctor or laboratories, while the few nurses in overwork themselves. The community head said doctor corps members would go a long way in complimenting their efforts.

    Read Also: So, we have enough doctors, eh?

    He said: “We don’t have a single doctor in the 21 health centres which are not close to each other. The only missionary hospital here has a female doctor who works day and night.

    “We currently have only two corper doctors. We will appreciate if you send about five more to us to complement the efforts of the nurses.”

    Okafor, who thanked NYSC for choosing the council for the ceremony, hoped that the visit would attract more government attention to the area.

    NYSC State Coordinator Kehinde Aremu said he chose the council to celebrate the corps members in view of its peculiar terrain. He appreciated the council area for the love and hospitality shown to the corps members, assuring them that their requests would be considered.

    Four corps members who distinguished themselves in their places of primary assignment were presented with certificates of recognition.

  • Anambra rids Nnewi of beggars

    The Anambra State government has begun clearing and relocating beggars from the streets of Nnewi, the industrial hub of the state, to sanitize the state.

    The raid is carried out by joint task forces from the Ministries of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs and Transport.

    The action is also aimed at allowing the easy flow of traffic, and to enhance the city’s aesthetic beauty.

    No fewer than seven women and 25 children from Ezzah, Ebonyi State, were arrested by the task force led by Commissioners from both ministries, Lady Ndidi Mezue and Mr. Uchenna Okafor.

    Read Also: Children beggars as our future woes

    Lady Mezue lamented some women who use their wards for alms, thereby exposing them to harsh conditions. She restated the government’s commitment in sanitizing the state of beggars and miscreants.

    Some of the arrested beggars said they resorted to begging due to financial problems and urgent need to make a living.

    The arrested beggars were brought to Awka, the state capital, where the adults would be rehabilitated and the children enrolled in schools.

  • Scores wounded as taskforce team raid mall

    There was pandemonium on Thursday night in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when armed youths attached to the Imo State Committee on Recovery of Government property invaded a shopping mall (House of Freeda) owned by daughter of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. The youths said they were looking for government property.

    Property and merchandise allegedly belonging to the government were taken away. No fewer than six workers in the complex were injured in the invasion that was supervised by Chairman of the Committee, Jasper Ndubuaku.

    According to eyewitnesses, the fierce looking youths, aided by armed policemen, forced their way into the complex that houses several businesses owned by individuals not related to the former governor, and started carting away electronic appliances and other expensive items that were displayed for sale. One of the sales representatives, who didn’t want to be mentioned, alleged that the rampaging thugs also made away with N12.5 million cash.

    Read Also: Stolen vehicles: Okorocha gives Ihedioha seven days to show proof

    One of the vehicles belonging to Reach FM, a radio station suspected to be owned by a member of the Okorocha’s family, was impounded and the driver beaten to stupor. It took the intervention of a detachment of policemen and soldiers to disperse the youths, but the vehicles loaded with the items were driven away.

    But media aide to Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Steve Osuji, said the committee acted on a tip off who hinted that government vehicles and other items were parked in the complex.

    According to him, the committee members, who were on official duty, were attacked by thugs hired by the owners of the complex, in an attempt to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate assignment.

    Efforts to get Ndubuaku were not successful as at last night.

  • Stolen vehicles: Okorocha gives Ihedioha seven days to show proof

    Senator Rochas Okorocha has given the Imo State government seven days to substantiate allegations that his wife and family members made away with 67 vehicles belonging to the state.

    Okorocha challenged the government to publish the particulars and list of the vehicles, as well as the N50 billion allegedly diverted by his family when he was governor.

    The Imo State Committee on Recovery of Government Property, headed by Jasper Ndubuaku, on Wednesday accused the former governor and his wife of making away with 67 vehicles belonging to the government.

    A statement by Okorocha’s media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “The media quoted the Chairman of the Committee on Recovery of Government Properties, Jasper Ndubuaku, as claiming that former Governor Rochas Okorocha and wife Nkechi left with 67 vehicles and N50 billion. They also made similar claims against appointees of the former governor and other related bodies that worked with the last administration.

    Read Also: Imo discovers fresh N20bn judgment debts incurred by Okorocha’s administration

    “We challenge Governor Emeka Ihedioha and his appointees to publish the list and particulars of these 67 vehicles, as well as details of the N50 billion the former governor and wife made away with vis-à-vis other items thereto. And we give them seven days to do the publication or bend their heads in shame.

    “We also challenge them to publish the properties the former appointees must have left with, either as a group or as individuals. The burden to publish evidence of all these claims is now on Governor Ihedioha and his appointees.

    “We equally ask that they harmonize their claims because almost all the key appointees of the government have made their diverse claims on these issues, to the extent that nobody knows who among them should be believed. They should harmonize their claims before the publication.

  • Kogi group flays Bello’s, traditional rulers’ visit to Buhari

    The visit of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and traditional rulers from the state to Aso Villa last week to seek the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari has angered an Igala socio-cultural organisation, the Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO).

    Arising from its emergency general meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the UIO said the visit was just a show of desperation by Bello to win his second term bid without his home support.

    In a statement signed by its national leader, Abdul Amade, the group said: “We wish to state clearly that the entire Igala race, which the voice (Ukomu Igala) represents, is not happy with the ongoing siege on our traditional rulers.

    Read Also: Of Kogi’s “bread and butter” royal fathers

    “That the presentation made during the said visit was not a true reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the good people of the Igala Kingdom as the traditional rulers were merely arm-twisted to make a commitment in favour of the ongoing political aspirations of individual interests in Kogi State.

    “We urge the president to disregard the tele-guided message in the interest of peace and justice that informed the massive support of Kogites for the change mantra.

    “That the people of Kogi State, who overwhelmingly voted for President Muhammed Buhari in the last presidential election, did so in solidarity with the President, who has been adjudged to be one of the most upright and financially disciplined Nigerian. This position of the president must not be allowed to be stained as we urge the President not to allow individual interests to becloud his political judgment based on the contents of the speech during the visit by our traditional rulers.”

  • Alleged defamation: Row as Benue election tribunal’s judge petitions police against litigant, lawyer

    Crisis of confidence is brewing at the National and State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in  Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    A petitioner, who has an election matter before the panel, Matthew Damkor, has petitioned the President of Court of Appeal, urging the Presiding Judge of the tribunal, Justice A.A. Adeleye, to excuse himself from his case.

    The presiding judge, on his part, lodged a complaint to police against another litigant and his counsel for defamation of character.

    Documents obtained from the tribunal showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kyan State Constituency, Livinus Ujamatyu, filed another petition to the President of Court of Appeal, levelling allegation of misconduct against Justice Adeleye.

    Ujamatyu lost to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Titus Ubah, during the last election.

    In his petition, he alleged that the presiding judge invited a lawyer, C. Gbehe, who is counsel to the PDP (the second respondent in the petition) and had a discussion with him in the presence of lawyers and litigants.

    He also alleged that the judge delivered a ruling in a motion, which was not debated upon in the court.

    Ujamatyu added  that when his counsel, S.A. Akpehe, came with a motion to correct typographical errors, Justice Adeleye asked the opposing counsel if such a document exists and immediately dismissed the motion.

    Read Also: Election petitions tribunal receives 31 petitions in Benue

    The counsel to the petitioner, acting on his client’s petition, filed a motion calling on Justice Adeleye to disqualify himself from the petition before him.

    But, Justice Adeleye, in turn, petitioned the police, alleging that the petitioner and his counsel defamed his character.

    The matter was reported before Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 4.

    The police have invited the lawyer and his client to make statements.

    But, in an interview with The Nation, the PDP lawyer, Gbehe, said the judge did not invite him to his chamber.

    Gbehe said when the sitting of the day was over and the judge left the courtroom, someone tapped him on his shoulder that he was being called.

    ”When I was about going towards the judge, who was already in his car and the driver was ready to move, Justice Adeleye told me from a distance that he was not calling me and so, I left,” he said.

    Gbehe said the whole conversation was not more than 10 seconds and was not inside the court’s chamber, but outside.

    He said if a ruling did not favour a client, the best thing is for him to appeal and not petition.

    ”In my over 15 years of practice, I have not seen litigants petitioning against a judge; you go on appeal,” the PDP lawyer said.

    But, Akpehe insisted that since the judge petitioned the police against a litigant and lawyer before him, there is every possibility that justice cannot be done before such a court.

    He said his client has, threfore, asked the judge to disqualify himself from hearing the election petition.