Author: The Nation

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has excluded lawyers, including seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), from the six present or future vacancies at the Supreme Court.

None of the 23 lawyers who heeded the CJN’s January 19 invitation and applied for the job is on a 29-man provisional list seen by The Nation on Sunday.

The list, sent by Justice Muhammad, who doubles as Chairman, Federal Judicial Service Commission, to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was received by its Judiciary Committee Chairman Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, on May 27.

It comprises 29 Justices of the Court of Appeal from five geopolitical zones.
They are to fill six present or expected vacancies on the Supreme Court’s maximum 21-man bench.

The shortlist includes five jurists each from the Northcentral, Northwest, Southsouth and Southwest, while the Southeast has a nine-man jurist team.

The candidates and their zones are “A. Northcentral: 1. Justice Jummai Sankey, JCA, 2. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, JCA, 3. Justice Sa’idu Tanko Hussain, JCA, 4. Justice Ridwan M. Abdullahi, JCA and 5. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, JCA.
“B. Northwest: 1. Justice Ali Abubakar Babandi Gumel, JCA, 2. Justice Tani Yusuf Hassan, JCA, 3. Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu, JCA, 4. Justice Jamilu Y. Tukur. JCA and 5. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu, JCA
“C. Southeast: 1. Justice Uzoamaka I. Ndukwe-Anyanwu, JCA, 2. Justice Chidiebere N. Uwa, JCA, 3. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, JCA, 4. Justice Theresa N. Orji-Abadua, JCA, 5. Justice Obande F. Ogbuinya, JCA, 6. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, JCA, 7. Hon. Justice Onyekachi A. Otisi, JCA, 8. Justice Ugochukwu A. Ogakwu, JCA, 9. Justice Kenneth Ikechukwu Amadi, JCA.
“D. Southsouth: 1. Hon. Justice Moore A. Abraham Adumein, JCA, 2. Hon. Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, JCA, 3. Hon. Justice Frederick O. Oho, JCA, 4. Hon. Dr. Justice Abimbola O. Obaseki-Adejumo, JCA, and 5. Hon. Justice Ebiowei Tobi, JCA.
“E. Southwest, 1. Hon. Justice Oyebisi F. Omoleye, JCA, 2. Hon. Justice Tunde O. Omotoye, JCA, 3. Hon. Justice Habeeb A. O. Abiru, JCA, 4. Hon. Justice Peter Olabisi Ige, JCA, 5. Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA.”

Apart from the Southeast which will get two out of the six slots, and the Northeast which is excluded, the other zones will get one slot each on the apex court bench.

The CJN’s May 27 list requested the NBA to comment on the provisional shortlist of the nominated candidates.

Dr. Ajibade, who released the names of the shortlisted applicants in a June 13 letter seen by The Nation on Sunday, advised NBA members to send in their comments/petitions not later than Monday, June 27.

His letter, titled “RE: APPOINTMENT OF SIX (6) JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA” reads in part:
“By a letter dated 19th January 2022, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Federal Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Dr. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR requested, from critical stakeholders including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the nomination of suitable candidates for consideration for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to fill six present and potential vacancies at the Supreme Court.
“On 7th February 2022, the NBA invited the expression of interest from suitably qualified members from the relevant geo-political zones.
“Further to the above, and pursuant to Rule III 4(i) and (iii) of the 2014 Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has by a letter dated 27th May 2022 requested the NBA to comment on the provisional shortlist of the nominated Candidates.”
Responding to The Nation’s enquiry on whether the NBA was expecting another provisional list, Dr. Ajibade said the NBA would take up the matter with CJN Muhammad.
“We’re taking it up with the CJN. This is the only list we’ve received from the Federal Judicial Service Commission,” Ajibade said, adding that the association was concerned that “private legal practitioners who expressed interest don’t seem to have been considered.”
He hinted that NBA President Olumide Akpata would express the body’s concern to the CJN.
In January, CJN Muhammad was praised for including lawyers among those to be considered in the next round of appointments as Justices of the Supreme Court.
According to his January 19 letter to the NBA, six suitably qualified lawyers only would be selected from a pool of applicants from five of the country’s geopolitical zones.

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The letter requested stakeholders including the NBA to nominate suitable candidates for the said positions.
Following this, the NBA nominated 23 lawyers, including seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and two women, for the job.
The 23 applicants are Mr Abugu Oromafunu (SAN), Mr Achara Ezekwesiri, Mr. Ademi-Akpeto Awolowo and Mrs. Joy Okungbowa (SAN).
Others are Mr. Mahmud Adesina (SAN), Mr. Adolor Onorieukuhakpo, Mr. Adelekan Ajayi, Mr. Ayoola Akande, Mr Ademola Alabi, Mr. Nuraddeen Ayagi, Mrs. Miannaya Essien (SAN), Mr. Udochukwu Ezeani, Mr. Chukwugekwu Ezenwa (SAN) and Mr. Omokhuwa Giwa.
The remaining are Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Mr. Enya Nwocha, Mr. Edwin Obiorah (SAN), Mr. Ogbemudia Omoregie, Mr. Itoyah Otaru (SAN), Mr. Ujah Oyiwona, Mr. Stanley Princewill, Mr. Salisu Shuaibu, and Mr. Kadir Temim.
The CJN’s proposal responded to years of pressure by stakeholders, particularly the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), for its members and distinguished academics to be appointed to the topmost echelon of the nation’s judiciary.
The proposal was not implemented by successive CJNs since the tenure of Justice Mohammadu Uwais who served between 1995 and 2006.
Since independence, the last two apex court justices to have been appointed directly from the bar were ex-CJN Justice Teslim Elias in 1972 and Justice Augustine Nnamani in 1979.
In 2017, as part of proposed reforms in the administration of the justice system, the NBA forwarded the names of six SANs and three other lawyers to then-Acting CJN Justice Walter Onnoghen for consideration for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.
Then NBA President A.B. Mahmoud, had in a letter sent to the e-mails of all registered lawyers invited applications from suitably qualified legal practitioners to be appointed to the Supreme Court as provided in Section 231(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The section provides that: “A person shall not be qualified to hold the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria or a Justice of the Supreme Court unless he is qualified to practice as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period not less than fifteen years.”
Consequently, nine silks were shortlisted by the umbrella body of lawyers from 89 expressions of Interest that were received.
The nominees were – Olisa Agbakoba (SAN); Anthony Idigbe (SAN); former Abia Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Prof Awa Kalu (SAN); Yunus Usman (SAN) and Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN).
Others were Miannayaaja Essien (SAN) (1985, Rivers); Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN) (1978, Abia); Prof Awalu Yadudu (1979, Kano), Tajudeen Oladoja (1985, Kwara) and Ayuba Giwa (1983, Edo).
But the proposal did not sail through before Justice Onnoghen’s exit.

Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has granted a10-day window to bandits operating in Imo forests to leave immediately and surrender their arms to traditional rulers for unconditional pardon or face bombardment.

The 10-day amnesty is with immediate effect and will be visited with severe consequences if not taken seriously by the bandits, the Governor said.

Uzodimma, who spoke at the Government House Chapel Owerri while addressing the congregation after Sunday Service, said that government has decided to rid the forests in Imo State of bandits and procured necessary equipment for the purpose.

The Governor also said Imo will be hosting the annual Army Day Celebration from June 30 to July 6, 2022 and no fewer than 10,000 military personnel drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police among others would be in attendance.

While congratulating Imo people for the relative peace that has returned to the State, the Governor explained that effective Monday, June 27 “Imo State will take delivery of military equipment that will be used to clear the remnants of bandits hiding in various bushes in the State.”

The Governor said: “The State is more determined now than before to clear all bandits and to achieve this, the expected equipment and additional recruitment of more Ebube-Agu personnel working in collaboration with the Security Agencies in the State will be used to clear all the waterways and ride the state of bandits including crude-oil theft. All the waterways are under surveillance with the delivery of new Naval Equipment to the Naval Base in Oguta.”

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He also disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, who is expected to declare open the Army Day celebration has also fixed July 12 – 13 as the period would commission the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads as well as perform the flag-off of the construction of Owerri – Mbaise – Umuahia (from Fire Service) and the Orlu-Akokwa roads and the foundation laying ceremony of the Imo International Conference Centre in Owerri.

Uzodimma said the new roads will still be handled by Cranburg.

The Governor further directed the Interim Management Committee Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State and the newly inaugurated 52 Coordinators of the Development Centres to resume fully in their headquarters and cooperate with their members and the Town Union President Generals to drive the Government message on security home.

Traders at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha Anambra State have passed vote of confidence to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his team for his giant strides, particularly in areas of security, environmental management and trade and commerce in his 100 days in office.

The traders, under the Bridge Head Market Traders Leaders of Thought, said his social contract of providing security of lives and properties of the citizens has not been taken for granted, adding that he had always put his life and exalted office forward.

In a statement from its chairman, Chief Bonaventure Ucheagwu, the group also praised the governor for appointing Dr Obinna Ngonadi as Commissioner for Commerce And Industry, an appointment it described as square peg in the square Hole in line with his vision and mission.

It further noted the Governor’s timely intervention through the ministry of Commerce and Industry has brought salvation to business activities in the State, resulting to the activeness of about 45% of the people of the state in the state’s economy.

The group also praised the Governor over his recent visit to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu which he described as proactive step to nip in the bud negative security development which has constituted concern to all and sundry.

The statement reads in part: “It is with a deep sense of great honor and responsibility that pass vote of implicit confidence to Mr Governor and his capable team for this Ninety Days in office which is associated with great strides in the areas of Security, Environmental Management and Trade And Commerce.

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“This is with special reference to the selfless service of Your Hon Commissioner for Commerce And Industry Dr Obinna Ngonadi who have Proven to be a square Peg in the Square Hole in line with the vision and mission of Mr Governor.

“Mr Governor went extra miles to ensure that the lives of Ndi Anambra both at home and all over the country were secured by assuring our fellow citizens of other etinic groups that their lives matters.

“The parkage is full and ready to take Ndi Anambra to our desired enviable heights, the time management, agile and eminently qualified men and women so far appointed as Commissioners and Special Advisers especially that of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

“The practical cleaning of our littered environment which was left unattended to many months before your assumption of office, eradication of touts and its menace on our citizens, practical introduction of made in Anambra household, footwear, clothing and even vehicles has actually completed the circle and brought answers to our generational quest to think home mantra.”

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has said former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu cannot traffick an underage child for the purpose of organ harvesting.

The former Bayelsa Governor said his thoughts and prayers were with Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, who are in police custody for alleged organ harvesting in the United Kingdom.

Dickson in a statement on Sunday said he was optimistic that the British legal system would take care of the development as the circumstances surrounding it would fully come to light in the cause of the investigation.

He urged Nigerians to avoid passing hasty judgment against Ekweremadu as the whole saga represents a human tragedy involving the parents (father and mother) and their sick daughter.

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Dickson said: “My family and I are wishing the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the very best. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. People, especially Nigerians should not pass hasty judgments on him as the facts are still coming out. The British justice system will take care of it.

“I am sure from the beginning when this story broke that the Ekweremadu I know could not have taken an underage and under privileged young man, smuggle him out to harvest organs for whatever purpose.

“As parents or even as human beings, we all can understand the emotions and the commitments shown by caring parents towards the recovery of their sick daughter.

“The circumstances surrounding this will fully come to light in the cause of the investigation. It is a very trying period for the family and for all who know him. I know him as a decent man who has done his best for our country, and humanity .

“It is unfortunate the situation he, his wife and his sick daughter have found themselves. All those who are commenting and passing judgment should know that at the end of it, it is human tragedy. It is the tragedy of a parent, father and mother are in this situation at a time their beloved daughter is also sick.”

Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) has said that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will emerge as President with resounding victory in 2023.

It stated this during the inauguration of the elder’s forum of the group at the weekend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The South-South/South-East Coordinator of TSO, Mr. Gabriel Abijah, said that Tinubu remains the only trusted person to push the nation forward from its current state.

He said irrespective of what is happening now, Tinubu will be the next President and the best one this country ever had.

According to him:”Although I didn’t like what happened at the Eagles Square, where delegates from Akwa Ibom state were hindered from exercising their franchise at the presidential primary election, my greatest happiness is that Tinibu won”.

He called for unity among APC members in the State, adding that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

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Prof. Usen Godwin, acknowledged Tinubu as a resilient leader, who at all odds, stood for what he believed in, tasking the forum to toe the line of their national leader in chatting the presidential course to a successful end.

Mr. Maurice Ebong was appointed as the Chairman of, the Tinubu Support Organization Elder’s forum.

Ebong expressed gratitude to the team for finding him worthy of the highly exalted position.

He called for unity in the State, reminding the forum of the task ahead, even as he cited peace and unity as the only panacea to claiming the presidential seat for the party’s candidate come 2023.

The team charged its members to rise and engage in mobilisation, particularly at the grassroots, to take over the Hilltop mansion in Akwa Ibom State and Aso Rock in Abuja come 2023.

A 30-year-old man, Ebube Oba has allegedly killed his female neighbor, Uzoamaka Ekpe, during a fight at their residence in Nkpor Agu, Ogidi in Anambra State.

The suspect reportedly murdered the deceased, a mother of two, following a brawl which later resulted in a fight.

The Nation gathered the deceased was rushed to the hospital where she was later confirmed dead after she received a fist blow on the chest and face by the suspect.

Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspect had been arrested.

He said: ” Police Operatives at about 4:33pm on 25/6/2022 arrested one Ebube Oba ‘M’ aged 30years over alleged murder of a mother of two (2), Mrs Uzoamaka Ekpe aged 45years living at Ugochukwu lane Nkpor Agu, Ogidi.

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“Preliminary information revealed that late Mrs Uzoamaka had a quarrel with the suspect which resulted to fisticuffs.

“Ebube hit the victim on the chest and face with a fist blow, before she collapsed. she was rushed to the hospital and was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty.

“The body has been deposited to the morgue and the suspect is in custody. The case shall be charged to court after investigations,” he stated.

A Pediatrician with the Federal Government-owned Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua Dr Chiamaka Ogbonnaya, has been arrested for alleged assault and battering of her maid Comfort (surname withheld), a Junior Secondary School 2 student in Edo.

The doctor was accused of frequently brutalising the maid on her ribcage with the mopping stick, turning stick, cane and other objects in sight while sending her out and giving her raw rice as food for one week.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed that Ogbonnaya was arrested by Irrua division of the Police Command for child abuse.

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Nwabuzor informed the matter was being thoroughly investigated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigation in Edo Command while assuring that further development on the matter would be made public.

Edo Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, stated that she would respond upon getting full report of the incident but declared that there was zero tolerance for the abuse of children in the State.