The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Judge killing: Imo lawyers begin three-day court boycott Monday

    Judge killing: Imo lawyers begin three-day court boycott Monday

    Lawyers in Imo State will on Monday begin a three-day boycott of courtroom activities to register their anger over the killing of the President of Ejemekwuru Customary Court, Nnaemeka Ugboma, in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.

    About five gunmen on Thursday invaded the customary court, dragged the jurist out while he was presiding over a session and shot him dead.

    The killing sparked public outcry leading to lawyers in the state calling on the police to arrest and persecute the suspects.

    The five branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state, in a joint statement on Saturday, called for, among others, the provision of security personnel in all courts in the state. 

    The statement signed by D. U. Alinnor for Owerri Branch. B. A. Munonye for Orlu Branch. Ambrose Ugbala for Mbaise Branch, E. A. Ochionu for Okigwe Branch and Richard Anyanwu for Mbano/Etiti branch, decried the constant attacks on judicial officers and facilities in the state.

    It reads: “The branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Imo State (Imo Bar) deplores the cold-blooded murder of a judicial officer, His Worship Nnaemeka Ugboma, Esq., who was shot point blank in court by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on the 2nd of February, 2023.

    On receipt of the news, the Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association promptly engaged lawyers within the affected jurisdiction as well as staff of the affected court, who confirmed the incident. We also convened an emergency meeting and further contacted the heads of the judiciary particularly the Chief Judge of Imo State and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal Imo State.

    “The Commissioner of Police Imo State has also received a request from us for an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and to ensure that the culprits are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

    “The Imo Bar notes with deep concern that the attacks on judicial institutions have become a disturbing trend in Imo State and has taken an unfortunate turn by the murder of Mr. Ugboma. 

    “This dastardly act is highly condemnable as it desecrates the temple of justice and undermines the confidence of the citizens in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    “The Bar therefore calls on the Imo State Government to  provide, with immediate effect, security in and around all the courts in Imo State, which have remained porous despite the sensitive role they play in the society.

    Read Also: Ayu ordered lawyers handling PDP cases in Rivers to hands off – Wike

    “The Imo Bar, in consonance with the national body of the NBA, ably led by Y.C. Maikyau, OON, SAN, firmly resists the attempt to undermine the judiciary and the legal profession, and instill fear in the conduct of judicial proceedings. Also, citizens need to be aware that judicial officers and lawyers are not their enemies or opponents, they only aid in the administration of justice.

    “In the circumstance, the members of the NBA in Imo State have resolved to boycott all courts in Imo State starting from Monday 6th February 2023 to Wednesday 8th February 2023, in other to register their displeasure with the current state of affairs.

    “Until the members of the Bar in Imo State are sufficiently assured of the safety of the judiciary, the Bar and the litigants as requested, we shall continue to review the situation and to take further necessary actions.”

  • PHOTOS: INEC holds mock accreditation exercise in Lagos

    PHOTOS: INEC holds mock accreditation exercise in Lagos

    INEC holds mock accreditation exercise in Lagos

  • Fire disaster averted at UNIZIK law faculty building

    Fire disaster averted at UNIZIK law faculty building

    Fire disaster was on Friday night averted at the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State

    The incident which occurred around 10.21pm was reportedly caused by burning of waste bin within the premises.

    The Nation gathered that quick response of the fire fighters led to minimal damage of property close to the building.

    Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief, Engr Martin Agbili blamed the cause of fire on burning of waste bin.

    Read Also: UNIZIK to Fed Govt: we need more hostels to curb robberies

    He said it took his men less than two hours to extinguish the fire.

    He said, “At about 1021hrs of yesterday Friday 03-02-2023, Anambra State Fire Service got a distress call of bush fire outbreak encroaching the Faculty of Law, Unizik, Awka.

  • Naira/fuel protests: Makinde suspends campaigns, deploys free buses 

    Naira/fuel protests: Makinde suspends campaigns, deploys free buses 

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has suspended all political campaigns in the state and deployed free ‘Omituntun’ transport buses to ease the pains of residents facing the twin crises of naira and fuel scarcity.

    Makinde, who announced this in a statewide broadcast on Friday night, pledged his administration’s commitment to alleviating the situation.

    He frowned at protesters’ resort to violence in Ibadan earlier on Friday, saying that while citizens are free to express their feelings peacefully, the government would not condone violence.

    The governor also put security agencies in the state on high alert to avert any breakdown of law and order. 

    He urged the people to ensure they use their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to usher in a responsible government in the forthcoming general election, adding that resorting to violence breeds other problems.

    He explained that the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses would be deployed to more routes for free, to ameliorate the people’s suffering.  

    The governor added that the state was also working with Chairmen of local governments to provide immediate palliatives for the vulnerable to alleviate their hardships. 

    He urged residents to go about their lawful activities peacefully.

    He said: “My dear good people of Oyo State. I am addressing you today because of the prevailing conditions in our state and country that have led to protests and riots, especially in Ibadan. 

    “First, let me say that I understand the need for these protests. When citizens get pushed to the wall, there is only so much that they can take. The continuous fuel scarcity and the scarcity of the naira have led to slow economic activities. I must repeat, I understand, and I feel your pain.

    “I have always maintained that peaceful protests are fine. When things are not going how we want them to go, we have a right and even a responsibility to protest. 

    Read Also : Makinde suspends campaign activities over fuel, Naira crisis

    “Let me also state that while we are protesting, we must remember how easily a peaceful protest can turn violent and lead to the loss of lives and property. 
    The violence that erupted in parts of Ibadan today (Friday) is condemnable and will not be tolerated. 

    “In response to this, I have suspended all campaign activities forthwith. I have also met with the heads of security agencies in Oyo State to restore calm and maintain peace in our dear state. 

    “Violence can not and will not solve our problems, it only creates new ones. We have another opportunity in a few weeks to move this country in a new direction. Use your PVC, not violence. 

    “We must not allow elements within us who have other motives to take advantage of peaceful protests to perpetrate evil or push their agendas.

    “I urge all law-abiding citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful activities. All our security agencies are on high alert and so, peaceful residents of the state have no cause to fear.

    “As a palliative measure, I have directed that the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses should be deployed to more routes within the state for free. 

    “We are also working with Local Government Chairmen to see what immediate palliatives we can make available to the most vulnerable amongst us to alleviate the hardships that the twin scarcity of fuel and the naira have brought upon our people. 

    “Once again, we have another opportunity to put an end to oppressive systems and that is through the ballot. For now, I urge everyone to remain calm as we are doing our best to mitigate the hardships.”

    Residents of Ibadan, the state capital, took to the streets to protest the lingering petrol and naira notes scarcity in the country.

    Protesters started a bonfire near the Oyo State government house before they were dispersed by police officers.

    The protest spread to major areas in the ancient city, including Agodi-Secretariat, Iwo road, Idi Ape and Bodija.

    The protests had started on a small scale on Monday but took a new dimension on Friday when the youth and traders started burning tyres and barricading roads.

    In October 2022,  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, announced the plan to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, and asked Nigerians to deposit their old notes before January 31, 2023, when they would cease to be legal tender.

    Although the deadline has been shifted to February 10, many Nigerians have found it difficult to obtain the new naira notes.

  • May Edochie threatens to sue woman who photoshopped husband, co-wife’s pix

    May Edochie threatens to sue woman who photoshopped husband, co-wife’s pix

    First wife of Yul Edochie, May Edochie, has threatened legal action against a lady that added a picture of her husband, his
    second wife Judy Austin and their son to a Christmas photograph she shared.

    She warned that legal redress would be taken against anyone who persists in attempting to assassinate her character or defame her.

    May had, in the spirit of the Yuletide,
    shared a photo of herself and her children excluding their father Yul.

    The photo sparked public interest over her reason for excluding Yul.

    But while the dust was yet to settle, a social media user identified as Sarah Chukwukere added Yul, Judy Austin and their son to the image through photoshop.

    Aggrieved, May condemned the act, saying it was a smear against her.

    Reacting to the incident in a recent post on Instagram, she lamented that some people were trying to change the narrative of her relationship with her family to suit their agenda.

    Read Also : I won’t accept polygamy, May Edochie tells husband

    She said: “It is very inconsiderate and demeaning to SMEAR anyone, especially someone you barely knew.

    “I’ve always had a PEACEFUL, JOYFUL and LOVING family. I worked tirelessly for several years building a beautiful home while managing several businesses successfully.

    “It is very evident that some persons have been deliberately and desperately trying to TAINT my reputation and ‘change the narrative’ to suit their agenda. This is unacceptable to me.

    “My passionate legal team will be extremely cheerful to dine with anyone who does not cease and desist from character assignation or defamatory publications in the court of law”.

  • Elections: SAN raises the alarm over threat to life

    Elections: SAN raises the alarm over threat to life

    Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has raised the alarm over an alleged impending threat to his life.

    Adegboruwa declined to give details of the threat, “for security reasons” but told The Nation that he was receiving daily warnings about an assassination attempt on him.

    He, however, hinted at the threats being connected with “politicians or from the government” because of his quest for “a better life” for Nigerians.

    “I’m daily being warned of an impending assassination. Can’t go into details for now,” he said.

    Adegboruwa, who is often critical of the major political candidates ahead of the presidential elections, said he was neither for or against any politician.

    He urged the electorate to make their choice in accordance with their conscience.

    In a statement on Saturday morning, titled “My life is under serious threat” Adegboruwa said: “In recent times, I have noticed and been warned of attempts upon my life, based purely on my convictions, advocacies and actions, especially in relation to the campaign for good governance, rule of law and accountability.

    “I do not belong to any political party and I have no political affiliation in any manner whatsoever. My training, professionally and spiritually, is to be of service to the people, to mentor people, secure justice and to transform lives, for good.

    “As I do not yet have the financial power to undertake philanthropic engagements to birth my convictions, I deploy my professional experience, knowledge and services to campaign for a better society, where justice and peace shall reign.

    Read Also ; Atiku lied about talking to me over elections, says Kwankwaso

    “This should not warrant any threat to my life at all, either from politicians or from the government. Power belongs to God. No human life should be worth the political ambition of anyone.

    “This notice is to all Nigerians, the international community, my family, friends, colleagues and fellow patriots that my life is under serious threat.”

    The SAN sought prayers for his safety, but added that “the government and the security agencies should be held accountable should anything happen to me.

    “All that the people of Nigeria seek is good leadership, a better life through efficient management of our resources, security of lives and property, durable infrastructure that will galvanize improved economic conditions and good governance.

    “This should not constitute a threat to the ambition of any politician or indeed a threat to the life of any advocate. While my views and actions may seem to antagonize or support certain political tendencies depending on the divide, I bear no allegiance to any political party.”

    “In regard to the 2023 general elections, anyone that Nigerians consider as worthy of their votes in free, fair and credible elections, will also be my leader. I do not suport or oppose anyone; my constituency is Nigeria.

    “With the help of God, I shall continue the revolutionary struggles for which I have been trained and known, notwithstanding the threats. My life is in the hands of God.”

  • Cash scarcity deteriorates in Bauchi, as CBN intensifies monitoring of commercial banks

    Cash scarcity deteriorates in Bauchi, as CBN intensifies monitoring of commercial banks

    Residents of Bauchi have continued to lament over scarcity of the new Naira notes as they were unable to get cash from counters in banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sales (POS) in the state.

    Some of the residents that spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Bauchi said they found it tough getting money from Banks, ATMs and POS.

    Malam Sani Saidu, a resident, who was in UBA to withdraw cash, said in spite of the extension of the deadline by the CBN on Sunday, scarcity of the new notes had worsened.

    “We are stranded for not accessing cash at the POS, ATM and the Banks since it was allowed for customers to get cash over the counter.

    “See how customers are struggling on que and the money is not available and transfer doesn’t work effectively,” he said.

    He said buyers and sellers in the local markets were stranded as some of them were still finding it difficult to agree on cash transfers.

    Miss Monica Anthony, UBA Bank Road customer, who visited banking halls for withdrawals, said she was turned back as they were told that only deposits were accepted.

    “They told me that they don’t have new naira notes, we were asked to go to an ATM outside and there is a long queue.

    “I am calling on CBN and the commercial banks to resolve the matter and make the new naira notes available for people.

    “How can they claim they don’t have new notes despite claims by CBN that there are enough new notes in circulation,” she said .

    Read Also : NAIRA CRISIS: Filling station attendants, PoS operators make brisk business as cash becomes commodity

    Another resident, Mr Martins Ayuba, said the situation was frustrating because “you can’t access the money you kept in the bank”.

    “People need cash to do so many things. CBN and the other banks had mopped up the bulk of the old naira notes and had refused to make the new notes circulate,” he said.

    At access Bank, on Bank Road, a customer Hamisu Abdulmalik, said he was in the bank but could not withdraw at the counter.

    “I was told to go to the ATM but I could not stand the queue.

    “I visited at least 3 to 4 POS centres but could not get money because they also don’t have either old or new naira notes with them,” he said.

    Responding to the scarcity of the new notes, Dr Elizabeth Kwaghe, Deputy Director, Currency Operations of the CBN, said the apex bank had supplied banks with the new currency and directed them to disburse to their customers.

    Kwaghe, who led the Taskforce Team that monitored commercial banks, said the team intensified efforts to see that money circulated adequately.

    “We also advised the banks to desist from keeping the cash away from the public or face the stiffer sanction. (NAN)

  • I-G orders full enforcement against Naira note hawking

    I-G orders full enforcement against Naira note hawking

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Usman Baba, has ordered full enforcement of the CBN Act, 2007 that criminalises the hawking and selling of naira notes.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    He ordered the arrest and prosecution of all individuals engaged in the sale or abuse of the Naira notes issued by the CBN.
    Baba said the order was in line with the provisions of Sections 20 and 21 of the CBN Act, 2007 that criminalises amongst others, the hawking, selling or otherwise trading on the naira notes.
    He directed all supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of Commands and Formations to carry out the full enforcement.
    The I-G also ordered the placement of officers and men of the Force Criminal Investigations Department and the Force Intelligence Bureau on high alert.

    Read Also ; NAIRA CRISIS: Filling station attendants, PoS operators make brisk business as cash becomes commodity

    He directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau to effect the order.

    According to him, the order is in furtherance of the Federal Government’s policy and drive to uphold the provisions of the CBN Act, 2007 and dignify Nigeria’s currency.
    He reiterated the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to enforce all laws and regulations without prejudice to the enabling Acts of other security agencies.
    Baba called on the public to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force in the enforcement of the CBN Act against violators. (NAN)

  • Naira Marley acquires 10th house, thanks Allah

    Naira Marley acquires 10th house, thanks Allah

    Singer Azeez Adeshina Fashola aka Naira Marley has expressed gratitude to Allah for acquiring his 10th house.

    The proud multiple landlord shared a video of his newly acquired estate-like property adding, it was situated in the heart of Lekki, Lagos.

    Aside gloating about owning houses, the Marlian president also noted he had several other landed properties with more in the offing.

    Read Also : I’d rather have tea than s3x – Naira Marley

    He captioned his post: “Alhamdulilah for everything. Thank you Allah.

    “This is like my 10th house by the way, land yapa and still counting. #Intheheartoflekki.”

    Urging people to tap into the opportunity and wealth in estate investment, the ‘Soapy’ singer added: “90% of all billionaires become so through owning real estate” get involve o “don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait. I need God-fearing neighbour.”

  • My greatest regret as Foreign Affairs Minister, by Onyeama

    My greatest regret as Foreign Affairs Minister, by Onyeama

    From: Yusuf Alli, Onyedi Ojiabor and Vincent Ikuomola

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama has listed the condition of living of most Nigerians fleeing abroad as his greatest regret in government.

    Onyeama narrated how he had to fight for the release of some Nigerians held in prison camps in Libya.

    The Minister described the situation of Nigerians held in Libya as pathetic.

    He said: “If there’s one thing that I look back on with the greatest regret in my seven and a half years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is the situation of Nigerians in foreign countries.

    “There are many Nigerians in many foreign prisons and having to go and evacuate them from the middle of the desert. I went to Libya, I actually shed tears when we went into this. We went to this camp, we were told they were holding Nigerians. There was the whole issue of slavery, and of course, all the exploitation that goes with it.

    “They told us that they were only 100 Nigerians or so about 100 or 200 there.

    “So they went to the yard. It was one of the most touching things that I’ve ever experienced. So we had all these very young people. I didn’t really realise how young they were, 13-14-15 years old

    “They came out with 100 of them. As they arrived in this huge yard, they all stood up to attention and started reciting the Nigerian National Anthem.

    Read Also : .Minister of Foreign Affairs

    “Tears came to my eyes, so there were some of them that were girls, who were there on one side, and we told the prison guard. Because we were hearing stories that they hire these people out at night to work in places, prostitution or whatever and they were making money for these camp guys

    “I complained to them and they told us that was the number that they were 200 or something there. We asked them if they were treating them well, of course, they were a little bit intimidated and they kind of said yes.

    “But of course, the girls you know, girls, feisty. There are not only these people you’re seeing here, but there are also many of them, many more who are being hidden and they want to use them too.

    “So we insisted that we’re not going to leave that place until we see the other Nigerians. And low and behold, 20 minutes later about another 200 Nigerians were brought out. It was something else and of course, the President gave a directive.

    “We ordered even more planes and we said we were going to get them out because clearly they also needed them to exploit and so on.

    “So, I’ve seen a lot, it’s been really just some of the harsh things and the reality is, unfortunately, whether it is a push factor that’s pushing a lot of our young people to take these ridiculous risks.

    “Also when they get to these countries getting involved in drug trafficking, getting involved in all kinds of things really makes it difficult sometimes for Nigerian passport to be respected.

    “The US Ambassador came to me and showed me the whole list of approvals for visas that were given for even my ministry. I’m ashamed to say that people collect note verbale to go to the US for a meeting they will never attend, they will never be seen, they just disappear.”