The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Super Eagles: Enoh describes Finidi’s appointment as symbolic, momentous

    Super Eagles: Enoh describes Finidi’s appointment as symbolic, momentous

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged  stakeholders and all Nigerians to rally behind  George Finidi, the newly appointed  Head Coach of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles. 

    Speaking at the unveiling of George at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja yesterday, Senator Enoh  who said  the  appointment of Finidi George was well received by Nigerians, expressed  confidence in the  ability of the former Ajax Amsterdam winger  to take the Super Eagles to a new height. 

    According to the Minister, with his appointment,  George has the responsibility to bring back the liveliness and excitement of the Nigerian Football. 

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    He further  stated that the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ started with so much support for Nigerian Football adding that, we can’t afford to let him down. 

    Earlier in his remarks the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji  Ibrahim Musa Gusau, stated that the appointment of Finidi George signalled a new dawn in the history of Nigerian Football. He said that his appointment was in line with the clamour of Nigerians for the appointment of an indigenous coach to handle the Super Eagles. 

    He explained that it was in deference to this yearning that the federation directed the technical team saddled with the responsibility of picking the coach to look inwards and choose an indigenous coach for the national team. Now that the choice of the coach has been made, he called on all Nigerians to support him to succeed in his new role especially with the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in sight.

    He assured that as a policy, the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF gave Finidi George the freehand to choose his technical staff. Ibrahim Gusau stressed that the assistants will be paid on game-by-game basis to avoid crisis in the payment of their allowances that had bedevilled the process in the past. He also assured that they will be entitled to bonuses and entitlements enjoyed by players and coaches. 

  • Osaka, Rublev fall at Rome Open 

    Osaka, Rublev fall at Rome Open 

    Naomi Osaka’s return to the Rome Open ended at the last 16 to China’s Zheng Qinwen with men’s fourth seed Andrey Rublev also exiting as environmental activists stopped play in two matches.

    China’s Zheng breezed past four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 24 minutes to set up a last-eight clash with either Paula Badosa or third seed Coco Gauff.

    Fourth seed Rublev, winner of the Madrid Open, was shocked 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in his third match by French qualifier Alexandre Muller.

    Japan’s Osaka was playing at the Foro Italico for the first time in three years after taking a break from the tour to have her first child and is ranked at 173 in the world.

    The furthest she has gone in any tournament so far this season was her run to the quarter-finals in Doha, which she could not replicate in the Italian capital.

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    However it was a positive tournament for Osaka, who has never won a title on clay but beat a top-20 ranked player on the surface for the first time, against Marta Kostyuk in the second round on Thursday.

     “I think I’m happy with my performance in Rome. It’s been a while since I played well on – I guess I’ve never played well on clay – so I guess I’m happy,” Osaka told reporters. “I definitely feel a lot more confident leaving than when I came.”

    Just before Osaka’s elimination, activists from climate group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) burst onto the Pietrangeli court where American Madison Keys was beating Sorana Cirstea, and on court 12 where a men’s doubles match was taking place.

    Wearing orange vests, they threw a liquid and confetti onto the courts before being removed by security staff. After a half-hour stoppage to clean the court, Keys completed her win over Romania’s Cirstea 6-2, 6-1.

    There were also protestors in the stands with a tournament spokesman telling AFP that at least one person had tried to glue their feet to the floor in order to slow their removal.

    “Obviously it’s not the greatest feeling when you’re on court, your first reaction is kind of your own safety,” said Keys.

     “I think maybe banning cementing glue from bags would be a start.

     “It’s obviously something that’s becoming more of an occurrence and something that tournaments are going to have to figure out how to stop.

  • Guardiola wants Man City to make Premier League history

    Guardiola wants Man City to make Premier League history

    Pep Guardiola said “history is in front of us” as he prepares his Manchester City team for a potentially tricky match at Tottenham that could ultimately decide the destination of the Premier League title.

    City, chasing an unprecedented fourth straight top-flight English league crown, are one point behind leaders Arsenal but crucially have a game in hand.

    If City beat Spurs they will be able to seal the championship with a win at home to West Ham on the final day of the season on Sunday, when Arsenal host Everton.

    Guardiola’s men are charging towards the finishing line, hitting 28 goals in their past seven Premier League matches and conceding just five times.

    But the City boss, who said he was relishing the high-pressure title run-in, denied that the race was already effectively over.

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     “Fifteen goals (in four matches) is fine, it gave us the points to be here but it doesn’t give you an extra thing for tomorrow when you start the game,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. “The mindset is easy, in terms of if we don’t win we are not going to win the Premier League and this is what we have to do.”

    City have never won a league match at Tottenham’s new stadium, which opened in 2019, and have not even scored a goal, though they won there in the FA Cup in January.

    Guardiola said despite his team’s poor record at the ground, they had played well there “many times”.’

     “But to do something in this country that has never been done before you have to do something special, exceptional I would say,” he said.

    “It’s not ever happened in the Premier League. We have to do it this time. History is in front of us and we have to accept we have not done it. It’s the time to do it, otherwise Arsenal will be champions.”

    Guardiola said he had “huge respect” for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, whose team still have an outside chance of securing a Champions League place for next season, though a win for Aston Villa against Liverpool later on Monday would end those hopes.

     “The difficulties are there but at the same time we know what we are playing for – to give us the chance for the last game at home depending on us,” he said.

     “This is the mindset that we have.”

  • The New Seraph urges patience, prayer for Nigeria to overcome challenges

    The New Seraph urges patience, prayer for Nigeria to overcome challenges

    The current challenges facing Nigeria are not of recent origin, but rather a culmination of years of systemic failures,  founder of The New Seraph, Iya Aladura General, Dr. Yomi-Sholoye has said.

    She spoke at a news conference to announce The New Seraph 2024 Annual General Conference.

    Dr. Yomi-Sholoye said that the present situation of the country did not begin today. It’s cumulative. If you ask me, it’s been cumulative for a long time .

    She expressed profound gratitude for the church’s resilience and growth over the past century, attributing it to divine providence.

    She emphasized the need for proactive measures in shaping the future of the church.

     Under the banner of “A Paradigm Shift,” she called for collective action to ensure a positive trajectory for the C&S Church, stressing the importance of growth and progress.

    The conference, slated to commence on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, will hold at

    The New Seraph Grand Hall, located at The New Seraph Prayer City, Km 60, Lagos/Ibadan Express Way, New Seraph Bus Stop, Ode Remo, by Sapade Overhead Bridge, Ogun State.

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    Notable dignitaries, government representatives, and royal figures are expected to grace the opening ceremony.

    The news conference, held in the presence of eminent Seraphs, district heads, church leaders, members, friends of the Cherubim & Seraphim Churchmembers of the press, and distinguished guests, outlined the pivotal role this conference will play in shaping the future of the &S church.

    With the theme: “Approaching C&S Centenary; Shaping the Future,” the conference serves as a prelude to the upcoming centenary celebration of the C&S Church next year. .

    Renowned speakers and panelists, including Pastor Thomas Adekunle Fakile JP, Pastor Tosin Faremi, Sar Leader Jesubi Temitope, Moth. Bola Odeyinde, Reverend Ola Joseph Okikimile, Evang Tunde Jedidah, and Ap. Seyi Odufuwa, will lead discussions on charting the course for the future of the church, while Chief panelists Supt Ap. Eng’r. Niyi Afolabi and Supt. Ap. Olatunde Ogunkunle will provide invaluable insights during the conference sessions.

    The conference schedule encompasses a range of activities, including lectures, panel discussions, and a variety night, culminating in a national stakeholders meeting with Her Grace Iya Aladura General on the second day.

    To ensure the safety and convenience of all delegates, robust security and traffic control measures have been implemented.

    Highlighting the need for patience and collective action, Dr. Yomi-Sholoye called upon Nigerians to exercise faith and prayer. “So I will tell Nigerians that we need to be patient. One, we need to pray for this government. We need to pray for our leaders. They need our prayers. Especially at this time. We need to pray for the right sense of direction for our leaders. We cannot do it without God. They need our prayers.”

    Moreover, the President stressed the importance of practical action and solidarity among citizens. “And in addition to all this, I’ll say, let us cut our coat according to our size. This time is a time that we should do what is most important. Not frivolous things. What you know that you are in need for. It’s a time that we need to be highly disciplined.

    “It’s a time that some of us need to show love to one another. If you are gifted, if the Lord blesses you. Show that blessing to the next person,” she said.

  • APC’s mixed bag of challenges in the North

    APC’s mixed bag of challenges in the North

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation committee gets down to business, UJA EMMANUEL (Makurdi), KOLADE ADEYEMI (Jos), ADEKUNLE JIMOH (Ilorin), LINUS OOTA (Lafia), VICTOR GAI (Jalingo), ONIMISI ALAO (Yola), AUGUSTINE OKEZIE (Katsina) and ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE (Kaduna) provide an insight into the nature of the crises in their respective states

    The last general election affected different states in the North in various ways. So, it is going to be a mixed bag of fortunes for the reconciliation committee recently set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when it gets to the region, as the party is facing some challenges in some states and little or none in others.

    Benue:Not too long after Governor Hyacinth Alia won his election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, a crack was noticed within the party, particularly between him and the man who aided his emergence as the number one citizen of the state, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. This became evident as chieftains of the party loyal to Akume, who was the undisputed leader of the party in Benue, began to accuse Governor Alia of abandoning the real APC members who laboured for his victory and patronising PDP members who worked against his election.

    Akume had been governor for eight years, a senator for 12 years, a minister under the Buhari administration and now the SGF. So he was instrumental in Rev. Fr. Alia becoming the governor after the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ortom.  Before Alia joined the race to secure the governorship ticket of the APC, there was an array of aspirants within the party gunning for the ticket, including Chief Mike Aondoakaa (SAN), Chief Barnabas Gemade, and Professor Terhemba Shija among others.

    Yet Alia who joined the party just before the preparations for the election began got the ticket on a platter of gold; against all expectations. The trio of Gemade, Aondoakaa and Shija after the APC primary challenged the outcome up to the Supreme Court but lost.

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    The crisis within the party became evident with the appointment of key aides to the governor, such as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff. It escalated with the appointment of principal officers of the Benue State House of Assembly, where the APC State Working Committee (SWC) headed by Chairman Austin Agade, sent a list to be elected as Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Majority leader but it was turned down. The same trend continued with the nomination of commissioners, chairmen of the 23 local government areas, and heads of agencies and parastatals. As a result, party loyalists cried out that the governor was not carrying them along.

    The situation worsened when the state APC chairman, Austin Agada was said to have been suspended by his ward executives for gross misconduct and anti-party activities. The chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Lazuras Asema, a die-hard supporter of Akume told The Nation that the only thing that will guarantee peace is to allow the status quo to remain. Asema said: “Governor Alia joined that party a few months before elections and the party made available all the logistics and structures for him to win. But, now, he wants to dismantle the structures that gave him victory.”

    However, the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council and Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, has taken the first step in the reconciliation between Governor Alia and Senator Akume, by hosting a peace meeting at his palace in Gboko on Easter Monday, April 1, 2024, to reconcile the two APC leaders.

    Plateau:

    The emergence of Rufus Bature as the Plateau APC chairman in 2022 signalled the beginning of the current crisis in the chapter. After the state congress, aggrieved stakeholders petitioned the party’s national secretariat. Two parallel congresses were conducted where two chairmen — Rufus Bature and Ishaya Itse Azi — emerged.

    While the dust thrown up by the congress was yet to settle, the 2023 governorship primary opened another chapter of grievances for many stakeholders. This was because there was a disagreement over the emergence of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as the party’s candidate for the election.

    After the primary, the 17 aggrieved aspirants threatened to dump the party on allegations of lack of internal democracy. These two scenarios were compounded by the outcome of the last general election where the APC lost out at the presidential poll, the National Assembly, the governorship, and the state assembly elections.

    Nevertheless, Bature believes there is no faction in Plateau APC. He told The Nation on the phone in Jos: “In Plateau APC, there is no faction. As far as I know, there is no faction that I am aware of. The position of the APC has always remained, where it was before. We are one and we remain one. The only work the reconciliatory committee has on the Plateau is to talk to those who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the party primaries. If they feel aggrieved, at least they should state their grievances so that the reconciliatory committee can find a way to make amends.”

    The factional chairman, Ishaya Itse, said the recent Court of Appeal judgment in his favour has simplified the job of the reconciliatory committee. He said: “I will insist that the NWC base their reconciliation on that judgment as the only way to restore peace in the chapter. I am the authentic chairman and I remain so until another state congress is held.”

    Kwara:

    There is an uneasy calm in the Kwara State chapter of the APC. The internal wrangling within the party before the last general election appears to have abated. The infighting had led to the defection of some aggrieved members to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before the presidential election. However, some days after the election, aggrieved members loyal to the then APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu returned to the fold.

    But, the returnees are yet to be fully accommodated in the party. One of those aggrieved members told our correspondent: “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is behaving as if he does not need anybody. I don’t think he is ready for peace. In some local government areas, we have like three or four factions. The chapter is not at peace.”

    But, Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, disagrees. He said: “Most of what you are hearing are mere speculations. The APC is not factionalized in any local government area in the state. There is no infighting in Kwara APC. Appointments are currently in abeyance. In the next appointment, you will see that everyone will be properly integrated. I stand to be challenged; there is peace in Kwara APC.”  

    Adamawa:

    Adamawa APC appears calm on the surface, but beneath lies a deep rancour. The only visible crisis is the disagreement over the Numan Local Government exco. One Mr Gentle Pharis was on March 26 sworn in as the council’s APC chairman, while supporters of Ndiako Mariko, who earlier secured a court verdict against his suspension, have insisted that he (Mariko) remains the authentic chairman.

    Nevertheless, the disagreement over the chairmanship of the Numan chapter can be easily sorted out. But, trouble is expected to rear its head over the 2027 governorship election because the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Aishatu Ahmed Binani and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu are expected to be front runners.

    When the APC failed to retain the governorship seat in 2019, the failure was blamed on the internal conflict within the party, particularly as Ribadu and Aisha Buhari’s brother, Halilu Modi, lost the ticket to Jibrilla Bindow. Both reportedly rallied supporters to work against Bindow during the general election which he lost to Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP.

    During the last general election, the same Ribadu who lost the APC governorship ticket to Binani was also believed to have worked with Aisha Buhari behind the scenes to undermine the APC governorship candidate during the general election. 

    In February this year, the party’s state executive committee met at the state secretariat and blamed  Binani for the party’s defeat. They said she was arrogant and highhanded in her approach and that she was fighting everyone, instead of rallying their support. 

    Kaduna:

    In Kaduna State, there is a cold war between Governor Uba Sani and his predecessor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The crisis has been simmering for some time but has been carefully managed until now. It came to public knowledge on Saturday, March 30 when Governor Sani revealed, while addressing a town hall meeting, that the El-Rufai administration left a huge debt burden that is currently hindering the implementation of the government’s developmental projects.

    The governor told the gathering which had in attendance prominent stakeholders like emirs, chiefs, former military administrators, members of the Elders Forum, as well as former top government functionaries that the state is now paying back the foreign components of the debts in triple folds, considering the current high foreign exchange rate. Sani said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion and N115 billion contractual liabilities from the previous administration and that he has not borrowed a kobo in the last 10 months of his government.

    He explained that seven out of the N10 billion federal allocation for March was deducted to service the debt and that the state was left with only N3 billion. This, he added, was not enough to settle the monthly salary bill.  One time Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Lawal Samaila Yakawada told the governor to constitute a commission of inquiry to find out how his processor spent $350 million in foreign and other domestic loans.

    One of El-Rufai’s loyalists, Woman Leader Maryam Suleiman was immediately suspended for criticizing Governor Sani over the debt issue. A few hours after the town hall meeting, El-Rufai’s son, Bashir reacted to the governor’s revelation, by accusing him of incompetence. He said the move against the former governor was to cover Governor Sani’s incompetence. 

    Before the debt controversy, El-Rufai visited Kaduna to condole with the people of Tudun Biri over the erroneous drone attack. But, unlike other prominent politicians and dignitaries, the former governor went straight to the village alongside the former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, without visiting the Government House.  

    Kano:

    All is not well with the Kano State chapter of the APC. The crisis came to a head when some persons described as imposters by the APC leadership purportedly suspended National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje at his ward in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area. Ganduje was purportedly ‘suspended’ because of the allegations of corruption levelled against him by the Kano State government.

    Former National Vice Chairman, Salihu Usman believes Ganduje’s current travail may not be unconnected to the political rivalry between him (Ganduje) and his predecessor as governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. While addressing party members from his ward who paid a solidarity visit to him at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Dr Ganduje equally attributed the unfolding political scenario to a plot by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The ploy, Dr Ganduje said, is to weaken APC in the state ahead of the 2027 general election and other electoral contests.

    Usman who spoke during a current affairs programme on Arise TV has enjoined Dr Ganduje and the APC leadership not to shy away from the reality but to take a sombre look at the party’s challenges in Kano, like elsewhere in the country, to find a lasting solution.

    Taraba:

    Taraba APC appears calm. The party spokesman, Aaron Artimas told our correspondent that the challenge the APC had before the last general election arose because of the conflict of interests of certain politicians. He added: “But, immediately after the elections, they have set aside their differences. Initially, they sought to divide the exco by creating a parallel body. But, the chairman was not recognized by the national secretariat. Immediately after, the exco realized it had just been used to advance certain interests. Members later returned to the fold and we have a full house now. Today, the chapter is united and we have been meeting.

    “The chairman of the party had constituted a local reconciliation committee. Just recently, they submitted their report. Sani Sule Sale was the chairman of that committee. They went around and discussed. They didn’t have many grievances beyond what happened. It was done for personal interest and not because they wanted to advance the party’s interest.  That so-called faction has collapsed into the party and we are working together. There is no need for reconciliation because Taraba State has only one recognized exco under Sadiq El-sudi.”

    Nasarawa:

    Similarly, there appears to be no crisis in Nasarawa APC, because of the leadership style of Governor Abdullahi Sule. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Douglas Otaru told our correspondent in Lafia that the two former governors, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura have contributed to the peace and harmony within the party. He added: “Governor Sule always consults them before any major decision is taken in the party. So, there is no internal wrangling or acrimony in the chapter.

    “The party is united and in support of its leader, Governor Abdullahi Sule. All past leaders, elected representatives appointees and party members across wards and local government area level are loyal and answerable to the governor. There is absolutely no crisis in Nasarawa State APC.”

    Katsina:

    The Katsina State chapter of the APC is not experiencing any crisis requiring the attention of the recently set up reconciliation committee. Secretary of the Katsina State Central Working Committee, Suleiman Muhammad Namadi, told our correspondent that the reconciliation committee expected to visit the state soon may have little or no work to do. He said the administration of Governor Dikko Umar Radda is carrying everyone along in the scheme of things.

    He said: “The Katsina State APC is not experiencing any crises; everyone is happy with the leadership of Governor Radda.’’

    The chapter recently dissolved its state and local government stakeholders committees. The party leadership also announced the dissolution of its stakeholders committee at state and local government levels.

  • Marketing Edge’s suit against institute’s president for May 27

    Marketing Edge’s suit against institute’s president for May 27

    Justice Taiwo Olatokun of an Ikeja High Court has fixed May 27 for the trial of a suit filed by Marketing Edge Publications Limited against the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria following alleged threat and harassment over one of its publications.

    The second defendant in suit number ID/10977GCMN/2024, through the company’s lawyer, Felix Akinsola, is the President of the institute, Idorenyen Enang.

    The claimant is praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant and all its officers, allies from further threat and harassment of any form either through the use of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) or any other security agencies.

    The claimant is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant, its officers, and other persons acting for and on behalf  of the defendants from continued publication of the libelous publication or any other publication to the like effect.

    It also included an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant either by himself, his officers, any person acting for and on his behalf or through any office he may occupy, either now or at any time in future, from further threat and harassment of any form and from publishing and or making libelous and defamatory  statements towards the claimant and or any person, natural or non-natural associated with it.The claimant prayed the court for, among others damages in the sun of N20 million being damages for assault on its reputation, a reduction in the esteem of right thinking members of the society and damaging utterances by the defendant against the claimant,  a retraction in its entirety  of the public notice made by the Institute of Marketing of Nigeria in the Punch Newspaper of Friday November 24, 2023.The claimant also seeks a robust apology by the institute in four  national dailies stating unequivocally that the claimant is not in breach of any laws in its ordinary course of business, that the claimant is well within its right to carry on its business, that the general public, companies, corporations and individuals are free to relate and contract with the claimant without hesitation and or fear of any kind; and that the claimant is an upstanding and respected corporate body carrying on business within the ambit of its objectives.The claimant, in its 36-point statement of claim averred that it is clear that the institute has embarked on a witch hunt with a fierce determination to undermine the efforts and reputation of the claimant with the sinister intention of running down the business of the claimant through toxic and malicious publications.

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    The claimant averred that except the court restraints the defendants, they would continue to spread these libelous and damaging publications which has occasioned grievous harm to the finance, reputation, business and the standing of the claimant,

    He  averred that despite exchange of correspondents between itself and the defendants, they still went ahead to file a petition with the Police alleging a criminal breach of its statutory powers and naming the claimants and the claimant’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a number of the claimants affiliates in the said petition, the police has refused to oblige the claimant with a copy of the petition the defendants  are put on notice to produce the original at the trial.

    The claimant averred that its publishing and organisation of awards is based on a merit system that it has originally curated and cannot in any way shape or form, or be construed as a regulation and control the practice of marketing in Nigeria and has nothing to do with marketing or its institute‘s control and regulation

    It averred that though it is not a member of the defendant’s institute, its annual published list has gained renown, acceptance and general acclamation for its meritorious approach to awarding excellence to various brand icons, a reputation that has garnered it the moniker :Best Marketing Magazine”

    It further averred: “for its authoritative and well researched news reports, regular special reports and general industry news and stories across the Nigerians Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, under the leadership of its past President, Chief Lugard Aieniewu of blessed memory actually recognised the claimant as the best marketing magazine for two consecutive years.”

    It averred that the 2nd defendant deliberately and out of malice orchestrated  falsehood and malicious libelous publication to spite the claimant and to bring down its business, adding that having failed woefully top galvanise the  Nigerian Marketing community through value-adding services and connect positively with both registered and non-registered marketing professionals in Nigeria, has been looking for a way to bring down the claimant’s business to pave way for his own relevance.

    It submitted that the words used employed by the NIMN in its publication means and it is so understood to mean by those that received the publication that the claimant is an impostor who is deliberately deceiving the general public  and flagrantly disobeys the law , has no regard and or respect for constituted authority  and has ultimately called into question every action carried out by it.

    The claimant averred that the publication by the NIMN has undermined the years of painstaking work it  and in the same vein diminishing the spotless reputation garnered by the claimant over copious years of the proverbial sweat, blood and  tears, adding that the publication by the institute has also diminished the claimant in the estimation of right thinking members of the society, discredited it in its profession, injured its financial credit and exposed it to ridicule and contempt.

  • UNEA drafts legal instrument to end plastic pollution

    UNEA drafts legal instrument to end plastic pollution

    The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) through resolution 5/14 has requested its Director to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an International legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment hereinafter referred to as “the instrument. “

    The UNEA said that this law or instrument will decide the full life circle of plastic at INC-4 held in Ottawa, Canada.

    Plastic includes but not limited to bottled water, pure water, plastic buckets, slippers, children’s feeding bottles, plastic cups and plates, and anything plastic.

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    More than 2,500 delegates participated in the INC-4,  representing 170 Members of the United Nations (UN) and over 480  UN Entities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), and Observer Organisations.

    This included the International Charitable Initiative for Girl Child and Women Development Foundation (ICI-GWODEF) represented by its founder, Barr. Helen Ibeji and Mrs. Olivia Okaro.

    According to Ibeji, the negative effect on humans who rely on the ocean life for the source of their revenue, nourishment, and marine activities will suffer economic set back coupled with the effect that humanity may not have clean water in the coming years prompted the need for a world summit on plastic pollution.

    She also noted that plastic pollutes the land as well especially when humans dump plastic waste into landfills, the soil gets damaged and as such cannot produce as required.

    “As plastic does not dissolve, it remains in the water thereby hampering its purity. Plastic pollution will disrupt the food chain as marine life starts to die off and go extinct.

    “Ailments caused by plastic pollution include cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leukemia, lymphorna, brain cancer,  breast cancer, and decreased fertility.

    “At Ottawa Canada, we were all united by our strong shared commitment to deliver an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. It is this good spirit of multilateralism that guided our discussion in Ottawa Canada during the INC-4.

    “Discussions were centered on emissions and releases, productions, product designs, waste management, problematic and avoidable plastics, financing, and a just transition”, said Ibeji.

    “Members decided to create an open-ended legal drafting group to form INC-5 by reviewing elements of the draft revised text to ensure legal soundness.

    “While plastic pollution continues to engulf the world, the participants are bent on reducing if not ending to the menace. During the seven days of intense deliberations, we have managed to build on and advance the revised draft text of the instrument, providing streamlined text and entering Textual negotiations on several elements.

    “Members are ready to deliver on this mandate in Busan and agree to a final text of the instrument.”

    She further mentioned that they left Ottawa, Canada having achieved both goals and a clear path to landing an ambitious deal in Busan, Republic of Korea ahead.

    Before INC-4 in Ottawa Canada, INC-1 was held in Punta del Este in November 2022, followed by INC-2 in Paris which took place in May/June 2023, while INC-3 took place in Nairobi around November 2023.

    “While our NGO was fully represented in the recently concluded INC-4 in Ottawa Canada, the last of the Conference is coming up in Busan, Republic of Korea sometime around November 2024.

    “Countries took their turn on hosting delegates and observers together,  we were hosted by the Nigeria High Commission in Canada on the 29th day of April and for the first time we shared on the National Cake”, Ibeji said.

  • Way out of Rivers crisis, by SANs

    Way out of Rivers crisis, by SANs

    Senior lawyers have suggested ways out of the political crisis in Rivers State.

    They were reacting to the relocation of the House of Assembly to the Government House where only three members sit.

    Ahmed Raji (SAN) said: “It is a matter that should be handled with extra care in the interest of our democracy.

    “Legal solutions should be the last option.

    “The matter calls for a pragmatic political solution in the interest of all.”

    Law teacher and prosecutor Wahab Shittu (SAN) said there was a constitutional issue that needed resolving.

    “The way out is for the Attorney-General of the Federation to pose a constitutional question immediately for the determination of the Supreme Court.

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    “In my view, a constitutional dispute has arisen and the resolution can only be determined by reference to the constitution – the grundnorm of the country.

    “Democratic institutions ought to be activated to resolve this issue,” he said.

    Professor of law Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) believes the governor lacks powers to relocate the Assembly.

    He said: “He has made it impossible for the House of Assembly to exercise their functions.

    “Under the doctrine of necessity, the House of Assembly can convene anywhere possible including virtually and perform its constitutional functions including removing him from office.

    “Rivers State is too important to be turned into a spectacle of oddities that the young man has turned the state into.

    “There are only two ways out of the crises: removal or reconciliation. The ball is in Governor Fubara’s court.

    “It is doubtful if he has the capacity to retrace his steps and do the right thing that can return the state to the path of peace.”

    But Lagos lawyer Theophilus Akanwa was of the view that Governor Fubara has the powers to make an executive order relocating the Assembly to Government House pending the renovation of their demolished complex.

    “The gazette is legal and he is in order,” Akanwa said

    He added: “The way forward is that Governor Fubara should be allowed to govern Rivers State without any further interference.”

  • Bianca’s sons seek to join suit against firm

    Bianca’s sons seek to join suit against firm

    Sons of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, wife of the late Biafran leader, Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu, have applied to be joined as parties in a 2011 suit filed by Ogbonna  Ojukwu and others against the Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL) and others.

    The judgment in the suit marked LD/794/2011 was delivered by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji in 2018.

    Justice Oyebanji, while delivering judgment in the suit, had granted possession of Ojukwu Transport Limited properties in Lagos to Ojukwu Transport Limited including No 29 Oyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi Lagos.

    Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was a party to the suit until his demise in 2011.

    Based on the judgment, OTL, executed a warrant of possession on all its properties in Lagos with Form O, certificate of completion of execution of warrant’ obtained in July 2022.

    Following the execution of the warrant, OTL is now in legal possession of the properties listed in the Form O, including five questions raised in  suit LD1539/2012 which judgment was delivered by Justice A. M. Lawal in June 2022.

    Afamefuna and Nwachukwu have however now applied before the court to be joined as “Interested parties in the matter”.

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    They  also prayed the court to  exempt them from the already executed warrant in a case LD/794/2011 which judgment was delivered by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji in June 2018.

    They based their application on the ground that another Lagos High Court had in a judgment in 2022, on a case marked LD/1539/2012, which they filed against OTL and others, granted them possession of 29 Oyikan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi and four others properties.

    Justice A.M. Lawal had in the 2022 judgment granted a restraining order against  interference with Afamefuna and Nwachukwu’s  possession of the properties pending the harmonisation of Ojukwu properties by OTL.

    In their application , they claimed not  to be aware of the matter before Justice Oyebanji.

    Afamefuna and Nwachukwu last year served a ‘Notice of Disobedience of Court order’ on OTL, the Ojukwus and other tenants of the property.

    In their application seeking to be joined in case before Justice Onyebanji, Bianca’s sons claimed that they were not aware of the pendency of the suit and were not included as interested parties in the case.

    They argued that it would amount to miscarriage of justice for the matter to be conclusively decided without their input as the issues in the case affect their interest

    At the resumed hearing for the fresh application for the joinder on April 22, 2024, OTL Director, Dr P Ike Ojukwu, their agent, Mr Massey Udegbe and lawyer, Chief Ifeanyi Okumah were in court while Bianca, her sons and their lawyers were absent. The case was adjourned till May 20, 2024

    Meanwhile, OTL had last year, following the judgment of Justice Lawal harmonised the management of its assets and reaffirmed Massey Udegbe and Co as its estate agent and published the same in two national newspapers.

    Of the five properties in the Bianca and sons’ suit, OTL claims that it had not been paid rent amounting to N144m for 12 years by Uche Obilor/West African Offshore Limited, occupants of 30 Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    It also claimed that the occupants of 32a Commercial Avenue,Yaba,  Foursquare Gospel Church, has not paid OTL any rent since 2017 while 4 Macpherson Rd,Ikoyi has been under Police ‘lock and key’ since July 2015.

    It also insisted that 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Road, Ikoyi has been unoccupied for over 20 years while 13 Ojora Road, Ikoyi is in good condition with good tenant-landlord understanding.

  • NCoS to court: contemnor not in our custody

    NCoS to court: contemnor not in our custody

    Representative of the Controller of Correctional Centre, Lagos Command, Mr. Rotimi Oladokun, has told Justice Akintunde Salvage of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja that the command did not receive committal warrant of the Chairman of Confidence Cargo Freight Forwarder, Dada Aigbe.

    Oladokun, is a prison official from the Legal Unit, serving at the State Command Headquarters of Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) Alagbon, Ikoyi,

    He told the court that the five Correctional Centres in Lagos including Kirikiri Maximum or Medium have no record or remand warrant of a convict, Dada Aigbe in their file.

    He said he was in court sequel to the Subpoena testicandum served on the Controller of the Correctional Centre, Lagos Command on the order of the court.

     Justice Salvage  had on March 11, ordered that Aigbe be committed to prison for a period of one month until he purges himself of the contempt.

    The judge’s order was sequel to disobedience of Aigbe to appear in court after form 48 and 49 contempt proceeding were filed against him in a suit filed by the Mr. Maruf Jimoh-Akogun, counsel to a judgment creditor.

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     Jimoh-Akogun had in a suit marked in ID/3831LMW/2016 instituted by the HRM Oba Shakirudeen Adeshina Kuti for themselves and on behalf of the Ajamogun/Onikotun family of Ewu Kingdom against the Osolo of Osolo, HRM, Oba Agbabiaka Kabir Orisedeko Elemo and the Baale Mafoluku Ajao Estate, Chief Hussam Raheem Shekoni Elemo as the first and second defendants respectively

    However, Oladokun in his testimony told the court that he joined the Correctional Centre in 2012 and was serving at the State Command.

    He told court, “As a directive of the command, I was briefed about the matter. From our record, the command did not receive a committal or remand warrant.

    “We have verified from our internal communication, there was no record of Dada Aigbe.”

    Meanwhile, judgment debtors defendants/ respondents counsel, Mr K. U Okoro had filed an application dated April 29, in pursuant to Section 60b (36) and Section 94 of the Sheriff Law.

    The motion seeks relief as follows: an order setting aside the entire committal proceedings on the ground that it was served by an unknown sheriff and such further order.

    The ground of the same notice is that it was not served on the applicant.

    The judge held that he had read the objection and counter, and if he was not convinced that it was served, he wouldn’t issue the conviction.

    Okoro argued that “We are also saying that the court did not have jurisdiction to give the order. We urged the court to set aside the order and to rule in our favour and grant our relief.”

    Jimoh-Akogun in his response opposed the preliminary objection.

    He said they have filed a counter affidavit to their objections.

    He told the  court that the reason for Aigbe’s committal to prison is the complaint that he involved himself in a land matter that he is not a party to.

    He said the court had ordered a status quo on the ‘Res’ but Aigbe continued building on the land in dispute. He claimed that the ancestral family land along Airport Road, Ewu Town, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, was allegedly invaded by Dada Aigbe and his agents.

    He argued that the court had on April 2, 2024 heard how Aigbe was served by the Sheriff of High Court, Micheal Alogaga who was also subpoenaed and testified.

    “My Lord, there is evidence of service before the court. The Sheriff is under exclusive rules. I refer my lord to the provision of section 103 (1) of the Sheriff and Civil Act.”

    He further argued that the service was effected outside the jurisdiction. The service of form 49 was effected in Abuja, the service was not denied. We are saying that the Bailiff that served the contemnor is a competent person. He cited section 116 of Evidence Act to buttress his arguments.

    Jimoh-Akogun prayed the court to dismiss the preliminary objection with punitive cost.

    He noted that correctional official and the Court Sheriff has testified that the convict is not in prison and the counsel is asking the court to purge him of contempt.

    He, therefore, referred the court to the affidavit in support of the motion on notice dated April 30, 2024 filed by convict counsel. Tracy Dike, legal practitioner from of Kingsley Grays LP averred that she has the consent of the Applicant/Contemnor as well as the employer to depose to the affidavit.

    “That I was informed by Mr Dada Aigbe in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre , Olodi Apapa Lagos on March 30, 2024 at about 12 pm during a briefing on the case. I verily believe him.”

    So also, in another fundamental human rights suit instituted by Alhaji Chief Jamiu Adetunji  Kushimo against the Inspector General of Police Zone 2 Lagos, Director General Department of State Service Abuja, the  Deputy Director Department of State of  Service, Mr. Omogbenga Elesheku, Director Base Command, Department of State of  Service, Lagos and  Oludayo  Dada Aigbe were respondents.

    Tracy Dike averred that the fifth respondent was out of the country.

    In her affidavit in support of the motion on notice dated April 16, the same Dike sworn that is, “a counsel in the Law Firm of Kingsley Grays LP, Solicitors to the 5th Respondent and by virtue of which position I am conversant with the facts of this case.

    “ That I have the consent of the 5th Respondent as well as that of my employer to depose to this affidavit.That I am informed by my Principal K.U Okoro Esq. on or about 1pm and I verily believed him.

    “That however, it is imperative to state that we were unable to get in touch with the 5th Respondent ( Aigbe) who is supposed to avail us with some vital information with respect to certain issues raised by the applicant in his Motion on Notice and when we eventually did, it was discovered that he traveled to United Kingdom for a Medical check up being a cancer patient and this impediment made it impossible for him to avail us with the necessary information needed for the preparation of the Counter-Affidavit opposing the Motion on Notice of the Applicant.

    “That, by the time he returned from the medical checkup and provided us with the vital information needed to enable us to prepare the Counter-Affidavit of the 5th Respondents, the time prescribed by the rule of court had already elapsed. Unfortunately, the 5th respondent could not file his counter-affidavit within the time prescribed by the Rules of Court.”

    After listening to their arguments Justice Savage adjourned ruling on an application seeking to set aside the entire committal proceeding to June 17, 2024.