Category: Law

Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has reiterated that the judiciary under her watch was committed to effective provision of quality and professional services to the citizens.

Justice Dipeolu stated this in a keynote address delivered at a-two-day retreat for  Judges and officers of the CCA, with the theme; “Promoting Justice Delivery Through The Enhancement Of Customary Court System”, held at Yewa Frontier Hotel, Ilaro, Abeokuta.

She said the commitment statement was important because it would serve as a constant reminder to the court workforce that there was zero tolerance for corruption in the Ogun State judiciary.

The Chief Judge said: “It is in a bid to ensure that the promises are kept and delivered that I come up with the commitment statement by all staff by which we are all covenanted to work.

“This is to make the Ogun State Judiciary dynamic, innovative and proactive by achieving an independent, reform-oriented and well-funded judiciary system”.

Read Also: Law publisher urges more advocacy against domestic, sexual violence

The Customary Court of Appeal President, Justice Mobolaji Ojo has advocated adherence to the Code of Conduct of Court employees by the Judges of customary court and the staff of the State’s judiciary.

He said that the retreat was a form of continuing education programme designed to upgrade the knowledge and performance of officers of the Customary Court of Appeal, including, the Presidents and members, and officers of the CCA.

He noted that the topics for the retreat was carefully chosen for easy understanding of the hallowed position of people’s customs and the role of Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal, especially in the dispensation of justice in the modern day setting.

“In fact, both the topics and resource person’s have equally been selected from the Judiciary and the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, I have no doubt in my mind that we are in for some scintillating and intellectual rewarding experience in the next two days”, Justice Ojo said.

 

Publisher and Managing Director of Judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mrs Adejoke Layi-Babatunde has urged women to advocate more against domestic and sexual violence.

Mrs Layi-Babatunde spoke at a round table discussion organised by Bomarah Foundation and held at Lagos Marriot Hotel, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA, Ikeja. Th¹ theme was “Heal and Build Confidence”.

She described as alarming the¹ report that Lagos recorded over 10,000 cases of domestic and sexual violence during the lockdown, saying that the sad development should be of concern to every women.

Mrs Layi-Babatunde urged women to be¹ bold and courageous enough to speak up against the¹ social malaise in public places including the church and the mosque.

She also decried women’s apathy ìn governance.

She urged women to be prepared for leadership position and to play leadership role in nation building ìn view of their contribution to economic development of the country.

Vice Chairperson, ENL Consortium, Princess (Dr) Vicky Hasstrup who delivered a Paper on “Women Empowerment” outlined cultural, political, education, religion and social values as factors militating against women development.

Read Also: NGO seeks marriage registry to curb domestic violence

Dr Hasstrup urged women to break these barriers by taking part ìn community activities and development,  believe in themselves and their capabilities as nobody will do it for them.

“Whatever is your chosen area, get somebody to mentor you, determine where you are going and how to get there.

“Women need to work together and snatch power from men. You dó not need to beg for power like beggars. We should take our rightful place. In politic, we¹ should get involved from community to national level and make suggestions and contribute valueable ideas so that you can be¹ respected”, she advised.

President and founder, Bomarah Foundation, Hajia Bolanle Muse ìn a welcome address, said the¹ foundation which took off ìn 1996 as a General philantropic concern with rehabilitation, visitation and education based programmes but has since veered into an organisation with three focuses on children, youths and persons with disabilities.

Hajia Muse reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to it’s three dimensional strategic instrument of education, advocacy and empowerment by determining the problems appropriate solutions.

To ensure easy access and aide justice delivery, Epe Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun has refurbished the Epe Customary Court to mark her 100th day in office last December 22.

Animashaun explained that the project was in line with her promise to deliver democracy dividends at the grassroots and make the impact of governance to be felt by all.

Joining the chairman at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were dignitaries including royal fathers, political leaders, serving government officials among others.

They included the traditional ruler of Epeland, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun; lawmaker representing Epe Constituency 1 at State House of Assembly, Abiodun Mustain Tobun; Executive Chairman Eredo Local Government, Hon. Saliu Adeniyi; and the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Epe Division and member of the Lagos State APC Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Shakiru Akanni Seriki-Bamu among others.

The highlight of the ceremony which held at the local government secretariat and drew a large crowd included the distribution of tailoring machines, grinding machines, generator sets, exercise books, school bags and stationaries among other items.

While rendering her stewardship, Surah said her administration’s impact had been felt across key areas such as infrastructure, sports, education, health, security, agriculture, tourism, staff welfare and economic empowerment.

Key among her socio-economic impacts, she listed remodeling of 39 schools, construction of blocks of classrooms, construction of boreholes, provision of ambulances and staff bus as well as road construction with street lights.

Others included recruitment of teachers, rehabilitation and training of local security officials such as OPC and Ibile, empowerment of artisans, welfare support for the aged and widows and commemoration of World Tourism Day with the launch of Epe Alaro Tourism.

Read Also: Ogun CJ promises quality, professional services

Surah said: “The significance of 100 days in office is to render account to the people and let them know that they didn’t elect a statue but someone who can represent them well.

*I want to show that I’m capable and with God on our side, there’s nothing we cannot achieve. As a woman and the first female executive chairman, I want to totally change the face of Epe.

“At the same time, I want the people of Epe to expect more especially in the area of tourism. I want to thank the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu because very soon, Epe will have its own terminal. It will boost local economy by creating job opportunities for our youths.

“I also want to put in so much in place on our lagoon that would help boost our IGR and economy. I’m looking for ways to achieve and we are open for partnership. We are also looking to do more in the area of education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment.”

Praising the Chairman, Tobun said: “I’m not only satisfied but highly impressed. We can see her monumental achievements and her passion for development, tourism, good governance and inclusiveness.

“All these have translated to what we are seeing today. Her renovation of the Legislative will help inspire them to draft by-laws that will impact the social economic empowerment of the people of the community.

“This gesture has also been extended to other arms with the renovation of customary court and meeting rooms of royal fathers which speaks to her inclusive governance.”

Adding her voice, an excited president, Customary Court of Epe – Mrs Amudat Aramide Keshinro said: “Today is a remarkable day. Before today, our courtroom was dilapidated and we couldn’t access it. The condition was worse but we managed. We complained for long but nothing was done about the situation. Some people come here requesting for judgment of the 90s, it is very tedious accessing the records.

“But when Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun came into office, I met her and explained that Epe is among the five divisions of Lagos State. I told her that our customary court was not befitting for the people of Epe.

“I explained how we struggle to work under difficult conditions. She gave us a promise that day but I took it for granted that it was one of those promise that politicians make. I am very impressed with what we are all witnessing today.

“On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Members of the Customary Court Colleagues, I want to thank Hon. Surah Animashaun.”

 

Key actors in the nation’s criminal justice system met in Abuja last week to discuss strategies for improving its operations, with a view to ensuring an effective system capable of prompt justice delivery, writes ERIC IKHILAE.

Today, insecurity remains one of the nation’s key challenges. Before now, the major security problem was insurgency, perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect.

But now, there are more variants, in the forms of banditry, kidnapping, herders/farmers clashes, separatist agitations, among others, which now put a strain on the capacity of the security agencies.

The situation is not helped with an ineffective criminal justice system, without the capacity to effectively apply existing laws, ensure prompt processing of criminal cases and render verdict on time to deter intending criminals.

This deficiency in the nation’s criminal justice system, experts observed, serves to fuel the rising spate of criminality in the country.

The experts, who are mainly key stakeholders in the nation’s justice administration system, argued that there was need for continuous efforts at reforming the system to enable it serve its purpose.

They spoke in Abuja at the “stakeholders’ summit on the National Minimum Standard (NMS) for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) of states,” held on December 14.

The event, organised by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), supported by the MacArthur Foundation, was also attended by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami;  Chief Judges of Borno, Kaduna and Plateau states, Justices Kashim Zannah, Mohammed Bello and David Man; Attorneys-General of Nasarawa and Zamfara states, Professor Abubakar Kana and Junaidu Aminu.

Participants were unanimous that there was the need for a well developed national minimum standards for the needed uniformity in the administration of criminal justice across the country to allow for effectiveness.

 

The link between worsening insecurity  and ineffective criminal justice system.

CSLS’ President, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) drew a link between the inability of system to effectively apply existing laws to punish offenders and the increase in crime rate in the country.

Akinseye-George observed that the problem was not really about the inadequacy of laws, as could be seen in the passage of the ACJA 2015 by the Federal Government and the ACJL passed by majority of the states.

He said the problem was with the reluctance of operators of the system to properly implement the laws.

“That explains why despite the passage of the ACJA and ACJLs by several states, criminal justice administration in the country remains lethargic, erratic and dysfunctional.

“The manifestations of this include increasing wave of criminality, poor investigation of crimes, and lack-lustre prosecution resulting in delay of cases, congestion of courts and correctional facilities, etc.

“It is a shame that our correctional centres remain over-populated and overcrowded with a large population of persons who are yet to be tried. When cases are unduly delayed, we send a wrong signal to the public that criminal behaviour may go unpunished.

“That encourages individuals who are prone to criminality to venture into acts of criminality such as terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery, corruption, abuse of power, etc,” Akinseye-George added.

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*Why uniform standard in criminal justice administration

Justice Zannah (represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia of the High Court of Borno State) said uniform standards were desirable, which informed why his state was working on its version of the ACJL to ensure that it was at the same level with states that have passed the law.

He however warned that having new laws and uniform standards across the country alone would not guarantee an effective system, but except when combined with a change of attitude on the part of its operators.

“All what are being done about the laws and reforms may be in vein without a change of attitude. We have to resolve to make it work by changing our attitude. Why Borno State is struggling to become part of the new era is because we believe that uniformity is key and important.

“The most important thing is that we have to change our attitude in the way we handle our responsibilities in the administration of criminal justice. This include all the stakeholders – the judges, the prosecutors, investigators. All we need to do is to change how we handle these cases,” he said.

Justice Man said he believe it was important to have uniform standards in administering criminal justice, which informed why he decided to attend the summit as his first official engagement immediately after being sworn-in as the Chief Judge of his state.

Kana spoke about the various measures being adopted to improve the criminal justice system in his state, including the passage of the ACJL,  ongoing efforts to amend the Penal Code and plan to establish a central criminal registry.

He however noted that the objective of a central criminal registry would not be achieved where states work in silos.

Kana added there would be the problem of repetition and multiplicity of similar data where each state has separate registry.   that where a state has

“It has to be centralised and done collectively. All the states must work together to have one central data base for keeping these information and records of criminals,” he said.

Aminu, who said he was impressed with prospects of the national uniform standards and the  ACJL, assured that his state would soon pass its version of the ACJL.

*What is the NMS

Akinseye-George explained that the National Minimum Standard (NMS) is a project designed to inject new vibrancy into the criminal justice system by serving as a catalyst for improved implementation of the ACJA and ACJLs by agencies of criminal justice administration at the federal and state levels.

He added that it is an effort to harmonize and strengthen the criminal justice system, by developing minimum standards to guide federal agencies and state governments in implementing the ACJA/ACJLs across the country.

“The plan is to identify common elements in the federal ACJA and ACJLs of the various states and agree on standards that will be developed into benchmarks or indicators by which the federal agencies and the states will be evaluated.

“The minimum standards consist of about twenty-five elements. And there will be three categories of compliance:

Category A (Gold): will consist of states that have made significant progress in at least Two Thirds of the indicators.

Category B (Silver): will comprise states that have made significant progress in at least one Third but less than half of the indicators;

Category C (Bronze): will feature states which have made significant progress in less than one-third of the indicators.

“It is designed to generate a healthy competition amongst the states and amongst the agencies of criminal justice administration at the federal and state levels such that each will aspire to constantly improve its operations and practices with respect to criminal justice administration.

.  ”States and the FCT will compete for trophies and awards. The criminal justice agencies too will compete among themselves for trophies and awards,” he said.

 

AGF hails initiative, pledges support

Represented by Shuaibu Abdulraheem, Malami commended those behind the initiative, particularly the CSLS, which he said has been at the forefront of revolutionising the nation’s criminal justice system.

“I want to assure all stakeholders of my cooperation and support as well as the support of the Federal Ministry of Justice in the realisation of this laudable initiative and its full implementation across all the criminal justice sectors in Nigeria,” the AGF said.

To ensure easy access and aide justice delivery, Epe Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun, has refurbished the Epe Customary Court to mark her 100th day in office last December 22.

Animashaun explained that the project was in line with her promise to deliver democracy dividends at the grassroots and make the impact of governance be felt by all.

Joining the chairman at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were dignitaries including royal fathers, political leaders, serving government officials among others.

They included the traditional ruler of Epeland, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun; lawmaker representing Epe Constituency 1 at State House of Assembly, Abiodun Mustain Tobun; and Executive Chairman Eredo Local Government, Hon. Saliu Adeniyi;.

Also present was the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Epe Division and member of the Lagos State APC Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Shakiru Akanni Seriki-Bamu, among others.

The highlight of the ceremony which was held at the local government secretariat and drew a large crowd included the distribution of tailoring machines, grinding machines, generator sets, exercise books, school bags and stationeries among other items.

While rendering her stewardship, Surah said her administration’s impact had been felt across key areas such as infrastructure, sports, education, health, security, agriculture, tourism, staff welfare and economic empowerment.

Key among her socio-economic impacts, she listed remodelling of 39 schools, construction of blocks of classrooms, construction of boreholes, provision of ambulances and staff bus as well as road construction with street lights.

Others included recruitment of teachers, rehabilitation and training of local security officials such as OPC and Ibile, empowerment of artisans, welfare support for the aged and widows and commemoration of World Tourism Day with the launch of Epe Alaro Tourism.

Surah said: “The significance of 100 days in office is to render account to the people and let them know that they didn’t elect a statue but someone who can represent them well.

“I want to show that I’m capable and with God on our side, there’s nothing we cannot achieve. As a woman and the first female executive chairman, I want to totally change the face of Epe.

“At the same time, I want the people of Epe to expect more especially in the area of tourism.

“I want to thank the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu because very soon, Epe will have its own terminal.

“It will boost the local economy by creating job opportunities for our youths.

“I also want to put in so much in place on our lagoon that would help boost our IGR and economy.

“I’m looking for ways to achieve and we are open to partnership.

“We are also looking to do more in the area of education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment.”

Praising the Chairman, Tobun said: “I’m not only satisfied but highly impressed.

“We can see her monumental achievements and her passion for development, tourism, good governance and inclusiveness.

“All these have translated to what we are seeing today.

“Her renovation of the Legislative will help inspire them to draft by-laws that will impact the social and economic empowerment of the people of the community.

“This gesture has also been extended to other arms with the renovation of customary court and meeting rooms of royal fathers which speaks to her inclusive governance.”

Adding her voice, an excited President, Customary Court of Epe – Mrs Amudat Aramide Keshinro said: “Today is a remarkable day.

“Before today, our courtroom was dilapidated and we couldn’t access it. The condition was worse but we managed.

“We complained for long but nothing was done about the situation.

“Some people come here requesting for judgment of the 90s, it is very tedious accessing the records.

“But when Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun came into office, I met her and explained that Epe is among the five divisions of Lagos State.

“I told her that our customary court was not befitting for the people of Epe.

“I explained how we struggle to work under difficult conditions.

“She gave us a promise that day but I took it for granted that it was one of those promises that politicians make. I am very impressed with what we are all witnessing today.

“On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Members of the Customary Court Colleagues, I want to thank Hon. Surah Animashaun.”

The President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has assured that her court would double its efforts to ensure prompt justice delivery in the course of the 2021-2022 new legal year.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said measures have been put in place to ensure the realisation of the objective with the review of the court’s rules, the appointment of more Justices and plan to further deploy technologies to aid the court’s operations.

She spoke in Abuja during the opening session of the second “Working Retreat and Annual Conference of the Court of Appeal.

“The court is keenly aware of its pivotal position in promoting international and domestic economic development through the timing and quality of its decisions,” she said.

Part of the measures intended to fast-track the court’s operations, she noted, informed the decision to review the court’s rules, which were equally launched at the event.

The rules include: The Court of Appeal Rules, 2021; the Court of Appeal Rules (Practice Direction on Costs) 2021; the Court of Appeal (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Rules 2021; the Court of Appeal (Fast Track) Practice Directions 2021; the Court of Appeal (Pre-Election, Election and Political Parties’ Leadership) Practice Directions 2021; and the Court of Appeal (COVID 19) Practice Directions & Guidelines 2021.

The PCA said the rules, which are products of extensive deliberations, ingenuity and considerable industry, seek to facilitate the speedy and thorough determination of all appeals before the Court of Appeal.

“The Rules are drafted to address present and emerging realities facing the Court, which demanded prompt action.

“The Court of Appeal Rules 2021 and attendant Practice Directions aim to transition the Court proactively towards a seamless system by introducing innovations such as electronic filing of all processes.

“The Rules further seek to facilitate a speedier, more efficient system by promoting electronic hearings and other innovations that will help bring justice closer to the people.

“The Rules further promote substantive justice and equip the parties and the court to better focus upon the dispute and not technicalities.   In addition, the rules put the onus on learned counsel to be responsible for the conduct of their cases.

“The rules therefore inspire proactive, speedier justice delivery.  The list of improvements is endless and I am sure all learned counsel will discover these innovations as they read the new rules.

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“I am fully confident that the rules will make justice flow smoothly without the bottlenecks of opportunists who hitherto took advantage of loopholes to delay the course of justice,” she said.

The PCA, who urged all to familiarise themselves with the new rules, added that they (the new Court of Appeal Rules) are enacted to significantly speed up the access and dispensation of justice.

She added that the court was aware that when “justice delivery is slow, it negatively affects Nigeria economically and it is the citizens that are the victims who suffer its consequences.

“That is why our Practice Directions fast track matters that have an impact upon the wider economy such as taxation, debt recovery and other related matters so as to ensure that we positively impact the speed of economic activities.

“I therefore counsel all captains of industry and corporate bodies to recommend that their Legal Departments study the rules and tap into its endless possibilities for speedy dispute resolution, so as to further enhance their businesses and wider economy,” she said.

Justice Dongban-Mensem, who hailed Justices of the court for a job well done in the last legal year, said the court did well despite the many challenges the court encountered, including the corona virus pandemic.

“The learned Justices of the court, without exception, have worked incredibly to improve justice delivery this year.  As a result, we have had a 26.47 per cent reduction in the total volume of cases pending in our divisions, as compared with last year.

“Similarly, despite a 51 per cent increase in the number of motions filed, we witnessed a 48 per cent increase in the number of motions disposed of by the panels over the course of this legal year.

“The court disposed of 5669 appeals and 10,798 motions as at the end of November 2021 and this is indeed creditable.

“Worthy of note is also the fact that a total of 528 judgments (16.97 per cent of the total number of judgments) were delivered via the Zoom online platform during the course of the 2020-2021 legal year.   10 hearings were also held by panels of the court using this forum.

“In the last two months, a further 40 judgments have been delivered via the Zoom platform,” she said.

Family, friends and former schoolmates of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Public Interest Litigation Committee Chairman, Dr. Charles Mekwunye have hosted him in Lagos after he was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title. The ‘First Class lawyer’ said his elevation to the rank of Silk would not change his commitment to using the law to fight for justice. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

The hall at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, was filled in the evening of Saturday, December 11, 2021 when former classmates, friends and family members gathered to celebrate the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Dr. Charles Mekwunye, who has just been conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

The event was organised by friends, family and the 1984 set of Mekwunye at the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Its President Mr. Sam Makinde, described Mekwunye as a friend, brother and lover of hats.

He presented the celebrator with a working robe, which he said the group had been giving out to new silk since 2016.

In a citation, Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Tony Chiejina, stated that the new Silk stood by anyone or thing he believed in. He noted that the SANship was the fulfilment of a prediction by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who in a foreword to a book 34 years ago, stated that Mekwunye was a good lawyer who would become a SAN in future.

Chiejina, a former colleague of Mekwunye at the defunct Oceanic Bank, described Mekwunye as “fearless,” “an activist,” “compassionate,” and a “philanthropist par excellence,” who delivered many pro bono cases with good results.

Chiejina recalled that Mekwunye made a First Class in law, and received five awards, out of the 10 on offer by the faculty. They included the Dr. Elias Prize for Best Overall Performance (First Prize) and Graham Douglas Prize for Best Graduating Student in Commercial Law.

Chiejina, a former Assistant General Manager/Head, Corporate Affairs, Oceanic Bank, also said Mekwunye had contributed a lot to the development of a section of the law, where he recorded a classicus in a celebrated case.

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Mekwunye’s in-law, Supo Shadiya, described him as a hard-working senior lawyer and a man of integrity. “When you are diligent in what you are doing, there is no doubt that you won’t be recognised,” he said, adding that Mekwunye’s SANship was a reward for his hard work and excellence.

Mr. Emeka Anyaeji, who described himself as Mekwunye’s “professional son”, having worked with him at Zenith Bank, where Mekwunye was an Executive Director, noted his former boss’ attention to details.

“He is also a man of many parts – by virtue of his work in the corporate world, academics (he has doctorate), and now in law practice, Anjaeji added.

Mekwunye’s daughter, Mrs. Promise Shadiya, said his father was always studying. He recalled that he got promoted at his former workplaces yearly, an indication of his commitment to work.

A former classmate of Mekwunye at OAU, Mr. Kester Ifayade, described him as disciplined, and a man of honour.

Chairman, Brilla Sports Media, Dr. Larry Izamoje, stated that Mekwunye adopted him as a brother and taught him how to excel in business. He prayed for more awards for the SAN.

In his response, Mekwunye said he was overwhelmed by the tributes. Particularly, he thanked the organisers for their thoughtfulness.

Thanking God, he said the SANship didn’t come easy as many had thought. There were landmines on his way in form of petitions, which truncated his first application last year.

Waxing religious, he said he had to rely on Psalm 91, especially verse 25, for survival.

“There is nothing you can do without God,” he said.

In the end, he had his prayers answered as the Appeal Court quashed the petitions.

But he made a promise: “The SAN is an elevation. I am not going to change. I will continue to fight. As a lawyer, l will fight with the law.”

He, however, advised his colleagues, saying that knowing the law was not enough but that knowing its applicability was important.

Dignitaries at the event included Mekwunye’s wife Ifeyinwa; Administrative Judge, Lagos State High Court, Justice T. Oyekan- Abdullahi; Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Mr. Sam Otiegede.

Crime Victims Foundation (CRIVIFON ) and Human Rights Education and Awareness Centre (HUREAC) have partnered Shomolu Local Government to commemorate this year’s International Human Rights Day. The event held at the council hall also featured the graduation of the 20th batch of persons trained in human rights awareness by both non-governmental organisations (NGOs). ADEBISI ONANUGA writes

Stakeholders in the justice sector have commemorated this year’s International Human Rights Day at the banquet hall of Somolu Local Government, Lagos. The event, which held last Friday, attracted key players in the justice sector and rights groups in the state.

They used the occassion to boost the public’s awareness of their sociocultural and physical rights and to ensure their well being. The theme was “Equality: Reducing inequalities. Advancing Human Rights”.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a text that describes the fundamental human rights of persons.

In her address at the event, Executive Director, Crime Victims Foundation (CRIVIFON), Mrs Gloria Egbuji lamented that there appeared to be unequal opportunities for different categories of Nigerians.

“The gap between the haves and the have nots is so wide apart, issues of inequality is everywhere, the dynamic still remains which region or tribe do you come from to get admitted in schools, get employed or where you live,” Egbuji said.

According to her, there was discrimination everywhere and people’s rights are grossly violated and listed them to include gender violence, child trafficking, sexual violence against children and young people among other.

Egbuji stressed the need for government to enhance economic policies that will booost wealth creation and employment.

She said the UN also called for human rights to be at the centre of the COVID 19  pandemic and its resulting crises compounded by poverty, inequality and discrimination.

She said: “The gap between rich and poor nations is so wide and needs to be bridged. This gap needs to be closed to enable the rebuilding of a better world that is more resilient and more sustainable.

”Farmers and other local manufacturers should be aware of their rights as humans too. Farmers produce the food we eat and such deserve attention just like the big corporate players. The same regulation should be given to market women, auto mechanics, young people and every one that makes one contribution or the other to the society.”

Egbuji explained that the theme also addressed how to find solutions to “the deep-rooted discriminations that have affected all facets of our daily lives especially on the most vulnerable groups in our societies, young women and girls, people living with disabilities, migrants, refugees and displaced people in ID camps.”

She also encouraged students to speak out when being bullied by their teacher and other students.

“Your right is guaranteed under the constitution. Human dignity is natural by birth and cannot be taken away by any use of force”, she added.

‘Establish human rights clubs in schools’

The General Manager, Property and Investment, Bariga Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Micheal Ajilo, who represented the council chairman, urged students to take advantage of the presence of CRIVIFON at the event and form a human rights club for the protection of fellow students whose rights might be violated by others.

Ajilo noted that Nigeria is a land of laws but “lacks the political will to drive these laws and put them into action for the goodwill of the people.

“The fact that you have rights does not mean you can disrespect others. Your mother will scold you but with love; but you should not talk back at them.

“The most important right that you owe yourself is the right to determine what you want to be in future. Nobody can do that for you.

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“No teacher has the right to molest you. To girls, nobody has the right to touch you inappropriately. Boys must be boys but real boys don’t molest ladies. You show your strength on good character. When you stand to talk in your class, everybody will respect you, including your teachers.”

Rights of gunshot victims

A Superintendent of Police (SP), Joseph Egwuonwu, of the Community Policing Desk at the Lagos State Command, who said he had been following efforts on the implementation of the Gunshot Victims Act 2017, said such victims had a right to be treated and to medication  by hospitals and doctors.

Egwuonwu explained that Police Stations were established for people whose rights were violated to lodge complaints.

“All of us are not bad. There are good police officers among us. Police officers are taught how to relate with the public. The society cannot do without the police.”

Respect the rights of each other

Assistant Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs Yetunde Ajayi explained that the office was created to offer free legal services to indigents and vulnerable residents.

Ajayi said the rights of children under the age of 18 were protected under the Child Rights Law, adding that children also have responsibilities under the law, not to beat or assault fellow students.”

“When you are under 18, you can’t give consent to any advance from anybody. It is inappropriate. Respect each others right and be your brother’s keeper”, she advised.

 

Rights to be safe on the roads

Assistant Route Commander, RS2.1A Costain Outpost, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Akhabue Sylvester explained that officers of the commission are on the roads to enforce the rights of commuters and other road users to safe roads and free passage of ways.

 

Human rights trainees

The event marked the graduation ceremony of Course 20 members numbering about 25 who received training on human rights while pupils of Green Olives Private School, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos treated the audience to traditional performances.

 

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has elected new council and executive committee members.

The election was a highlight of the 20th Annual General Meeting of the association held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sixty new members were inducted at the meeting.

Those elected to serve on the Council for two years are Dr. Bolanle Adebola, Mrs. Essien Miannaya Aja (SAN), Ms. Efosa Ewere, Godwin Omoaka (SAN), Femi Ojumu, Olugbenga Biobaku and Dr. Adebola Olubanjo.

Chief Chris Okunowo and Prof. Godwin Oyedokun were re-elected.

The erstwhile executive committee, led by Prof. Fidelis Oditah (QC, SAN), handed over to the new exco.

Mr. Richard Ayodele Akintunde (SAN), was elected President; Mr. C. V. C. Ihekweazu (SAN) was elected Vice-President, while Mr Folorunsho Albert is the First Deputy Vice-President.

Mr. Abiodun Aribiyi is the Second Deputy Vice-President; Mr. Okorie Kalu was elected General Secretary; Mrs. Bolanle Alao is the Treasurer and Mr Johnson Agwu is the Assistant General Secretary.

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In his inaugural speech, Akintunde thanked Oditah for his exceptional service to the association.

He promised to consolidate on the achievements of the past executive committee.

The SAN promised to improve on the members’ experience by revamping the BRIPAN website and make the association technology-driven, socially connected and more responsive to the needs of its members.

He plans to create a Young Members Group to enable the association tap into the huge potential and vibrancy of young practitioners.

Akintunde said the new executive committee will constructively engage with the regulators such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal High Court to enable members have a better customer experience.

He said the new exco will promote strategic partnerships with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), developmental agencies, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in the interest of the association, members and the growth of the insolvency profession.

The Learned Silk also promised to revamp the Basic Support Group and move the association to a new secretariat.