The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Hate speech: Conduct public hearing before passing bill, says Tambuwal

    By John Austin Unachukwu

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged the National Assembly to follow due process and conduct public hearing before passing the bill on hate speech.

    Answering questions from journalists, Tambuwal said a public hearing on the bill will enable lawmakers aggregate the views of Nigerians.

    He said: “I’m not sure I have heard any governor come out to say he is in support of the death penalty for hate speech.

    “I believe that the National Assembly should hold a public hearing on that bill, so that due process of lawmaking is followed.

    “This is so that the views of Nigerians, not just the governors, will be well captured on that bill and they (National Assembly) should respect the views of Nigerians in whatever may be the direction of debate and the eventual passage or otherwise of that bill.”

    The Senate, had on Tuesday last week, introduced the hate speech bill, which among others, prescribed death by hanging as the maximum punishment for certain categories of offenders.

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Edun, had cautioned the Senate to “tread carefully” with the bill.

    He had said, “We, therefore, strongly advise that the Senate should tread carefully on this bill.

    “Section 39(3) of the Constitution makes it mandatory that no law can abrogate the rights of Nigerians to exercise their right to freedom of speech, except if such a law can be reasonably justified in a democratic society.

    “Can a hate bill be reasonably justified in a democratic society?”

    Meanwhile, reacting to the judgment of Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal which affirmed his victory at the polls, Governor Tambuwal has called on members of the opposition to joined hands with him to run an all-inclusive government.

    A release signed Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor Muhammad Bello reads that: Tambuwal stated this shortly after the Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto upheld his election as the duly elected governor of the state.

    Read Also: Hate speech bill: respect views of Nigerians, Governors tell NASS 

     

    The  release stated Justice Hussaini Muhtar, who read the lead judgement  on behalf of three other members of the panel, dismissed the six grounds of appeals filed by the gubernatorial candidate of APC and upheld the judgement of the electoral petitions tribunal.

    “The governor while dedicating his victory to God urged people of the state to intensify prayers for continuous peace and prosperity of the state.

    He also appealed to the people of the state to join hands with him in the project of its continuous building.

    The governor reminded the opposition that power belongs to God who gives it to whom he desires reminding them that “we have no other state but Sokoto, so the task of building it belongs to all of us.

    He expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support and sustained prayers for the success of his administration.

    The governor also pledged the commitment of the state to the implementation of the minimum wage and improved welfare of workers.

    “Various state governments have been engaging with their branches of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I’m sure it is a work in progress.

    “Before December, all the states must have finished working out the details on the issue of the minimum wage across the federation.

    “We are very much committed to the welfare and well-being of our workforce and therefore, we shall continue to ensure that we do our best on what needs to be done”, he said.

    In a related development, governors of the states of the federation have expressed their readiness to conclude negotiations with labour unions on the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage before the December 31 deadline.

    The governors spoke at the end of their seventh meeting in Abuja, which was presided over by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF ), Governor Tambuwal.

    At the meeting, the governors said they are committed to working with the Independent Verification Agent to ensure that the APA process did not experience delay.

    The forum, among other resolutions, also expressed commitment to the initiative to advance value added activities in agriculture, access to finance and women economic development.

  • Lagos Judiciary Staff Union gets new executives

    By Adebisi Onanuga

    Lagos State Judiciary Staff from the five judicial divisions converged at the Ikeja High Court premises last week to elect new executives to run the affairs of  their union, the Lagos State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)  for the next four years.

    The campaign and  election for the positions were fought on two principal platforms, the  Omoluabi Team and the Pillars Team.

    At the end of the exercise which commenced at 3.00p.m. till about  7.45p.m.  Kehinde Shobowale of Pillars Team was declared the winner with 388 votes to become the new Chairman of JUSUN in the state.

    He narrowly defeated Mr Taofeek Gbadebo of the Omoluabi Team, who got 382 votes.

    Mrs Adenike Ogunnaike was elected the union’s Vice-Chairman; Adesanya Damilare, Assistant Secretary; while Mrs Olorunfunmilayo Oloyede emerged the Treasurer.

    Read Also: Reps move for Judiciary reforms

     

    Others are the Public relation Officer (PRO), Jide Awesu; Financial Secretary, Adeleke Olaoluwa; Assistant Financial Secretary, Onabajo Damilola;Organizing Secretary, Olododo Joseph; Auditor, Folorunsho Kehinde and Legal Adviser, Ali Emmanuel.

    Addressing the judiciary staff at the event, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Aloba, praised the peaceful conduct of the election.

    The chief judge, who was represented by Mr Sanusi Kamar, Director of Finance and Human Resources of the Lagos State Judiciary, pledged support for staff of the Lagos State Judiciary.

    He urged them to work hard and pursue excellence in their various fields, promising that their welfare would remain important to the judiciary.

    In his acceptance speech, the new JUSUN Chairman, Shobowale, promised not to let down the judiciary.

    Shobowale said that he would work hard to deliver all his electoral promises.

     

  • ‘How Federal Competition, Consumer Protection Act can succeed’

    By Chiamaka Onwuchekwa

    LAWYERS have warned that unless the Federal Competition, Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) is amended, it will continue to hamper the growth of the oil and gas industry or restrict expansion plans of participants in the industry.

    Kadijah Yusuf and Folashade Oluyadi (both senior associates at Olaniwun Ajayi), Jonathan Aluju, Managing Associate at Olaniwun Ajayi and Marc Israel, Partner White & Case LLP made the call in Lagos.

    They spoke at a forum organised by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (Seplat), in partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP and London-based, White & Case Law LLP.

    They identitified critical factors necessary for the successful implementation of FCCPA in the oil and gas industry.

    The Act, which is a codified set of rules signed into law in January 2019, established the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.

    It was enacted for the promotion of competition in the Nigerian markets at all levels to eliminate monopolies, prohibit abuse of a dominant market position and to penalise other unethical restrictive trade and business practices.

    Delivering the opening address at the forum organised by Seplat, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Austin Avuru, stressed Seplat’s strong regard for compliance and strict adherence to Corporate Governance ethos in the industry.

    According to him, Seplat remains very concerned about its current and future business environment in the country and will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for good laws that will positively impact businesses, especially in the oil and gas industry.

    Avuru said: “As an organisation, Seplat is at the forefront of understanding, practising and advocating proper compliance and corporate governance principles. In these areas, we lead from the front line.

    “We have put together this event to draw attention to the gaps in this Act, with a view to getting stakeholders to accommodate the peculiarities of the oil and gas industry in future reviews of the Act.”

    General Counsel at Seplat, Dr. Mirian Kachikwu expressed optimism that continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders will not only address grey areas in the FCCPA, but also inform possible amendments as may be relevant for businesses in the country, especially in the oil and gas space.

    Read Also: NCC reassures customers of protection

     

    Kachikwu said: “Seplat organised this policy dialogue to create ample awareness and enlighten key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector about the challenges that the new law could have on the smooth operation of the industry. The goal is to work with the regulator and government to shed light on grey areas.”

    In his key note address,  the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, said: “The oil and gas industry in Nigeria is peculiar in many respects, both in terms of the legal and regulatory framework. The industry is particularly sensitive therefore if players in the industry notify of the need to make changes to a clause in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to effect the necessary change.”

    In the oil and gas industry, the FCCPA provides guidelines on the maximum amount of funds that can be raised by oil and gas companies; how collaborative bidding should be done and other important matters that directly affect the oil and gas industry. In particular, the Act stipulates that the FCCP Commission’s oversight over mergers extends to Joint Ventures, which are critical to the oil and gas sector.

    It was attended by Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, President, Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), representatives of companies including Shell Petroleum Exploration and Production Company, Platform Petroleum, Oando, First E&P, Petrobras Nigeria, among others.

  • Ogun CJ to the Bar, Bench: Live a worthy life

    By Adebisi Onanuga

     

    Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has enjoined  members of the bar and bench to live a worthy life and emulate the late Justice Solomon Olufunso Sodeke (rtd), who she said served the state diligently and best of his knowledge while alive.

    Justice  Dipeolu gave this admonition at a special court session in honour of late Justice  Sodeke (rtd), held at new High Court Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.

    She described  Justice Sodeke as “a jurist per excellence” and “a man of integrity” whose commitment to the administration of justice  was second to none.

    The chief Judge noted that the state judiciary and the legal profession as a whole, has indeed lost a great legal mind, an invaluable gem and jurist.

    “There is no gainsaying the fact that this erudite legal icon lived a life worthy of emulation and I enjoin everyone here present to weep not at his demise but rather celebrate his life and the worthy legacies he left behind”, Justice Dipeolu said.

    She added that Justice Sodeke was “ a role model, an incorruptible Judge and a gentleman per excellence”, stressing, “ his Lordship was a very thorough Judge who would not leave a stone unturned.

    “I will personally miss his amiable and radiating personae, his life was a gift to the legal profession particularly to the state judiciary and indeed to humanity. Also, his Lordship’s dexterity and knowledge of law was obvious to all, and was especially evident in his judgment”, Dipeolu added

    The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (BOSAN)represented by Sola  Ojutalayo (SAN) remarked that death was a path all mortals must trudge whether voluntarily or involuntarily; it is a visitor we must all receive at a point in our existence willingly or unwillingly’’.

    Read Also: Ogun Judiciary to go digital, says Abiodun

     

    He said the late Justice Sodeke was a thorough bred judicial officer who was forged in the crucibles of private practice and public service, saying that he also excelled on the Bench where he dispensed justice with discernible ease and uncanny erudition.

    He recalled that Justice Sodeke presided over various matters with finesse and candor; without fear of the power that be or favour of associates and friends even at a time when access to justice was mere political slogan on the lips of tyrants who held the reins of power under military rule of that era.

    “Even though His Lordship has left this sinful world, his legacies will continue to speak for him. These legacies are his good name, his integrity, transparency, good nature, good deeds and his children amongst others”, Ojutalayo said

    Also, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly said that the late Justice was “urbane in outlook, princely in carriage, regal in communication, diligent in the discharge of his enormous responsibilities and truly decorous and honourable in conduct and disposition”.

    He added that His Lordship was indeed a perfect gentleman who would be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have crossed his path, urging the members of the Bar and Bench to emulate or take a cue from the late jurist.

     

  • Suenu chieftaincy family takes over Abebe village on court order

    By Adebisi Onanuga

    The Suenu Chieftaincy family of Lagos, has taken possession of a  large portion of Abebe Village lands, Iganmu, measuring about 6.531 acres, within Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos State.

    The take-over followed a consent judgment by Justice Abdulfattah Lawal of the Lagos State High Court on July 10, 2017 in suit number LD/1170GCMW/2015.

    The judgment was based on an agreement between the Suenu Chieftaincy family and its primary tenant, United African Company (UAC).

    Suenu Chieftaincy Family represented by Chief Omogbolahan A. N. Durosimi, Qudus O. Suenu, Shakirudeen Yussuf  Samisideen O. Ogungbadero and Mohammed M. Durosimi had through a Writ of Summons dated September 23, 2015 filed against U.A.C. Nigeria Plc and Registrar of Title, Lagos State, contested ownership of the large expanse of land of Iganmu Village.

    Parties were involved in an out of court settlement on the matter in dispute which gave rise to the agreement and subsequent consent judgment of the court.

    Sequel to the January 24, 2017 terms of settlement between the parties, Justice Lawal in his judgment delivered July 10, 2017 but signed on July 12, 2019.

    The court  held: “by virtue of terms of settlement dated 24, January, 2017, the claimant and the first defendant agreed to settle the issue raised in the suit on the conditions stipulated in said terms and which terms were pronounced upon by this Honourable Court as the judgement of the Court on 10th July, 2017”.

    Read Also: Assets forfeiture: Court orders govt to notify Maina’s father, others

     

    The Suenu Chieftaincy Family on September 23, 2019, based on Justice Lawal’s judgment on the land,  in a motion ex-parte, approached Justice M. O. Obadina’s Court for the enforcement of the judgment.

    In granting the ex-parte motion by the claimants, Justice Obadina held: “upon the application dated 23rd day of  September, 2019, coming before this honourable court to be heard on behalf of the claimants/judgment creditors/applicants.

    “And upon reading the affidavit in support of the motion of Samisideen Olaseni Ogungbadero, Secretary to Suenu Chieftaincy Family, sworn to and filed at the High Court Registry, on 26th day of September, 2019 and after hearing G. C. Nwosu of counsel to the judgment creditors/applicants.

    “It is hereby ordered as prayed, leave is granted, the applicants to execute the judgment of the Honourable Court delivered in this suit on 13th March, 2017.

    “Order is granted issuing warrant of execution of the said judgment”.

    Speaking to the journalists prior to the execution the judgement on Tuesday, the Judgment Executor, Otunba Tomori Williams, who narrated how Suenu Chieftaincy family became the owner of the land in the 19th Century and which was given to them by Olooto Royal Family.

    Williams also related how the part of the land was leased to U.A.C upon approaching the family in 1947 and 1952 adding,  “after sometimes UAC which had been having unhindered possession till today, stopped, failed and refused to pay the statutory leasehold agreement to Suenu Chieftaincy family”.

    Williams stated that  the failure and refusal of UAC to pay statutory leasehold agreement on the land, forced Suenu Chieftaincy family to approach the court and instituted the suit.

    He said said UAC entered out-of-court settlement with the family and agreement eventually reached became the consent judgment of the court which he was empowered to execute.

    He also stated: “the said property in question is not a subject of any other litigation. The Suenu Chieftaincy Family has had  unhindered possession of the land through the people they leased it to, primarily, UAC, Nigerian Properties Company and others as at date”.

  • About Olori Sekinat, Queen Hadiza

    Who says only weekends are meant for ‘owanbes’? The remembrance ceremony of Oba Yekini Elegushi was not held on Friday or Saturday, yet it was star-studded.

    Kudos should be given to Olori Sekina, the first wife of Oba Saheed Elegushi, for ensuring that everyone had a nice time. The party was divided into two parts. While a ceremony was held outside the palace for the community, there was another private party inside the palace for close friends of the king.  Guests were forced to eat more than a meal and the drinks refused to finish.

    Despite the enormous task before her, the Olori didn’t look overwhelmed and she still had the time to party with guests and exchange greetings.

    Elegushi’s new wife, Queen Hadiza, was also at the party. Even though many guests wanted to get a close look at her, she was less active. It was later leant that the event made it the first time she would step into the palace. This could better explain why she stayed calm, allowing Sekinat to run the show.

  • Adesegun Oniru moves on

    Prince Adesegun Oniru didn’t miss out of the fun presented by the remembrance ceremony of Oba Yekini Elegushi.

    Although the death of his father, Oba Idowu Oniru, was a big loss to him and his siblings, Adesegun seems to have to move on with life. When the king passed on, it was leant that Adesegun struggled to deal with it. He was really close with his father and shared exciting memories with him.

    Meanwhile, there are reports that he is also eyeing the tool of his father, who joined his ancestors in September.

  • Tonye Ibiama’s football competition

    Tamunotonye Ibiama’s name may not ring a loud bell but he has helped a lot of youths in a way or the other by investing in music, sports and security.

    As the Chief Executive Officer of Grafton Entertainment, he has used his resources to help artistes like Mr 2kay. These artistes are not signed to his record company again but he still has a good rapport with them.

    He has decided to invest more in sports as Grafton Entertainment is partnering Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to discover sporting talents in Niger Delta and groom them to become international stars. Already, a football tournament has commenced in Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State.

    Reacting to the development, Tonye said: “This is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the NLNG. Apart from giving back to the community, we also want to create a lucrative world of football. There is an abundance of talents on the Island who are waiting to be developed and our task is to discover and groom them. We are also working with local scouts and administrators, and I can assure you that this is the beginning of an exciting era in the annals of our sports.”

  • Burial date picked for MKO’s doctor, Falomo

    The National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is one of the many people who have mourned the death of Dr Ore Falomo, the late personal doctor of Chief MKO Abiola.

    Largely seen as an activist who also fought for the revalidation of June 12, Falomo died early Saturday morning, November 9, in Lagos, after an illness.

    The late doctor will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 28, at Ebony Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos. The burial service will be held at African Bethlehem Cathedral Church, Ebute Meta, Lagos, while a reception ceremony will take place in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Earlier also, there will be a service of songs for him at Saint Nicolas Specialist Hospital, Anthony, Lagos, on Tuesday, November 26, and on Wednesday, November 27, a wake keep service at Christ Church Parish, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gbagada, Lagos.

  • All hail Access Bank’s new board chairman, Awosika

    At a time, the banking industry in Nigeria is dominated by men. But that is not the story any longer as women are now giving men a run for their money.

    On Tuesday, Access Bank Plc announced that Mrs Ajoritsedere Awosika would be taking over from Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga as the new chairman of its board. Social Circuit gathered that Olusoga had done well in the position since she took charge in July 2015 but she would retire next year.

    Awosika didn’t just walk into the position. She has been an independent non-executive director at Access Bank Plc since April 2013. She has also served on several committees, including her role as the vice chairman of the board Credit and Finance Committee.

    Before joining the bank, she was an accomplished public administrator who served as a Permanent Secretary in three different ministries – Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Power. She currently serves as the chairman of the board of Chams Plc and Josephine Consulting Limited.

    Awosika holds a doctorate degree in Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Bradford. She is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy.