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  • NLC: Sanusi isn’t convincing on N5,000 note

    NLC: Sanusi isn’t convincing on N5,000 note

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday described the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s plan to introduce N5000 note as a euphemism to formalise devaluation of the  currency.

    The union called for the democratisation of the appointment of the Central Bank governor.

    The union’s Vice President, Comrade Issa Aremu, spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. He said Sanusi does not know you can’t win the argument without winning the heart of the people. He is winning the argument without convincing the people. He must learn to manage reform, but short therapy approach to reform is unhelpful.

    His words: “CBN has a right and autonomy to manage the country’s monetary policy, but there is a disconnect between the exercise of the autonomy and the broad wishes of the Nigerian people.

    “The introduction of N5000  note is the least resistant monetary policy, it is not bold. All the policy is doing is to legitimise and formalise the devaluation of Naira. When actually the bold policy of the CBN is to make sure that the value of the Naira is strengthened rather allow free fall of Naira. Naira has devalued more under Lamido Sanusi.

     

  • Jonathan challenges Judiciary

    Jonathan challenges Judiciary

    The Judiciary  has been urged to embark on a comprehensive reform  to enhance capacity, efficiency and productivity.

    President Goodluck Jonathan spoke  at the opening of a Federal High Court, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital yesterday. He  said this was one of the challenges the Judiciary has to overcome.

    Represented by Akwa Ibom  State  Governor Godswill Akpabio, the president challenged the Federal Court to meet the demands of prompt justice administration and strenghten the faith of Nigerians in the Judiciary.

    Jonathan said: ‘’It is the sacred duty of the Judiciary to help ensure stability within the polity through the promotion of the Rule of Law, strict guardianship of the Constitution, and constant and unfailing application of the principles of justice. The Judiciary cannot afford to compromise the essential principles set out in our Constitution to ensure justice for all Nigerians irrespective of their political disposition, tribe and race.

    ‘’One issue of constant concern to all our compatriots is that the wheel of justice, still grinds rather slowly in our courts. It is instructive, however, that the Federal High Court, has committed itself to turning the wheel faster and this we applaud and hope you will devote time to in your conference. Rest assured that we are prepared to support all efforts to enhance the dispensation of justice.”

  • How INEC can conduct fair polls in 2015, by Opadokun

    How INEC can conduct fair polls in 2015, by Opadokun

    •CODER chief urges implementation of Uwais Report

     

    For Nigeria to avoid future electoral disaster, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be repositioned, pro-democracy activist, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, has said.

    Opadokun who is the Coordinator of Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), said INEC under the leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega may be an obstacle to free and fair elections in the country, unless urgent steps are taken to prevent the looming disaster.

    He told reporters in Lagos that the electoral process has not been sanitised in the country.

    Recalling that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who acknowledged that the 2007 poll was flawed, set up the Uwais Committee to make suggestions on electoral reforms, he lamented that the report was thrown into the dustbin.

    Opadokun said: “I have my doubt about the bonafide of Prof. Attahuru Jega to preside over a credible electoral umpire. When he was nominated, despite the hailing by the leadership and their collaborators, I told Nigerians that Attahiru Jega could not be trusted and that he should not be hailed as the messiah that would conduct free and fair election in the country. This has been confirmed by what is happening in that body.

    “I was disappointed that President Goodluck Jonathan nominated him. He was a member of the Electoral Reforms Committee led by Justice Mohammed Uwais, which recommended that no sitting executive, President or governor should appoint the electoral umpire that will supervise election in which he, his party or candidate will participate. If I was part of a committee that made that such recommendation, I will not be willing to accept, even if I was offered, the appointment through the wrong procedure and that is what Attahiru Jega has done”.

    Opadokun said Jega was offered the appointment through the back door, adding that his acceptance of the offer contradicted his gentlemanliness and his claim to any principled stand. He alleged that, since he took over as the INEC boss, he had taken some suspicious steps.

    He added: “Because of the international focus on Nigeria’s electoral misfortune, European Union, United States of America and a number of development partners did a lot of capacity building for INEC. But what was the result? N80 billion for computerised voters’ register. Do we have such a register now that is foolproof? He cannot deceive us”.

    The pro-democracy crusader said INEC’s capacity to hold credible elections has been in doubt, recalling that, if non-governmental organisations and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the governor of Edo State, had not openly castigated Jega, the result of governorship election in the state would have been a  different ball game.

    Opadokun said electoral materials were not available in some places where information confirmed that majority of people were ready to vote for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He said it would have been catastrophic, if the scenario occurred in a general election.

    The CODER chief also accused INEC of nepotism, saying that major and critical departments were being headed by people from the far North. He doubted if an agency with that baggage would be able to conduct free and fair polls.

    Opadokun added: “It has now been revealed that Jega wrote a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation, requesting him to explain state if he was the accounting officer of INEC. The Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke replied that, given the state of extant rules and laws governing INEC, Jega as the chief executive officer is not the accounting officer of INEC.

    “Jega is lobbying the National Assembly so that he can be the one that will be appointing the resident electoral commissioners, not the President. I don’t know what that means to you. But I see it from his perspective of lust for power; power to be in charge of resources and the likes. Majority of Nigerians complained against Maurice Iwu. What is now being witnessed in that place is not different”.

    Opadokun called for the full implementation of the Uwais Report, which he described as a significant milestone, assuring that it would lead to free and fair elections inn the country.

     

  • Group to Jonathan: Deliver on your campaign promises

    Group to Jonathan: Deliver on your campaign promises

    The Foundation for Integration in Nigeria (FIN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to deliver on his electoral promises.

    In a communiqué  at the end of its Executive Meeting held at the weekend in Abuja and signed by its National President,  John Aide, the group said:  “We urge President Jonathan to deliver on his campaign promises in all its ramification to Nigerians or forget 2015 as Nigerians will decide his fate through the ballot.

    “The continued culture of corruption and the brazenness with which it is practiced is killing the economy of the country. Corruption is an enemy of development. Government should be sincere in its fight against corruption.”

    On the state of insecurity, it appealed to the Armed Forces and Northern leaders to live up to their responsibility .

    The communique reads: “We urge the Northern leaders to collaborate with the Federal Government to stop the menace of the bombing being perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorist group and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. They should live up to their responsibilities by providing security to our facilities

    “We urge the political leaders who suffer from verbal diarrhea to stop making divisive/undemocratic utterances to allow President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to perform.”

    The group also rejected the plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce N5000 note.

    “We condemn and reject the plan to introduce 5,000 Naira note and the change of the 5, 10 and 20 Naira notes to coins as this will cause inflation and raise the cost of goods and services to the ordinary masses of this country.

    “This great nation is bigger than any individual. We call on Nigerians not to be despaired but rather keep hope alive for the help of God and the collective active commitment of the people will bring about positive changes in Nigeria.”

  • Reason behind slow trial of ex-governors’

    Reason behind slow trial of ex-governors’

    CORRUPTION, not dearth of judges is behind the slow trial of former governors and prominent Nigerians, a civil society organisation – the Nigerian Voters Assembly, said yesterday.

    The organisation, in a statement by its President, Mashood Erubami, yesterday faulted claims by the panel of judges that insufficient judges and investigators as well as manual methods of handling judicial procedures are responsible for the delay in dispensing the cases involving such individuals.

    It stated that the country has enough laws and judges to try corruption cases where the political will is there to do justice, saying that there are well-trained investigators in addition to the courts and judges but that their effectiveness is allegedly due to an unholy alliance between the government and the court.

    The statement reads: “Contrary to the reasons given by the National Judicial Policy Committee on why the trial of some ex-governors, ministers and other Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) is slow, saying that inadequacy of judges, dearth of trained investigator and prosecutors was responsible, corruption is really at the root of the dragging.

    “The reluctance of government at all levels to make scape goats of those that are politically exposed, is one good reason why those who steal and should be prosecuted and put behind bars are walking free on the streets without shame.”

    Citing the example of the corruption case against former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, the Voters Assembly said while Ibori escaped justice in Nigeria, it did not take the judiciary of the United Kingdom (UK) a long time to bring the former governor and his accomplices to book.

    “How many years did it take the London metropolitan police and the courts in England to investigate and bring ex-governor James Ibori and his accomplices to account?

    “How many times has the same convicted Ibori escaped justices in Nigeria before he was finally nailed in London – a country where the law rules?

    “Trend of politics in Nigeria have revealed that the list of politically exposed persons in Nigeria has remained and lengthening by the day, yet none of them has been seriously convicted.

    “The Nigeria laws are being continuously misinterpreted infavour of fraudsters why innocent Nigeria continues to suffer degradation and monumental” poverty as a result.

    “It has been further revealed that the main reason why all the Chief Judges from the states were made members of the committee as now revealed and it was to prepare the ground for soft landing of most of the Graft Masters who in the first instance appointed most of the Chief Judges in their various states.

    “It is therefore unfortunate that this is the way corruption is seen by the panel and is recommended to be dealt with.

    “The incapacity of the judicial system to dispose of cases of corruption speedily is now better explained by the increasing bribery funds being credited into the account of judges to subvert the course of justice.” The statement added.

    The Voters Assembly also faulted the statistics to support the dearth of judges in Nigeria, saying not all 160 million Nigerians are criminal or have cases in court at the same time.

    “The statistics of 4000 judges to 160 million Nigerians as given by the judicial policy committee is a fraud because not all 160 million Nigerians are criminal and would be criminal at the constant rate of criminalities in Nigeria.

    “Therefore, if the statistics of 4000 judges is placed on the number of real criminals in Nigeria it will reveal the indolence of some judges and the level of corruption alliance between some judges, the prosecutors, investigators and the criminals which have been responsible for the slow adjudication process and triumphs of darkness over the light of justice.” The statement argued.

    On the remedies suggested by the panel, the group said: “The remedy as suggested by the committee is not in the adoption of alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism, because crime of corruption is not a civil matter; it is a crime which must be resolved in favour of the victim through diligent prosecution and just sentencing.

    “Suggesting non-adversarial approach and alternative dispute resolution as an option to resolve criminal cases like corruption is a deliberate attempt to suplantant justice and detain justice.

    “There have been over whelming evidence adduced before the various courts hearing these corruption cases but due to deliberate indulgent prosecution by the EFCC and ICPC prosecutors and unnecessary but conscious long adjournment by some of the judges, which has help to the case drag creating the doubt about the capacity of the judicial system to hear and dispose of the cases as speedily as possible. This obviously has put the integrity and reliability of the judiciary at stake as justice delayed is justice denied.

    “What the country needs is a special court headed by known upright Nigeria Judges serving or retired to speed up the prosecution of the corrupt in the society, so that the victims of corruption and financial crimes can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

  • Boko Haram: Bloody days in Kano, Borno, Bauchi

    Boko Haram: Bloody days in Kano, Borno, Bauchi

    -20 die in clashes -JTF: sect’s kingpin killed

     

    Guns boomed in some parts of the North on Sunday and yesterday.

    Twenty people were killed in clashes in Kano and the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

    Gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect stormed Bauchi, killing nine people on Sunday night.

    In Maiduguri, a gun duel between men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Boko Haram men led to the death of 10 gunmen. Some JTF members were injured and  some houses burnt down.

    Yesterday, the JTF in Kano claimed to have killed a kingpin of Boko Haram (western education is a sin). It also declared two members of the sect arrested.

    Sources close to the Kano JTF said it killed Abu Qaqa, the Boko Haram spokesman, in Kano after which two others with him were arrested, but the sect had not reacted as at last night.

    A JTF official said Boko Haram spokesman and commander of its members in Kogi State were shot dead at a checkpoint at Mariri, Kano. The official said the men had come to Kano to seek medical attention for the spokesman’s wife, the BBC reported.

    Boko Haram has staged numerous attacks across the North, killing some 1,400 people.

    The military has previously claimed to have arrested Abul Qaqa, but this was denied by Boko Haram officials who said a wrong man had been detained.

    The JTF said it stopped a car suspected to be carrying some senior Boko Haram commanders in Kano.

    A source close to the military said one of the people in the car tried to escape and was shot. He died in the hospital.

    The source said some of the people in the car informed the military that the person shot was Abu Qaqa, the man who signs emails sent to the media on behalf of the group.

    Abu Qaqa is believed to be an alias. So, establishing his identity will not be easy.

    The woman who was with them allegedly told security forces that the man killed was Abul Qaqa.

    Statements are often issued on behalf of Boko Haram in the name of Abul Qaqa, and someone identifying himself by that name has regularly held telephone conferences with reporters in Maiduguri.

    Earlier this year, security sources said a suspect believed to be Abul Qaqa had been arrested.

    At the time, a purported Boko Haram member confirmed one of the group’s high-ranking members was arrested, but refuted reports that the detained person was its spokesman.Boko Haram has been blamed for more than 1,400 deaths in the North.

    The group’s attacks have grown increasingly deadly and sophisticated, including suicide bombings at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Abuja, the Police Headquarters and the Abuja office of ThisDay.

    JTF spokesman Lt. Ikedechi Iweha said an early morning operation was carried out in Hotoro Quarters.

    According to him, the suspects were raided and arrested following a tip-off from intelligence sources at an identified residential home in Hotoro Quarters.

    Asked whether one of the arrested suspects could be identified as Abu Qaqa, Lt. Iweha said, “All I know is that two people were arrested and I don’t know their rank. Therefore, I cannot know whether it is Abu Qaqa or not.”

    He said the suspects would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.

    The killing and the arrest of the two suspected Boko Haram members came barely 24 hours after gunmen believed to be members of the sect killed a Civil Defence Corps officer, alongside his wife, daughter and a visitor in his Hotoro Quarters home.

    Nine people were killed in Bauchi also on Sunday night.

    Governor Isa Yuguda yesterday condemned the killings and the wounding of 15 others in an attack on people at Zango in the Bauchi metropolis.

    The injured are receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

    Yuguda described the attack as an act of terrorism.

    His Chief Press Secretary Mr. Ishola Michael Adeyemi, spoke on his behalf in a statement.

    Yuguda said: “There is no way we will allow criminals and terrorists to continue living among us, terrorising innocent people. We must partner to stop these heinous acts.”

    The governor noted that terrorists’ acts are not directed at one direction because of religion, tribe and or political inclination, but every citizen is made a target. “We must come together to fight these evil men. They live among us and we must expose them at all cost. These wanton killings must stop now.”

    He added: “Let us allow security operatives to do their work and track down the criminals. We should please avoid anything that will lead to the loss of more lives and disrupt the peace that we are enjoying in the state.”

    The gunmen, operating on a tricycle (Keke NAPEP), opened fire on a group of people at Zango, at the Federal Housing Estate in Bauchi while they were relaxing.

    No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack that took place a few metres from where an Islamic group, the Kala-Kato, staged a revolt in February 2009.

    Security in the area and in the state capital has been tightened. Bauchi Police spokesman ASP Auyo confirmed the killings.

    In Borno State, no fewer than 10 people died on Sunday night during the exchange of gun fire between men of the JTF and some suspected terrorists.

    Some houses were also set on fire. The gun duel ensued after a bomb explosion in Gwange ward of the Maiduguri Metropolis around 8:30am.

    An eyewitness, Mallam Usman Abdullahi, said: “An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by some terrorists targeting a security patrol vehicle in Gwange Ward, exploded, injuring two JTF men.

    Abdullahi said: “Soon after the explosion, gunshots ensued, but the JTF after repelling the attack, quickly cordoned off the area.

    “I cannot say whether those killed were innocent people or the houses which were set ablaze belong to the suspected terrorists, but all I saw with my eyes was that some bodies littered the streets on Monday morning, even as some houses were still burning,” Adbulahi said.

    A hospital attendant at the State Specialist Hospital, who does not want his name mentioned, said he saw two patrol vehicles of the JTF with bodies, adding that each of the vehicle carried five bodies. This was yesterday morning. He said they came to deposit bodies of those believed to be killed terrorist.

    Also on Sunday evening at about 8:45pm, some gunmen  and injured a business man and  top ANPP stakeholder in Yobe State, Alhaji Mustapha Sheriff Mashidimami.

    It was gathered that the gunmen who invaded the family house of the politician in Damboa road in Maiduguri, demanded some unspecified amount of money, but when they were not able to get their demands from the business man, they shot and injured him before they fled.

    JTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa and police spokesman Gideon Jibrin could not be reached because of lack of communication networks being experienced in the state for the past one week.

    A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Chris Alli yesterday said that for Nigeria to overcome the insurgency of Boko Haram, it must design its operations in a way that will make it impossible for members of the sect to have contacts with indigenes of communities.

    Gen. Alli canvassed a change of policy and setting up of operational command bases under the command of the President in areas prone to Boko Haram attacks.

    He spoke in Benin City yesterday at the 80th birthday celebration by Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia. He delivered a lecture on the topic: “Reshaping the Nigerian Army Changing Security Environment.”

    The former Chief of Army Staff called for the establishment of a foreign unit to monitor Boko Haram interaction with terrorists operating outside Nigeria.

    He said: “Activities of Boko Haram in the Northern part of Nigeria have become a major security threat, as the sect pursues an extremist ideology seeking to establish an absolute Islamic State starting with Borno State.

    “The sect’s objective is to destroy the present democratic practices and impose its own brand of government.’

    Gen. Alli urged the government to provide medical services and basic amenities to individuals affected by Boko Haram activities as well as providing services that Boko Haram could not provide.

    He noted that Nigeria Army cannot execute many of its tasks because it lacks “significant airlift and sealift capabilities.”

    He said ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria could have been well managed by the police if not for the teeming jobless youths and proliferation of arms.

  • Soyinka on Bakassi: people must decide where to belong

    Soyinka on Bakassi: people must decide where to belong

    •79th birthday lecture for Braithwaite holds in Lagos

    Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday flayed the Federal Government for trading off the disputed Bakassi Peninsula without regard for the wishes and interests of the people.

    He said the controversy has not ended because the inhabitants, who were not consulted, were seriously injured, pointing out that the United Nations has respect for the people’s dignity and  feelings.

    Soyinka also spoke on the evils of capitalism, berating the state, which he described as an entrepreneurial arm of the society, for creating inequitable relationship between workers and employers of labour.

    The eminent scholar delivered a lecture in Lagos titled: “Corporate gains and human deficits”. The public lecture organised by a non-governmental organisation, ‘Women Arise’, was part of activities marking the 79th birthday of the revolutionary lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite. The event, which held at the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja and chaired by Prof Akin Oyebode, was witnessed by former Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Mr. Yinusa Tanko, rights activists Debo Adeniran, Mallam Shetima Yerima, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, Mr. Femi Kuti and Yeni Kuti.

    Braithwaite, who was accompanied by his medical doctor -wife, Simisola, cut his birthday cake, amid cheers by well-wishers.

    Former University of Ado-Ekiti Vice Chancellor Prof. Oyebode hailed the decision of the group, led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, to honour Braithwaite, stressing that it is better to celebrate heroes when they are still alive. Paying tribute to the celebrator, the legal scholar observed that, despite his noble birth, he joined the struggle for the liberation of the masses.

    Dr. Okei-Odumakin described the celebrator as a great activist, legal surgeon, role model and lifewire of the rights movement, adding that he is a man of constant conscience.

    Soyinka revisited the Bakassi Peninsula controversy, saying that it is a testing ground for corporate integrity. He lamented that the disputed settlement in Cross River State was traded off between Nigeria and Cameroun.

    The retired university don doubted if the wishes, feelings and interests of the people were considered by the International Court of Justice sitting in The Hague, Netherlands. He said the attachment to the land by the displaced people superseded the government’s desire to trade off the settlement.

    Soyinka rejected the argument of stakeholders that military action could resolve the hurdle, warning that it could herald protracted litigations.

    He said: “There must be a plebiscite to decide where the people want to be. What the people of Bakassi want for themselves. Do they want to be Nigerians or Cameroonians. The people must be given a voice to express themselves”.

    The Nobel Laureate spoke on the evil of capitalism, which, he said, is characterised by the deadness of human feelings, adding that since it cannot put on a human face, its practice had led to upheavals and rupturing of the society.

    Alluding to the scenario in Pakistan where 200 workers who were locked up in a workplace to prevent work shift evasion died in a fire, he decried the societal laxity and penchant for accumulation which  made the system to thrive.

    Soyinka lamented the killing of the cottage industry in the North by smuggling, recalling that since the garment industry was shut down, unemployment had soared in the region.

    He said  unemployed youths have become willing recruits into armed robbery and extreme religious indoctrination.

    Soyinka juxtaposed the class division in capitalism with the apartheid experience in South Africa, noting that citizens whose psyche has been affected have never shown positive attitude to many who aided the historic liberation struggle.

    He said during these harsh times, the lowering of the unemployment ration, in Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia and other poor countries could boost security.

    The literary icon warned that danger would continue to loom as kidnapping has become a lucrative business undertaken by members of movements claiming to be fighting for genuine causes.

    Soyinka said it was also worrisome that sects indulge in using the name of God to inflict pains, agony and sorrow on fellow citizens, warning that Nigeria may be on the verge of disintegration.

    He berated the acts of “corporate terror”, which has manifested in increased activities of “the destroyers of Northern Nigeria”.

    Stressing that havoc had been wreaked on the country since the outcome of the last presidential election, Soyinka added: “Boko Haram targets the masses, okada men and children. Complacency is no more an acceptable virtue. Armed robbers stopped a moving bus and raped passangers, including children. NYSC members are killed by animals.

    “Boko Haram has not really waged war against the state, but against the populace. The sect is wasting human asset as it has manifested in attacks on universities.”

    Soyinka paid tributes to Braithwaite, saying that he is a stubborn, principled and great man.

    Oyebode, who spoke before the Nobel Laureate, said: “If Soyinka belongs to a wasted generation, then, I may belong to a lost generation because my generation came after his generation.”

    He hailed Braithwaite’s consistency, doggedness and commitment to a better Nigeria. He said his  notable and enviable contributions as a lawyer and radical politician who intended to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from the country since the Second Republic were worthy of recognition.

    Oyebode stresed: “He had a mission to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from Nigeria. What he meant by that were the ‘10 percenters’, and exploiters who had let Nigeria down. Although, the Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP) did not fulfill its mission, he made his impact. But rats and mosquitoes have continued to fester. Corruption is on the increase.

    “Common thieves found their ways into the corridors of power. Ibori could not be convicted in Nigeria. He escaped Nigerian justice, but he could not escape British justice.”

  • ‘Why Nigerians must reject N5000 banknote’

    ‘Why Nigerians must reject N5000 banknote’

    Mr Steve Ononye is a former Assistant Financial Secretary of the Nigerian Bar  Association (NBA). He speaks on his expectations from the new NBA leadership, the proposed N5000 banknote and how to achieve speedier court process in the new legal year. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU met him.

    What are your expectations from the current leadership of the NBA?
    The NBA as you know is the umbrella that covers all the Lawyers in Nigeria and we hold same in utmost candor and respect. May I congratulate the new President of the NBA Okey Wali SAN and other members of the executive because it is without doubt that the Nigerian Lawyers in sincere recognition of their priceless contributions towards a better and more progressive NBA feels it honour-bound to elect them to various positions in the NBA Exco. I know without a flicker of doubt that the leadership of the NBA will in a humble, but forthright and honest manner steer the affairs of the NBA. I believe that as the President of NBA proceed to saddle the responsibility of the office, he will bring to bear his wealth of experience and impress the same in the discharge of this great and challenging national assignment.
    How best should NBA engage the government?
    I have confidence in the leadership of the NBA and it is indubitable that the entire members of the Bar that entrusted the leadership of the Bar on Okey Wali SAN are convinced enough about his ability and suitability to steer the leadership of the NBA. The NBA at this threshold will do well by engaging the government of Nigeria in a constructive dialogue on the meaning, scope and relevance of its rule of law. Without any doubt, the rule of law agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan requires clarification and sustained examination. The leadership of the Bar must therefore ensure that the rule of law agenda move beyond the realms of theory to concrete deliverables for the people of Nigeria. Achieving this requires sustained campaign around issues of respect for human rights, independence of the Judiciary and enhancing access to justice. All these and more I am confident that the leadership of the Bar is better equipped and competent enough to achieve.
    What role should it play as regards good governance?
    I trust the leadership of the Bar and believe the Bar will collectively and individually champion the case of democracy and good governance in our country especially this time we are facing a serious insecurity problem in the country. I pray that during the tenure of Okey Wali, SAN as the NBA President, the NBA will witness and achieve new and greater height.
    There is so much worry about the introduction of N5,000 notes. What is your view about this?
    The NBA has spoken its mind on this issue and I think that is my view and the view of other right thinking lawyers in the society.
    What is the view of the NBA in that respect?
    The NBA has resolved that the planned introduction of the N5,000.00 currency note is a shallow, poorly thought-out hare brained initiative by the Central Bank, which will devaluate the Naira, diminish the lives of Nigerians and push corruption and money laundering to new unimaginable heights. The argument of the Central Bank of Nigeria that this innovation will not promote inflation does not hold water. It will certainly promote inflation and devalue the Naira wholesale.
    How will this policy affect Nigerians?
    This measure I strongly believe will affect the lives of Nigerians in many ways. This plan by the CBN will rather distract Nigerians from the pressing national dilemma of insecurity and corruption. The problem we have in this country is not the introduction of N5,000 currency, one wonders how the introduction of five thousand Naira Note will help to put food on the tables of millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to feed themselves daily. It will rather worsen their condition. I don’t know what is wrong with Nigeria.
    New legal year has just started. What new improvements do you expect in our legal system?
    There is need to improve on some of our laws so that it will be in line with the current trends in the world.There is also need to harmonize all the High Court rules in Nigeria and may be to unify them to make the practice of law less cumbersome. There is need to improve on the caliber of persons being appointed as judges. For instance persons of integrity, who are knowledgeable in law. With particular reference to Anambra State where I practice, there is need to appoint more judges at the High Court of Anambra State. In our various courts in Anambra State we still experience congestion of cases. There is need to appoint more judges to help decongest the cases and improve the quality of judgment being delivered by the judges in the State. We have a serious problem in Anambra State with particular reference to Onitsha High Court where some Courts have over 20 cases to handle in a day. We need at least nothing less than 20 new Judges in Anambra State.
    You mean a judge has over 20 cases in a day to handle?
    This is no joke, Lawyers in Anambra State have a serious problem, if you are not a senior Advocate or a very senior Lawyer in the State especially in Onitsha High Court, you may spend the whole day in Court without achieving anything. I seriously urge the Anambra State Governor to play his own part to see that more Judges are appointed in Anambra State and he should take it seriously. I do not know why Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State believes that all is well with the Anambra State Judiciary. Something need to be done in that respect this new legal year.
    What office are you vying for in NBA Onitsha Branch, and what is your programme?
    Well, I am vying for the office of the Secretary of the Onitsha Branch of the NBA.  I have informed members of Onitsha Branch about my welfare package for members and I do not wish to say more. I believe I will serve the members of Onitsha Branch well because I have the experience.
  • Court to rule on PDP, Ondo CJ suit Friday

    Court to rule on PDP, Ondo CJ suit Friday

    An Akure State High Court will on Friday rule on a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the Chief Judge, Justice Sehinde Kumuyi, and Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    The PDP took the action over the duo’s alleged involvement in the internal affairs of the party.

    Justice Kumuyi was alleged to be a card-carrying member of the Labour Party (LP) and accused of attending the party’s meeting, according to a letter written by the former Chairman of the party, Dr. Olaiya Oni.

    The PDP is praying the court to bar Kumuyi from presiding over any of its cases at the High Court or assigning same to any judge.

    The party averred that the CJ breached his oath of office when he allegedly joined the LP and had a meeting with Mimiko, where it was reportedly decided that the Kumuyi should grant certain orders to destabilise the party.

    At the resume hearing of the matter yesterday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), opposed the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter on the ground that the action ought not to start with an originating summons.

    Justice B. F. Adeyeye adjourned the matter till Friday for ruling on jurisdiction.

     

  • Unworthy awardees to lose honours

    Unworthy awardees to lose honours

    Apparently reacting to the criticism that the National Honours are losing their credibility, the Federal Government vowed yesterday to withdraw the awards from individuals found to be of questionable character.

    According to President Goodluck Jonathan, all holders of the National Honours must not fall short of the people’s expectation. Honoured in the past are former police chief Tafa Balogun, former Oceanic Bank CEO Mrs Cecilia Ibru and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George, They have all been convicted for various offences.

    President Jonathan spoke at the 2012 National Honours Award Investure for 155 eminent Nigerians.

    The categories of the awards are: The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), which had only one recipient – frontline businessman Dr. Mike Adenuga.

    Other categories are Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), with 11 recipients; Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) had 25; Officer of the  Federal Republic (OFR) 24; Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) 38; Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) 38 and  Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) with 18.

    The six Paralympics gold medallists stole the show at the event. Though they were not on the original list of awardees, their heroic performance in the just-concluded London 2012 Paralympics where the country won 13 medals, fetched them the honours.

    They were applauded all through for redeeming Nigeria’s image in the sporting arena.

    The name of Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, the deputy governor of Taraba State, who is facing impeachment, was struck off the list. Danladi, who was listed for the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), was believed to have fallen apart with his principal, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, who got Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

    Danladi’s name, which was number 51 on the list, was skipped. It was also not known if he was informed before the ceremony or if he was present.

    Justice  Kayode  Eso and Justice Andrews Obaseki, both retired jurists were absent at the event. Also absent was Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, but unlike the retired jurists, Ninge was represented by his wife.

    Jonathan said he had directed the National Honours committee to compile a list of peoples honoured but, have been found to be of questionable characters.

    He said the honours would be withdrawn from such individuals.

    The President argued that as an important part of the country’s symbols of value and pride, all holders must not fall short of collective expectations.

    The President also reminded the people that there were many more Nigerians who deserve the recognition.

    He said: “I have directed that the National Honours Committee compile a list of persons conferred with National Honours but that their current credibility is questionable. If they are found wanting, our prestigious Honours will be withdrawn.

    “This is essential in ensuring that holders of National Honours are truly worthy representations of our national values and honour, and especially are patriotic Nigerians or real friends of Nigeria,” he said.

    Dr. Adenuga got the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) this for his contribution to the growth and development of the economy over the years.

    President Jonathan said of him: “Mike Adenuga Jnr. has contributed immensely as a businessman and entrepreneur to the growth and development of our economy. He worked hard to establish Globacom as an international communications company which provides means of livelihood to over 100,000 Nigerians.

    “Today, across Ghana and Benin Republic, he has built a formidable brand, and is expanding footholds in Cote d’Ivore and Senegal. We will continue to honour our businessmen who do us proud in the world of international business while creating jobs at home.”

    The President also praised Muhammad Tahir Zakari,  a Level 10 Officer in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, who showed “remarkable honesty in returning an error payment to him of over N6 million in November 2011”. “This is a commendable behaviour that should be emulated,” he said.

    Jonathan lauded the six paralympians who won gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London. He told them: “Your achievement is a clear demonstration that hard work, determination, tenacity and resilience are building blocks for greatness.”

    President Jonathan also spoke on the need to reposition the country by engaging in value re-orientation and confidence building in the nation’s polity, stressing that the country needs  to urgently  “embrace positive attitudinal change in our collective resolve to make Nigeria a great nation.

    “Nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens. On our part, we shall remain committed to promoting good governance, respect for the rule of law, due process, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”

    The President congratulated the awardees and told them to see such honours as “a privilege and not a right”.

    His words: “I urge you to be beacons of hope and inspiration for Nigerians. You must continue to exemplify a distinct sense of responsibility and a commitment to the community that makes for a great nation.

    “A national award is among the greatest Honours a country can bestow on her citizens. A national honour carries with it a unique responsibility. While the honour recognises your unique contributions to Nigeria, let me state that it is also a call for greater commitment and sacrifice for furtherance of the development of our dear country.”

    Jonathan urged the awardees to sustain the tempo as it will provide hope for youths who look up to them as mentors and role models.

    With the honour, he said, the awardees have confirmed that success is possible with determination.

    He praised the chairman and members of the Committee and the event’s organisers for a job well done, urging them to continue “to be guided by the principle of faithfulness and integrity as well as the pursuit of excellence during the screening of prospective awardees”.

    Noting that the number of the awardees was small, compared to the size and population of the country, Jonathan was of the opinion that many more Nigerians deserve the recognition. He urged Nigerians to participate in the nomination and also expand the search processes to include all levels of the society.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, had in his welcome address, noted that the National Award was informed by the need to recognise success, achievement , gallantry, honesty, and exemplary character in the life of every nation.

    The Award Committee, he said, worked tirelessly for two months to identify NIgerians who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to national development and growth.

    The Chairman of the 2012 National Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore, said 4,425 had so far been recognised and honoured since inception in 1963. They include the 155 that were honored yesterday.

    He noted that the awardees had in one way or the other touched the lives of some  Nigerians.

    He pleaded that the present standards put in place be maintained so as to restore the glory of the award.

    While congratulating the awardees for their individual achievements, which brought them the honour, Justice Belgore urged them to see the honours as a call to higher dedication to the nation.

    He stressed the need to allow peace to reign in the country, saying our mission of becoming a great nation can only be achieved if we have more men and women living by example.

    The chairman enjoined Nigerians to support President Jonathan. “Let every Nigerian rededicate himself to the service of this nation,” he said, adding that we need a stable nation to progress positively.

    Responding on behalf of the entire awardees, Justice Mary Odili appreciated the president and government for considering them worthy of the honours.

    She also promised that they will work harder in their various fields to justify the honour done to them.

    She said: “Words are inadequate to capture this moment. We are grateful for what has happened today. We appreciate what you have done. We are, indeed, grateful and cannot forget this moment.”