The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Falana

  • Release Ozekhome, others, Falana pleads with kidnappers

    LAGOS lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN) yesterday appealed to kidnappers of Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and four other people abducted in Edo State to release them unhurt without further delay.

    He also charged the federal government to guarantee the security of Nigerians, and threatened to mobilise Nigerians to “rise up with a view to taking their destiny in their own hands.”

    Falana, in a statement, said the kidnappers should set the victims free “having put them and their families through such undeserved emotional and psychological stress and trauma”.

    He lamented that “armed robbers, kidnappers, terrorists, assassins and other nihilist forces have taken over the monopoly of violence from the ill- equipped and ill- trained police and armed forces of a failed State.”

     

  • Acting Governor can’t be faulted under ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ — Falana

    Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday said the rejection of the letter transmitted to the Taraba State House of Assembly by Governor Danbaba Suntai by the legislators could not be faulted as the ailing governor could not recognise any of the 24 legislators when his wife, Mrs. Hauwa Suntai, allowed them to meet him.

    Falana said this in a statement issued in Lagos.

    The statement goes thus: “The rejection of the letter transmitted to the Taraba State House of Assembly by Governor Danbaba Suntai by the legislators cannot be faulted as the ailing Governor could not recognise any of the 24 legislators when his wife, Mrs. Hauwa Suntai, allowed them to meet him two days ago.

    “Since the letter was likely to have been forged, the Governor did not comply with the Section 190 of the Constitution.

    “The resolutions of the House that the Deputy Governor should continue to function as the Actiting Governor cannot be faulted under the Doctrine of Necessity.”

  • Falana, rights groups cry out over Suntai’s resumption

    Falana, rights groups cry out over Suntai’s resumption

    There is public outcry over the purported resumption of Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai, who returned to the country on Sunday after 10 months of hospitalisation abroad.

    Civil society groups are disputing his fitness to hold the reins of office considering his fragile state of health on arrival from the United States. Suntai was helped out of the aircraft.

    The Taraba State House of Assembly has confirmed the receipt of a letter from the governor informing it of his resumption of duty.

    But Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday wrote Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to investigate to confirm the authenticity of the letter.

    Falana gave the IG a three-day ultimatum to investigate whether the letter was authentic “because there are several allegations within and outside Taraba State that the letter of intention may have been forged by the governor’s handlers.”

    Falana added: “please take notice that in the event that our demand is not acceded to within three days inclusive of the day of the receipt of this letter, we shall not hesitate to approach the law court to mandate your office to carry out its constitutional duty”

    In Jalingo, a group, the Coalition of Taraba Youth Movement, urged the House of Assembly to summon Suntai to speak to the people of the state.

    The President of the coalition, Malam Abubakar Waziri, who spoke at a news conference yesterday in Jalingo, noted that the people had been praying for the ailing governor for the past 10 months and now that he had returned, the uncertainty surrounding his health should be put to rest.

    “We want Governor Suntai to speak to the people, either through the media or at the House of Assembly.

    He said Taraba is in a state of confusion now “because the people do not know what to believe.”

    Civil Society groups, ‘Say No Campaign’ and ‘United Action for Democracy’ yesterday urged the Taraba Assembly to make way for Deputy Governor Garba Umar to act as governor because Suntai is no longer fit to lead.

    The groups criticised the handling of the governor’s return

    They spoke jointly at a news conference in Abuja yesterday. Convener of the Say No Campaign, Ezenwa Nwagwu and a Director of United Action for Democracy Jaye Gaskia, decribed the hasty transmission of letter to the Taraba House as the “handiwork of political jobbers bent on satisfying selfish interest at the detriment of the state.”

    “While we sympathise with the Suntais and the people of Taraba state, we however condemn unequivocally the attempt by some political vultures within and outside the state who are bent on holding the whole state to ransom and make effective governance once again unrealistic,” said Nwagwu.

    Gaskia likened what was happening to a repeat of the late President Umaru Yar’adua saga when he was brought in by his associates to keep running the country even though he was incapable.”

     

  • Falana condemns Iyin-Ekiti violence

    Activist lawyer Femi Falana yesterday condemned the violence in Iyin-Ekiti.

    In a statement, Falana said: “In preparation for next year’s governorship election in Ekiti, politically-motivated violence has been unleashed on innocent people by some desperate political forces. In the reckless attacks that have occurred, lives have been lost and many peopled injured. “Surprisingly, the well known criminally-minded people involved in the violent attacks have not been brought to justice as we operate in an atmosphere of impunity.

    “If the state government and the police cannot muster the political will to stop the imminent descent to anarchy, we shall mobilise the people to defend themselves without further delay.”

  • Falana threatens legal action against firm over N358m

    Lagos lawyer Mr Femi

    Falana(SAN) has threatened

    to sue a Lagos based company, Vixen Enterprises Limited, if it fails to pay  N358 million owed some members of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN).

    Falana, who is the legal counsel to the association, said he would file an action in court to recover the debt if the money is not paid at the end of the ultimatum.

    In a letter addressed to the Managing Ditrector of the company, signed by Oludare Falana for  Falana and Falana Chambers and copied to Mrs Gladys Talabi, Executive Director, Legal Services, Globacom Ltd., titled, “Demand for the payment of N358,497,500 being indebtedness to some members of  OAAN,” the activist claimed that Vixen allegedly refused to pay the money in spite of repeated demands.

    He listed the companies being owed N358,497,500 jointly after they allegedly carried out advertising services for an indigenous communication firm, Globalcom Nigeria to include: Nigeria Advertising Services Limited, Great Grace Communication Limited, Media Link, Francis Stillwaters Nigeria Limited.

    Others are Tripple A Outdoor Limited, KOK Visibility Edge Limited, De Signplast Nigeria Limited and Charella Nigeria Limited.

    According to him, the services rendered between 2011 and 2012, which are yet to be paid for “has caused them huge financial loss, loss of goodwill, avoidable law suit from their various bankers and creditors who advanced several millions of naira to them to execute the contract that has been concluded, hence its instructions to us and our consequent demand.”

    The law firm further stated : “Our client as a responsible and responsive association cannot sit back and fold its arms while its members are being treated unfairly by your company on a contract that has been concluded, hence its instructions to us and our consequent demand.”

    However, the management of Vixen Enterprises, in its July 31 response to the letter, sent to Falana’s Chambers, asked for time to look into the claims of the affected outdoor agencies.

    The  letter signed by an authorised signatory, read in part: “ We have evaluated the claims contained in your letter and wish to request for some time to situate the claims in perspective and revert to you as appropriate.”

    However, the counsel to OAAN said it would not only file the suit at the end of its ultimatum against the company but also employ every means within the confines of the law to ensure immediate payment of the said sum.

     

  • Militants warn Soyinka, Falana to keep off Rivers

    Militants warn Soyinka, Falana to keep off Rivers

    •Say their safety can’t be guaranteed
    •Ahead of pro-democracy protest

    A  militant group, Ijaw Freedom Fighters (IFF), and a non-governmental organisation, Ijaw People’s Development Initiatives (IPDI), yesterday, warned Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), to steer clear of Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Several civil rights groups have scheduled a rally for that day in the city to protest against what they see as repeated assaults on democracy in the state by some people.

    IFF and IPDI said they cannot guarantee the safety of Soyinka, Falana and other non Niger Deltans if they decide to participate in the protest.

    The two groups described the position of the civil rights groups on the Rivers crisis as vexatious.

    IFF leader, Sese Gideon, said his group “will not allow non-Niger Deltans to add insult in a matter that can be settled without bloodshed.”

    Gideon, in a statement, entitled ‘We will not take your coming to Rivers kindly’ said: “We are a group of youths along the creeks, waterways and uplands of the states in the Niger Delta region. We are committed to the protection of rights, privileges and freedom of the Niger Delta people.

    “We met and observed with interest the continued frivolous and vexatious statements credited to perceived egg heads and civil activists like Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana and many others on the current crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    “While we blame the political class in Rivers and Abuja for allowing such comments due to their indiscretion and show of shame, we will not allow non-Niger Deltans to add insult in a matter that can be settled without bloodshed. We have listened to the name-calling and tongue-lashing of the President and his wife by the civil society but what we will not take kindly to is the invasion being planned by the non-Niger Deltans in Rivers State.

    “If the people of Rivers want to protest, they should protest and demand for what is right. But when it is shown, as clearly displayed, that it is targeted to ridicule and further discredit the South-South and its quest for Presidency in 2015, we cannot guarantee anyone’s safety again. We are not interested in who impeached whom but we will not fold our hands and allow the sponsored onslaught in the Niger Delta under the guise of civil society gathering.

    “We cannot guarantee the safety of anyone interested and plotting to throw Rivers or any other Niger Delta States into turmoil”.

    The IPDI leader, Austin Ozobo, called the planned protest “ill timed” and “ridiculous”.

    He said his group has met with over 50 civil society groups in Warri, Delta State and appealed to the people Rivers State to shun the protest to avert further bloodshed.

    “We urge the police and other security agencies in the state to endeavour to put off the protest to avoid rival group clash and stop planned further cause of disaffection in the state.

    “The crisis in Rivers State is a minor issue that does not need external solution as warring leaders could resolve their differences if they mean well for Rivers.”

    They warn external forces interference as such will add fire to the situation at hand. We are a body of civil activists in the six states of the Niger Delta and were never part of any planned protest in Rivers State.”

    Professor Soyinka and Mr. Falana had condemned the Presidency, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the state Police Command and the five anti-Amaechi members of the State Assembly for their roles in fuelling the crisis in the state.

  • Falana petitions UNCHR over Nigerian maltreatment

    Falana petitions UNCHR over Nigerian maltreatment

    A human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) on Wednesday filed a petitioned against the United States government over alleged inhuman treatment of a Nigerian, Jacob Ajomale.

    Falana, in the petition to the United Nations Council on Human Rights, deplored the inhuman treatment meted out to the Nigerian by officials of the U.S. Immigration and Customs.

    The lawyer also filed a suit before a Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Minister of Internal Affairs, and United Airlines, for breach of his client’s fundamental rights to dignity of human person.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the statement of claim, Ajomale was said to have been badly treated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

    They were alleged to have forcefully inserted a tracking device in his body through his anus.

    The tracking device, otherwise known as “chip”, was reportedly inserted in Ajomale’s body since December 2010.

    Falana, in the petition, is urging the UN agency to direct the U.S. to remove the tracking device from Ajomale’s body with immediate effect.

    In the suit, the plaintiff is claiming the sum of 100 million dollars against Nigeria’s Minister of Internal Affairs and United Airline, for breach of rights as enshrined in Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution.

    Ajomale, in the supporting affidavit, said that he had been living in the U.S.since April 12, 1997 with a visiting visa, but later became a permanent resident in February 2008.

    The claimant averred that he had no criminal record all through this period.

     

  • Falana: Obama hasn’t added value to Africa

    Falana: Obama hasn’t added value to Africa

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has said American President Barack Obama’s current tour of three African countries has not added value to the continent.

    Obama is on tour of three African countries – Tanzania, Senegal and South Africa – to promote trade and development as well as deepen democracy on the continent.

    The US President also met with some young African leaders, entrepreneurs and activists at various Town Hall meetings in Dakar and Cape Town, where he motivated the future African leaders to take their destiny in their hands.

    But Falana noted that the Obama administration has not added anything to the policies he inherited from the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. The frontline lawyer criticised the American President for lacking commitment to arrest capital flight from African countries to the West and other parts of the world.

    He noted that this would have guaranteed the development of Africa.

    Falana described Obama’s African perspective as reactionary.

    He said the protests, which greeted him in South Africa, were justified.

    Falana added: “It is symbolic that the first African American President is being challenged in Africa for not fulfilling his promise to stop the United States’ Government from violating the human rights of oppressed people all over the world.”

     

  • Falana urges Jonathan to withdraw directive on death sentence

    Falana urges Jonathan to withdraw directive on death sentence

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to withdraw the directive he gave governors for immediate execution of condemned prisoners.

    Falana made the plea yesterday in a statement in Lagos, titled: President Jonathan Goofed on Death Penalty.

    He said: “If the directive is carried out in utter violation of the constitutional right of appeal of over 900 convicts and they are killed before the determination of their appeals, it will be tantamount to crime against humanity for which the President may be charged and tried before the International Criminal Court (ICC).”

    The frontline lawyer quoted the President as directing the 36 governors to sign death warrants to facilitate the immediate execution of the over 900 convicts who are awaiting the hangman in various prisons.

    He noted that in a bid to tackle the problem of prison congestion, the President was reported to have said as follows: ‘In the case of capital punishment, the state governors will sign. Even governors find it difficult to sign. I have been telling the governors that they must sign because that is the law.’

     

  • Falana: I didn’t write NJC over Okeke

    Falana: I didn’t write NJC over Okeke

    Lagos Lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has said he did not write any petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Okechukwu Okeke, as the judge alleged in his valedictory speech.

    Falana made the clarification yesterday in a statement, titled: Justice Okechukwu Okeke’s Valedictory Lies.

    The activist said it was his clients, the owners of the property at 5A George Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, who were “illegally” ejected through an ex parte order granted by Justice Okeke, wrote the petition against the judge.

    Falana explained that though the petition did not emanate from his chambers, he stressed that he supported its contents.

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the valedictory speech of Justice Okechukwu Okeke wherein he alleged that three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), including Femi Falana (SAN), wrote petitions against him to the National Judicial Council.

    “We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that contrary to Justice Okeke’s allegation, we did not file any application on behalf of Dr. (Mrs) Cecilia Ibru before him or any other judge in the Federal High Court. The clients being represented by us are: (1) Engr. Chief Michael Afolabi Dada, (2) Engr. Charles Ndubuisi O. Amadi, (3) Mallam Lawan Sheikh Muhammad, (4) Mrs. Comfort Nduka Odili-Iwuafor and (5) Anthony Abiodun Abikoye, who are employees of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    “To that extent, neither Mr. Falana (SAN) nor his chambers wrote any petition against the retired Justice Okeke.

    “However, the petition was written by our clients, the owners of the property lying and being at 5A George Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, who were illegally ejected therefrom through an ex parte order granted by Justice Okeke. Though the petition did not emanate from our chambers, we fully agree with its contents for the following reasons:

    “The ex parte order granted in favour of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) by Justice Okeke on March 1, 2013, was for leave to apply for a writ of execution in a criminal case.

    “Our clients, against whom Justice Okeke granted the ex parte order, were not made parties to the criminal case in which the order for forfeiture emanated.

    “As a result of the ex parte order, some of our clients were locked in the premises with their property before the house was sealed off by the Deputy Sheriff of the Court with the knowledge of Justice Okeke.

    “At the time Justice Okeke granted the ex parte order, our clients had a pending civil suit in the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

    “Justice Okeke was the Administrative Judge at the material time and she assigned the civil suit to Hon. Justice Ofili Ajumogobia of the same judicial division.

    “The suit has, among other defendants, the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Michael Angelo Property Development Company Limited.

    Justice Okeke was aware of the pending suit and the fact that our clients, who were in occupation of the property at the time, were not connected in any way to Mrs. Cecilia Ibru who allegedly forfeited the property to the Federal Government.

    “When the application to discharge the ex parte order was argued by Mr. Falana (SAN) on March 15, 2013, Justice Okeke feigned ignorance of the pending civil suit in the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

    “After he had delivered his ruling on March 27, 2013 dismissing our clients’ application to discharge the ex parte order, Justice Okeke deliberately refused to release a copy of his ruling in order to frustrate our clients from appealing against it. Up till the time of his retirement a copy of the ruling was never made available to us in spite of our application which was submitted on March 29, 2013.

    “Apart from our clients’ petition, there had been series of other petitions pending before the NJC alleging judicial misconduct against Justice Okeke.

    “But for reasons best known to Justice Okeke he decided to single out our clients’ petition.

    “Why did he not talk about the other petitions? The reason is because he wanted to use it for face-saving before his retirement.

    “At this point, it is pertinent to note that the same Justice Okeke, who dismissed our clients’ motion to discharge the interim order he gave in favour of AMCON on the grounds that he was functus officio, and who advised our clients to go on appeal, turned round to frustrate the appeal by refusing to release a copy of his ruling.

    “The judge also deliberately refused to give our clients any date to entertain their motion for leave to appeal and stay of further execution of the interim order.

    “Suffice it to say that Justice Okeke is lucky that he was only cautioned by the NJC before his retirement from the bench.”