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Tag: Judiciary

  • Judiciary deserves best brains, says Babalakin

    Judiciary deserves best brains, says Babalakin

    Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) has hailed the National Judicial Council (NJC)  for its move to sanitise the judiciary and ensure fair treatment for judges.

    Babalakin spoke in Lagos yesterday while delivering a paper, titled: “Law and The Society”, as the guest lecturer at the Annual Reunion of Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA).

    He recommended that the judiciary must be adequately funded to attract the best brains to the bench.

    He said: “However, the National Judicial Council’s budget is dictated by the executives. It can only spend what is made available to it. I have listened to all Chief Justices of Nigeria since Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar (GCON) complained about the poor funding of the Judiciary. I have been told that some states are unable to pay the full allowances to judicial officers. This is totally unacceptable and unconstitutional. We have to pay judicial officers appropriately and it is my submission that their salaries should be indexed to inflation. In Nigeria today, most people have lost 50 per cent of the value of their earnings to inflation, which implies that judges now earn less than half of their salaries in real value.”

    Babalakin, who is an old boy of GCI, lamented the volume of work at the state high courts, saying: “I believe that most of the jurisdiction being exercised by high courts in the states can be handled at the magistracy. We need to enlarge the jurisdiction of the magistrate courts to take away some burden of the high courts, so that the high court can concentrate on issues that require great attention. We have to place serious emphasis on the hierarchy of courts.

    “Appointment to the Bench must be based on merit. Law is essentially a profession that requires very serious intellectual capacity. The various levels of courts must look up to the courts higher than them in the hierarchy. “

    The lawyer also spoke on the federal structure and lamented that creation of wealth was not mentioned anywhere in the constitution, but rather, emphasis was placed on wealth sharing among the three tiers of government.

    He appealed to the intelligentsia to participate in politics and help bring orderliness to the society.

     

     

     

     

  • Wanted: State of emergency in the judiciary

    Wanted: State of emergency in the judiciary

    A human rights group, the Access to Justice (A2Justice), has urged the leadership of the judiciary to carry out urgent reforms to tackle delays holistically.

    It noted that while it is good to dispense with corruption cases quickly, other cases should not be ignored.

    Calling for a state of emergency in the judiciary, it said some of the reforms only require the will to execute them, not necessarily increased funding.

    A2Justice, at a briefing in Lagos by its Director Joseph Otteh and Deputy Director Dr. Adenike Aiyedun, said the judiciary could do a lot with its N100billion budget if it gets its priorities right.

    It cited the example of Kenya which transformed its judiciary and restored public confidence in it with possibly a lower budget than Nigeria’s and in a short period.

    It said the leadership of Kenyan judiciary succeeded in overhauling a once-maligned institution into a now respectable voice of the rule of law and a strong pillar of democracy.

    The group praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) for his interest in reforming the judiciary, but said more was needed.

    “It is time to acknowledge that the delivery of justice services in Nigeria is in dire straits, and, we urge the CJN to declare a state of emergency on the Nigerian judiciary immediately. This will provide a rallying urgency to the change we passionately aspire to,” the group said.

    It recalled that the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) issued a report which states that the judiciary and the Police were among public institutions most Nigerians paid bribes to.

    “The UNODC/NBS report noted that: ‘Limited trust in a number of state institutions in Nigeria, not least in the law enforcement and criminal justice system, may explain why Nigerians have little faith in the capacity of authorities to deal with corruption’.

    “Arguably, without a Judiciary that is free of corruption, it is unlikely that Nigerians will be able to fight corruption.

    “Without an iota of doubt, Nigerians want to see more judicial reforms executed, with more speed and urgency. We need more traction and more resolve applied in the fight to transform the delivery of justice in Nigeria.

    “Our concern is that the current speed and pace of reforms is neither strong nor vibrant enough and it is not creating the kind of momentum or impetus that Nigerians are eager to see.

    “Furthermore, it is not galvanising change across the landscape, or demanding change from every constituent part of the Judiciary. Undoubtedly, the CJN has zeal to reform the judiciary, but stakeholders in the justice system are not feeling the impact just yet.

    “In our view, the judiciary does not have the luxury of time to enable it stretch a reforms plan over the course of many years, and for an institution in distress it ought not take too much time for far-reaching changes to be delivered,” A2Justice said.

    A2Justice issued a nine-point agenda for urgently needed reforms.

     

    Reduce delays

     

    A2Justice said the NJC should end arbitrary court closures, in which many judges often leave their primary adjudicative assignments to attend non-adjudicative functions, such as ceremonial events.

    “These ‘no-shows’ have huge costs implications on everyone – litigants, lawyers and witnesses (some of who may have travelled long distances to be in court).

    “They also cause terrible delays in the hearing of cases, thereby creating frustrations for many court users, congestion of dockets and diminish public confidence in the administration of justice,” it said.

    The group called for an end to the practice of transferring judges from one jurisdiction to another before they conclude the cases on their court’s docket. It also wants judges’ vacation time reviewed.

     

    Combat Corruption

     

    A2Justice urged the judiciary to combat corruption, and to strengthen judicial Integrity, transparency and accountability.

    It wants the process of filing complaints against judicial officers simplified to accommodate anonymous reports rather than the present condition that they must be accompanied by sworn affidavits on oath.

    “The NJC’s Judicial Discipline Regulations 2014 should be reviewed and strengthened now to enable the judiciary better fight corruption.

    “The review should enable the NJC act on anonymous complaints, protect whistle blowers, and collaborate with official anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of corruption (and thereby reduce the overbearing evidentiary burdens placed on complainants of corruption among other reforms).

    “The complaints systems of all courts, whether they are lower courts or superior courts, should be more effective, robust and dependable.

    “Corruption is a problem in lower courts across the country, and many states do not have credible or effective systems for fighting corruption, within their respective jurisdictions.

    “The NJC should immediately direct heads of courts in state and Federal jurisdictions to establish effective disciplinary regulations or guidelines, applicable to both lower court ‘judges” and court staff, and increase efforts to stamp out corruption from the lower courts,” the group said.

    A2Justice said it recently conducted a research, which shows that the disciplinary system for fighting corruption in lower courts, particularly in Lagos State, “is extremely weak.”

    It also called for the development of a financial disclosure reporting system-used in some jurisdictions where all extrajudicial payments to Judges are self-reported and judges submit periodic financial disclosure reports.

     

    Initiate Institutional Reforms

     

    A2Justice said the NJC has, on occasion, looked away where the judicial appointment guidelines it made have been flouted or sidelined.

    The Judicial Appointment Guidelines of 2014, it said, were intended to strengthen the procedures for appointing judges and ensure that only the best are recruited.

    It regretted that both the NJC as well as states have flouted the letters and spirit of the Guidelines.

    A2Justice said: “A judicial reforms strategy must ensure strict compliance with the Guidelines and the NJC must henceforth stick to its own rules and not aid their subversion.

    “Also the NJC must insist that judicial appointments to lower courts are merit-based and that State Judiciaries adopt guidelines that are transparent and competitive.

    “This duty should be imposed on Chief Judges, as part of their administrative responsibilities as heading courts for which they are accountable to the NJC, while measures to ensure compliance are put in place.

    “We must, therefore, adopt a bottom-up approach, which requires appointing the most qualified people regardless of ethnicity, language or creed, as well as encourage broader public participation in the screening process of Superior Court Judges.”

    According to the group, the judiciary needs to build consensus around a vision statement.

    “The Judiciary should bring stakeholders together to develop a strategic reforms’ framework and plan immediately. The plan will represent the Judiciary’s vision of how the judiciary should be restructured, and it should be delivered in states and federal jurisdictions.

    “Such a plan will thereafter form the fulcrum of reform activities. The implementation of the Strategic Plan would be benchmarked against clear indices that will be used for measuring progress.

    “Thereafter, the honourable CJN should create a mechanism to drive the realisation of that vision, to ensure its realisation as well as create principles and measures of accountability across state and federal lines.

    “This is how a number of judiciaries around the world, including some African judiciaries, have approached strategic plans of action. These judiciaries include those of Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Swaziland and South Africa,” it said.

    A2Justice believes that to restore public confidence in the judiciary, reforms must target all courts and their leadership.

    “With the current budget of the judiciary standing at N100 billion, we believe the judiciary can be on its front foot and make a bold effort to overhaul the delivery of justice services in Nigeria. This is what Nigerians expect from it.

    “We think that a lot more can and should be done now to enable Nigerians see and feel that business no longer thrives as usual within the justice system. We are losing time and opportunities in not seizing this moment to push changes through. The time to act is now,” the group added.

     

  • Ondo monarch hails judiciary over verdict

    Ondo monarch hails judiciary over verdict

    The Zaki of Arigidi in Ondo State, Oba Yinusa Olanipekun, has  lauded the judiciary for its role in a protracted chieftaincy tussle in his domain. The High Court Akure had dismissed a suit filed against his appointment as the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, for lack of jurisdiction and abuse of court process.

    The plaintiff, Joseph Olanipekun,  filed a suit  challenging the installation of Oba Olanipekun. Counsel to Oba Olanipekun, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa also filed a preliminary objection, and argued that the case was filed out of time. He said filing of the case was an abuse of court processes, as  it was filed outside the  time specified in the Chieftaincy Law of Ondo State.

    In his ruling, Justice Akintan Osadebey, upheld the preliminary objection. The court, he said, lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. Justice Osadebey also emphasised that the filing of the case against the defendant was an abuse of court process. She explained that the case was a duplication of the one earlier dismissed by the court, involving the two parties.

    The judge also ruled that the suit was filed outside the statutory period allowed by law and that the plaintiff did not fulfill the necessary conditions before filing it. Oba Olanipekun, through his counsel, Adegboruwa hailed the judge and the judiciary,noting that in spite of its recent challenges, the judiciary still served as becon of hope to secure justice.

  • Ondo suspends 200 Judiciary workers

    The Ondo State government has reportedly suspended 200 workers in the state’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

    Those affected include judges, magistrates, senior registrars and registrars at the high courts and magistrates’ courts.

    The affected Judiciary workers were said to be those employed by the Dr Olusegun Mimiko administration.

    In a letter on behalf of the state government by JSC Secretary, Chief Z. D. Egbunu, and addressed to the acting chief registrar of the State High Court, the government noted that the affected workers were employed without due process.

    The letter sad the appointment of the affected workers was irregular, prompting government’s action.

    It reads: “Due to perceived irregularities and lack of due process in your appointment as a senior registrar (functioning as attorneys) in Ondo State Judiciary within the JSC, the acting chief judge and chairman of the commission has directed your immediate suspension, pending plenary consideration and propriety of your appointment process.”

    The letter also directed the affected officers to hand over government’s property in their custody.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was said to have directed the JSC to probe the appointment of Judiciary workers, especially magistrates and judges.

    Justice Commissioner Kola Olawoye said only the Chief Judge, Justice O. O Akeredolu, was “eminently” qualified to speak on the matter.T

  • Buhari’s aide: corruption, inefficiency killing judiciary

    Buhari’s aide: corruption, inefficiency killing judiciary

    A case filed at the Supreme Court 10 years ago is yet to be assigned a date for hearing, a presidential aide said yesterday.

    The Special Assistant to the President on Prosecutions, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, who filed the case, believes the delay is dues to corruption and inefficiency.

    Obono-Obla said lawyers and litigants “pay through their noses” to have cases assigned or court papers served.

    The judiciary, he said, is averse to reform and should learn from the Kenyan example, where every stakeholder worked towards an efficient justice system.

    Obono-Obla, in a statement, said: “Why is the judicial system in Nigeria adverse to change? Look at Kenya and how it has reformed its own system.

    “See how effective and efficient the judiciary in Kenya is. See how audacious, bold, courageous and fearless judges in Kenya are.

    “See how an election petition was heard with dispatch, just three weeks after it was filed!  See how lawyers work together with the bench to deliver a landmark judgment.

    “In Nigeria, lawyers would devise all manners of legal maneuverings steeped in crass legal technicalities to frustrate justice. The judgment would be leaked several weeks before delivery.” According to him, the appellate courts are chaotic and have refused to adopt technology despite increased funding.

    “Before I was given an appointment while in law practice, I have appeals I have filed in the Court of Appeal for the past six years but till now, have not been heard. I also have several appeals I filed in the Supreme Court since 2007 and  till now, no date have been given for hearing of these appeals!

    ”To obtain a court ruling, you must pay through your nose; to obtain a certified true copy of judgment, you must pay through nose; to cause a court bailiff to serve a court process, you must pay through your nose.

    “To get a case to be assigned after filing, you must pay through your nose! Even in the Supreme Court to get an appeal to be assigned for hearing, you must pay through your nose.

    ”The registries in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court are a study in chaos, disorderliness and confusion. They have refused to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to organise their registry in line with international best practices,” he said.

    Obono-Obla  said judges hate progressive and forwarding lawyers, who do not parley with them to institutionalise corruption.

    He said the Kenyan judiciary was notorious for corruption and underhand dealings but was reformed with the cooperation of stakeholders.

    He said efforts to reform the judiciary had been frustrated by judges and lawyers.

    “The judicial system is just not working! Looking at how judges are frustrating trial of corrupt politicians despite the provisions of Administrations of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA.) Section 396 (3) say matters must be heard day-to-day but judges are not enforcing it.

    “This government increased the budgetary allocation of the judiciary for the first time in 50 years, yet no reciprocation on the part of judges to reform the system! They are not interested! Otherwise, why would the judiciary allow it registry system to still remain the way it was one hundred years ago?

    “Why is it not possible to get a ruling or judgment as soon it is delivered? Why can’t we use ICT in filing of court processes? Why are appeals delayed in the Court of Appeal? The Court of Appeal is just a court of review; no evidence is adduced at that stage, so what is responsible for the delay?” Obono-Obla said.

    He also faulted judges’ appointment, saying it was not based on merit.

    “The appointment of judges is a lesson or study in corruption and nepotism! To be eligible to be appointed a judge, you must be well-connected; you must be a crony or lackey of a senior judicial officer or a relative or son or daughter of a senior judicial officer!

    “You must be seen to be a plaint or conformist or yes man! You must be ready to hobnob or kowtow to influential senior lawyers!

    “No wonder the recent survey carried out by the UNODC and National Bureau on Statistics named the judiciary and the police as the most corrupt public institutions in Nigeria,” Obono-Obla said.

  • Corruption, inefficiency killing judiciary – Presidential aide

    Corruption, inefficiency killing judiciary – Presidential aide

    Special Assistant to the President on Prosecutions, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, on Monday said a case he filed at the Supreme Court 10 years ago is yet to be assigned a date for hearing due to corruption and inefficiency.

    He said lawyers and litigants “pay through their noses” to have cases assigned or court papers served.
    The judiciary, he said, was averse to reform and should learn from the Kenyan example where every stakeholder worked towards an efficient justice system.
    Obono-Obla, in a statement, said: “Why is the judicial system in Nigeria adverse to change? Look at Kenya and how it has reformed its own system!
    “See how effective and efficient the judiciary in Kenya! See how audacious, bold, courageous and fearless Judges in Kenya are!
    “See how an election petition was heard within dispatch just three weeks after it was filed!  See how lawyers work together with the bench to deliver a landmark judgment.
    “In Nigeria lawyers would devise all manners of legal manoeuvrings steeped in crass legal technicalities to frustrate justice! The judgment would be leaked several weeks before delivery,” he said!
    According to him, the appellate courts are chaotic and have refused to adopt technology despite increased funding.
    “Before I was given an appointment while in law practice, I have appeals I have filed in the Court of Appeal for the past six years but till now have not been heard! I also have several appeals I filed in the Supreme Court since 2007 till now no date have been given for hearing of these appeals!
     “To obtain a court ruling you must pay through your nose; to obtain a certified true copy of judgment you must pay through nose; to cause a court bailiff to serve a court process you must pay through your nose!
    “To get a case to be assigned after filing you must pay through your nose! Even in the Supreme Court to get an appeal to be assigned for hearing you must pay through your nose!
     “The registries in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court respectively are a study in chaos, disorderliness and confusion! They have refused to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to organize their registry in line with international best practices,” he said.
    Obono-Obla said judges hate progressive and forwarding lawyers who do not parley with them to institutionalise corruption.
    He said Kenyan Judiciary was notorious for corruption and underhand dealings but was reformed with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
    He said efforts to reform Nigerian judiciary have been frustrated by judges and lawyers.
    “The judicial system is just not working! Looking at how judges are frustrating trial of corrupt politicians despite the provisions of Administrations of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA.) Section 396 (3) says matters must be heard day to day but Judges are not enforcing it.
    “This government increased the budgetary allocation of the judiciary for the first time in 50 years, yet no reciprocation on the part of judges to reform the system! They are not interested! Otherwise why would the judiciary allow it registry system to still remain the way it was one hundred years ago?
    “Why is it not possible to get a ruling or judgment as soon is delivered? Why can’t we use ICT in filing of court processes? Why are appeals delaying in the Court of Appeal? The Court of Appeal is just a court of review; no evidence is adduced at that stage, so what is responsible for the delay?” Obono-Obla said.
    He also faulted the process of judges’ appointment, saying it was not based on merit.
    “The appointment of judges is a lesson or study in corruption and nepotism! To be eligible to be appointed a judge you must be well connected; you must be a crony or lackey of a senior judicial officer or a relative or son or daughter of a senior judicial officer!
    “You must be seen to be a plaint or conformist or Yes man! You must be ready to hobnob or kowtow to influential senior lawyers!
    “No wonder the recent survey carried out by the UNODC and National Bureau on Statistics named the judiciary and the Police as the most corrupt public institutions in Nigeria,” he said.
  • NJC faults UNODC/NBS report on corruption in judiciary

    NJC faults UNODC/NBS report on corruption in judiciary

    •Council admits existence of ‘some bad eggs’

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has faulted the report of a survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) listing the Judiciary as the second most corrupt public institution in the country after the police.

    The UNODC and NBS, in the report titled: ”Corruption in Nigeria: Bribery – public experience and response,” released in Abuja on August 16, said it found that the public service is the most corrupt sector in the country, with law enforcement agencies, particularly the police and the Judiciary being most susceptible to corruption.

    NJC, in a statement yesterday, said although there were few bad eggs in the Judiciary, the institution has consistently taken necessary steps to curb corrupt practices among its personnel.

    In the statement signed by its Director, Information, Soji Oye, the NJC queried the criteria adopted by the UNODC and NBS in arriving at their conclusion.

    It said the concussion was not only subjective but speculative.

    Part of the statement reads: “The question that should agitate the minds of the people is the criteria used by the UNODC and the NBS to measure the level of bribe taking in the judiciary to grade it as the second largest receiver of bribe.

    “For instance, what is the percentage of judges caught receiving bribe out of a total number of 1,059 judges in both the federal and state judiciaries? What is the percentage of magistrates caught taking bribe from an estimated total number of 4,000 in the country?

    “How many judges or magistrates have been arrested and/or prosecuted and convicted of corruption till date to deduce such conclusions? One then wonders the criteria used by the organisations to arrive at the conclusion.

    “There is no denial of the fact that there are few bad eggs in the judiciary, like in every other arm of government; at the same time, there are many honest and hardworking judicial officers and magistrates making the judiciary and the country proud.

    “It should be noted that the judiciary is the only arm of government that has been investigating its judicial officers and dealt appropriately with those found guilty by dismissal or removal from office, subject to approval for such recommendation from the President or the governor of a state as the case may be, and publish such in electronic and print media for the consumption of the public.

    “Members of the general public are also aware that the NJC has been recommending judges found guilty of corrupt practices to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution.

    “It is unfortunate that this orchestrated allegation is coming at a time the current Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON, is making frantic efforts to stamp out corruption, restructure the judiciary and also give the Nigerian legal system a new lease of life for the rule of law to take its firm roots in the country.

    “The Judiciary calls on the general public to disregard the aforestated allegation as it is untrue, baseless, unfounded and a figment of the agencies’ imagination.”

  • Our vision for Bayelsa judiciary by new NBA Exco

    New leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa chapter, has emerged. It is led by a seasoned lawyer, Mr. Clement Buruboyefe. The new chairman and members of his new executive committee were recently inaugurated in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Other members of the five-man executive committee are, Tariere Egbegi, Vice Chairman; Somina Johnbull, Secretary;  Dienaworio Wuku, Financial Secretary; and Felix Okorotie, Legal Adviser.

    To the chairman, his new position was a dream come true. He was a former Publicity Secretary of NBA when Justice E.G Umukoro led the Yenagoa branch of the association. Having assumed the mantle of leadership,  Buruboyefa presented the vision of his new committee.

    He articulated his vision within the framework of the set goals and objectives of Article 2 of the Uniform Bye-Laws, 2016 of the NBA Yenagoa Branch. First and foremost, he vowed to discharge the constitutional duties of the Chairman contained in Article 7 of the law.

    The new boss promised to work for the unity of the bar. He said the new committee would work in close consultation with elders and past leaders to strengthen the unity of the Bar.

    He said: “We shall work hard to reunite the bar and bring back our elders, seniors and colleagues who have for reasons parted from NBA Yenagoa and have not been participating in the activities of the bar.

    “In acting as vanguard for the propagation of the rights and general wellbeing of the public, we shall reactivate and reposition the bar by making it truely virile and purpose driven. We shall be committed to the rule of law, warfare of lawyers and service to humanity.

    “The bar, as the conscience of the society, under my leadership, will always, after consultation with the exco and elders of the bar, release and issue statements on matters of general interest to the branch and the public. The bar will act as a gatekeeper of the liberty of the generality of the populace”.

    Buruboyefa also vowed to constitute an Advisory Committee that would comprise  the past chairmen, secretaries, professors, elders and most senior members of the bar to advise the new committee.

    On accountability and transparency, he said: “Accountability and transparency contribute to building the confidence of members of the Bar and the integrity of Elders.

    “Under my leadership, we will ensure effective and accurate dissemination of information on all the activities of NBA to every member of the bar and will give account of every money received for the branch”.

    Buruboyefa said his vision included solving some of the problems militating against the judiciary in the state. He said his committee would rigorously pursue and make case for infrastructural development of the official residence of judicial staff, court houses and provision of vehicles for judges.

    “We shall also make case for the provision of official residential quarters for magistrates and chairmen of the customary court”, he said.

    He added: “NBA Yenagoa Branch under my leadership will encourage the mandatory continuing legal education by organising workshops and seminars periodically to address issues of concern to lawyers.

    “The NBA under my leadership wil have a proper and accurate information and record keeping system. We shall open files for outgoing and incoming correspondences.

    “We shall ensure proper register of attendance of meetings, proper keeping of receipts booklets according to the years and payment of the various dues, such as Bar Dues, Welfare Dues and proper directory of members of the branch.

    “We will work with the Young Lawyer’s Forum (YLF), in consultation with other stakeholders to seek ways of of improving the welfare of the young lawyers at the bar. Our young lawyers and junior must be repositioned to attain the achievement of their higher dream in the legal profession and beyond”.

    He further asserted that his committee would work for the commencement of the building of NBA Secretariat and law center without delay. But he was worried that the bar in Yenagoa lacked an operational vehicle.

    He said: “It is disheartening to note that NBA Yenagoa Branch does not have a sound, functional and operational vehicle.

    “I therefore most respectful appeal to members of the bar, spirited individuals, corporate bodies, other associations and Bayelsa state Government to come to the aid of the Bar, to provide a sound, functional and operational vehicles for the branch.

    “These programs to be fulfilled are not only mine, but are also the expression of the newly elected executive committee of NBA Yenagoa Branch.

    “We can only but ask for your maximum co- operation and support to achieve them within the short period of our two- year term.

    “I will not be distracted and will always think NBA Yenagoa first. I will do more than members expectations in uplifting the bar”.

    He thanked members of the Electoral Committee for discharging their assignments honourably. He further hailed the immediate past chairman of the bar and his executive committee for their selfless service.

  • Andy Uba : CSOs laud judiciary over cert forgery ruling 

    Coalition of Civil Society Group (CCSG) has urged the judiciary not to relent on its oars in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

    Speaking against the backdrop of the ruling of a Federal High Court, which cleared Senator Andy Uba of alleged certificate forgery,  the Coalition said such rulings were necessary as it puts politicians and mischief makers  with sinister motives in check as they continue to employ all forms of antics at outfitting targeted politicians.

    President and secretary general of CCSG, Etuk Bassey and Abubakar Ibrahim,  respectively,  stated this yesterday in Abuja at a press conference where they expressed excitement that the controversy over the allegation of certificate forgery was laid to rest  by an FCT High Court, especially as the Anambra governorship elections was fast approaching.

    “The leadership of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups observed that by this judgment all persons parading as civil society organisations being used by the enemies of democracy to distract the Distinguished Senator Andy Uba has been put to shame. Also, the victory of Andy Uba at Abuja High Court has vindicated the Coalition of civil society group on their earlier call to the judiciary to jettison the allegations from some faceless organisations that are being used by unscrupulous Politicians”, the group said.

    The coalition  further  reiterated their belief in Uba’s capacity to accommodate challenges and offer leadership.

    “The judiciary must now begin to apply punitive in order to discourage politicians from using the judiciary as a weapon to win political office. By this judgment, the Distinguished Senator is now qualified to contest any election in the federal republic of Nigeria.”

  • Group hails CJN for improvement in judiciary’s performance

    Group hails CJN for improvement in judiciary’s performance

    A 10group, the International Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Society (IHRACS) has commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen for his leadership pattern, which it said, has resulted in an appreciable improvement in the operations of the Judiciary.

    IHRAS, in a letter to the CJN, dated July 6 by its President and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Dr. UdoisongUdofia and Mrs. Plangnan Samuel, expressed delight in the Justice Onnghen’s reported commitment to ensuring the independence of the Judiciary, curb corruption and work for prompt justice dispensation.

    The group said it has witnessed improvement in judicial officers’ commitment to codes of ethics, judicial independence, insistence on the respect for rule of law, promotion of human rights and commitment to anti-corruption efforts.

    It said: “IHRAS wishes to inform you that your policies and actions, since assuming office, are yielding positive changes in the Nigerian Judiciary. Please accept our commendation.

    “This commendation cannot be completed without mentioning the contributions of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for their matured approach to protecting and promoting human rights, anti-corruption and rule of law in Nigeria.”

    The group, which said it has monitored the nation’s major courts for some time now, noted that its assessment of the “Nigerian Judiciary and Judicial officers” showed the Judiciary has recorded “a global credit of 70 per cent in the first and second quarters of the year 2017.”

    IHRAS singled out Justices Nnamdi Dimgba, Adamu Kafarati (both of the Federal High Court, Abuja) and Fatun Riman (of the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa-ibom State) for commendation for having assisted in promoting human rights, judicial accountability and rule of law.

    “These three named outstanding judicial officers should be given a special consideration for their outstanding performances, honesty and promotion of human rights, anti-corruption, judicial independence and rule of law,” IHRAS said.