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  • Fayemi hands over Christ’s School to Anglican Communion

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has handed over Christ’s School, Ado- Ekiti to its original owner, the Anglican Communion, in fulfilment of the government’s pledge to return mission schools to their owners.

    Fayemi, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) returning the school to the Anglican Communion yesterday, said the handing over would provide a template for subsequent release of other schools, whose owners have indicated interest in having them back.

    The brief ceremony, held at the Governor’s Office, was witnessed by the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Revd. Christopher Omotunde, leaders of the church and representatives of the alumni association of the 86-year-old school.

    Dr. Fayemi stressed that the return of mission schools would help in building a future generation of value-driven and morally-sound individuals.

    Read Also: Fayemi orders probe into killing of FUOYE students

    He said the action would assist in relieving government’s financial burden, especially at a time when the state is not financially buoyant.

    The governor, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging positively with missions that desire to take over their schools, hoped that the school would assist the present administration in achieving “its policy thrust of reclaiming our land and restoring our values as Ekitis”.

    “What we are witnessing today is a culmination of a process which began during our first term in office to return schools belonging to mission bodies to their original owners. I am delighted that the final consummation of the release of Christ’s School has been achieved. Ours will not be the first time such a consummation will take place between governments and missionary bodies. Other states like Anambra, Lagos and Enugu had done similarly in the past,” he said.

    The Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, hailed the government’s decision on mission schools.

    He praised Governor Fayemi for making good his promise to return mission schools to their original owners.

    “You initiated the idea of returning mission schools to their original owners during your first term. We are happy that you are here today fulfilling that promise with the return of Christ’s School to the Anglican Church,” Rev. Omotunde said.

    The cleric, who said Christ’s School had always been a model across the country, promised that the mission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the school returns to its pride of place in Nigeria.

    Dr. Odunayo Fagbeyiro, who represented Christ’s School Alumni and Bishop Omotunde signed the MoU on behalf of the Anglican Communion, while the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and the state Attorney-General, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, signed on behalf of the state government.

  • Lagos Estate Home Owner writes EFCC, want CMB Boss, Mbagwu Prosecuted

    A Home Owner in Pearl Nuga Estate in Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos (name withheld) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to expedite action on the petition written by the Leadership of the estate against the Chief Executive Officer of CMB Building Maintenance Investment Limited, Mr. Kelechukwu Mbagwu.
    The Home Owner in a letter sent to EFCC Ag. Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu said the call was necessary so as to ensure that justice is done and his property and that of others in the estate is not taken over by a financial institution over an unpaid loan Mbagwu and his firm, CMB used their property to obtain.
    “I write you this letter on behalf of myself and some home owners in Pearl Nuga and Pearl Garden Estate situated at Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos over a petition submitted in your head office annex, Ikoyi, Lagos dated June this year against Mr. Kelechuchwu Mbagwu, the Chief Executive Officer of CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Limited for using the title of the properties we had bought and completely paid for from his Company to obtain loan in a financial institution without our knowledge.
    “We reliably gathered that Mbagwu has been grilled by detectives from your organization but as we write, our fate is still not known.
    “I call on you to use your good office to ensure that this case is not swept under the carpet. We want Justice. We want Mbagwu prosecuted.
    “Kindly find attached documents for your necessary information.” the letter reads.
    According to reports, the leadership of Pearl Nuga and Pearl Garden Estates had in a petition sent to EFCC, a alleged that affected home owners namely; Bridget Eko, Osagie, Ainiehnoho Jude, Mr. Akinola Alabi, Mrs Oluwadara Alabi, Nosakhare Igbinobi, Mr and Mrs Micheal Bassey, Mr Oyeleke Jegede, Mr Larry Amaraibi and Amos Gaga had paid Mbagwu and his company 100% for their houses and had taken possession years ago.
    They alleged in their petition that Mbagwu  fraudulently withheld the title deeds of the houses from the affected owners so that he could continuously be using them to carry out illegal bank transactions.
    The House Owners according to the petition said they got a wind of the matter when CMB started having issues with a Financial Institution.

     

     

  • U.S Embassy, others seek protection of intellectual property

    The United States of America (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria yesterday urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate legal framework for the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in Nigeria.

    The call was echoed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists and lawyers, among other stakeholders.

    They said such framework would address the protection and enforcement of IPRs in economic sectors.

    The stakeholders also said it would promote creativity and innovation, investment in research and development and encourage local knowledge and production, instead of importation of counterfeit and pirated products.

    They spoke at an Intellectual Property Symposium at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: The Bane of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals and Piracy: Building Respect for Intellectual Property Rights As A Strategic Resource for Economic Growth.

    Read Also: Edo Property Protection agency hands over imposter to Police

    The U.S. embassy expressed its support for intellectual property rights protection in the country.

    Its Chargé d’Affaires Kathleen FitzGibbon said IPR protection would encourage innovation and creativity needed to bolster economic growth.

    “This is not just an American issue, this is a global issue. As Nigeria moves ahead with goals of diversifying and shifting to a knowledge-based economy, a strong intellectual property rights regime will help attract investment and protect Nigerian ideas and Nigerian businesses,” she said.

    An intellectual property scholar and former Director General of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Professor Adebambo Adewopo (SAN) said the progress of Nigeria’s development policies would be measured by its commitment to a national IPR policy that would recognise the strategic importance of its legal framework, the needs and goals of national development.

    “Clearly, counterfeiting and piracy have continued to destroy the fabric of the economy: in the pharmaceutical, creative and other important sectors. Because intellectual property system also enables access to the products of creativity and innovation in order to ensure public welfare, whether in the form of providing access to educational materials to the teeming young population in schools or to affordable medicines or in achieving food security for both the young as well as the aged, the framework will also align education, health and other strategic national policies with the broader development goals of the country,” he said.

    Recalling that the IP debate was not new to the country, the expert said one of the missing elements had been effective collaboration and cooperation.

    These, he said, are essential to drive the debate and build momentum not only for achieving reform but also to combat the domestic and worldwide industry of counterfeiting, piracy and cybercrime.

    He said: “Building strategic alliances within and outside the country is, therefore, critical, considering the global nature of digital technologies that are readily available to this formidable industry. In these alliances, we are also seeking to strengthen key institutions responsible for protecting IPRs and combating counterfeiting and piracy.

    “As the global recognition of Nigeria’s creative industries continues to ride on the wings of digital technology, the gains of that industry are best secured and sustained through strategic alliance with its counterpart in Hollywood and elsewhere.

    “For example, Nollywood’s rise in global reckoning strongly demonstrates how creativity can contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage as well as economic growth.

    “It is important to note that the creative industries should be able to yield better dividends for its creators, operators and economy; the same for the pharmaceutical and other corporate sectors that rely on IP system.”

    But Adewopo stressed that “the challenge has been how to engineer an IP system that will perform and deliver better in concrete economic terms”.

  • Akwashiki defeats Mike-Abdul for Nasarawa North’s seat

    Senator Godiya Akwashiki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday defeated Chief John Mike-Abdul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Nasarawa North’s senatorial seat at the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    One of the lawyers to the APC senator, Dr. Mubarak Tijani Adekilekun, confirmed to our reporter that the matter had been concluded at the Court of Appeal in Makurdi.

    He said Mike-Abdul was challenging the election of Senator Akwashiki in this year’s general election.

    Read Also: Election petitions: Elections tribunal declines to compel Sanwo-Olu’s appearance

    Adekilekun stressed that the court had dismissed the appeal filed by Mike-Abdul, a banker and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.

    He added that the matter lacked merit and it was thus dismissed with a cost of N200,000 against Mike-Abdul.

    The National Assembly and State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, had dismissed the petition filed by Mike-Abdul of (PDP) challenged the election of Senator Godiya Akwashiki on the platform of the (APC) in the 2019 general election.

    INEC, on February 27, declared Akwashiki, winner of the election having scored 54,104 votes to defeat his closest opponent Mike-Abdul, who pulled 48, 133 votes.

  • 116,623 cases pending in Federal High Courts, says CJ

    The Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has said about 116,623 cases are pending in the courts.

    The High Court CJ said 16,144 cases were filed this quarter alone out of which 12,692 had been disposed off.

    He promised to take measures that would lead to improved efficiency and workers’ welfare.

    The CJ stressed the need for judges to uphold the Constitution for the unity of the country and the enhancement of law and order.

    He hailed the court’s judges for their contributions to the promotion of democracy, particularly their efficient handling of election matters.

    Justice Tsoho spoke in Abuja at the beginning of the 2019/2010 new legal year of the Federal High Court.

    The Federal High Court CJ promised to ensure the appointment of more judges for the court due to the high volume of pending cases.

    “From the reports received, about 116,623 cases are pending in the Federal High Court; 16,144 cases were filed in this quarter alone in which 12,692 have been disposed off.

    “It is obvious that the judges were over-burdened with work in the last legal year. We, therefore, need to engage more judicial officers to help out.

    “However, it does appear that there was no provision for appointment of judges in the current budget.

    “I will make efforts to discuss with the relevant stakeholders to see to the possibility of facilitating the recruitment of more judicial officers in the course of the year.”

    Read Also: The limitation of court cases

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, yesterday urged judges and lawyers to always ensure that their conducts promote the dignity and sanctity of the Judiciary to retain public confidence in their activities.

    The minister, who hailed the Judiciary for sustaining and growing democracy in the country, assured its stakeholders of a robust cooperation between his office and the third arm of government.

    He promised a relationship “that promotes genuine cooperation without undermining the independence of this hallowed arm of government”.

    Malami said: “I urge my noble lords to maintain sanctity and credibility and to ensure that the sacred integrity reposed in your lordships remains unshaken at all times in order to foster and promote public confidence in all judgments and rulings that emanate from this court.

    “I assure you that the promotion of these values will continue to guide your lordships to the greatest heights of our legal profession.

    “I humbly urge this court, as part of the judicial arm of government, to remember that it is the anchor upon which our legitimate claim to a civilised society rests and revolves.”

    To the lawyers, the AGF stressed the need for them to work with the courts to ensure that its dignity, integrity and credibility are not ridiculed in the eyes of the public.

    “We must collectively shun fraudulent practices and render sound and unbiased advice to our clients based on laid-down laws and not on sentiment. We should also not be seen encouraging our clients in a bit to ridicule this court into doing the impossible.

    “As ministers in the temple of justice, we must together foster the desired growth for a better society, because this court, on its own, can only do little as permitted by law,” he said.

    The AGF hailed the leadership of the Federal High Court for its many policies aimed at enhancing the court’s efficiency.

    He recalled the recent incident, which included the innovative provisions contained in the court’s new Civil Procedure Rules (2019 Rules).

    Malami noted that the court’s speedy handling of pre-election matters before, during and after the last general election “helped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to effectively field the right candidates for the elections and the efficient conduct of election processes”.

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Paul Usoro (SAN) frowned at what he called undue criticism of judges and judicial decisions by senior government officials in a manner that seemed to intimidate the Judiciary.

    Represented by Offiong Offiong (SAN), Usoro stressed the need for stakeholders to work for the sustenance of judicial independence, rule of law and the doctrine of separation of power.

    Usoro noted that in the face of the unwarranted attacks on the Judiciary, the society required independent-minded judges, who would be empowered to dispense justice to different persons, including government departments, without fear or favour.

    He said: “The Executive arm of government and its agencies are increasingly and unceasingly critical of the Judiciary and its decisions, particularly in matters that the government and its agencies may be interested in.

    “It is not unusual these days to hear high officials of government talk down the Judiciary and ridiculously and rather ill-advisedly dump all the ills of society on the Judiciary. “Decisions by your lordships are sometimes brazenly denigrated and attributed to ulterior and ill-motives – and these on social and traditional media platforms.

    “Veiled and sometimes open and, in all cases, audacious attempts are made to tele-guide and programme the decisions of courts.

    “These are very dangerous practices that destroy the independence of the Judiciary and, by extension, the rule of law and indeed the fabric of our society.

    “The society needs and can only survive if we have independent-minded judges who are empowered to dispense justice to all manner of men, including government departments, without fear or favour.

    “We can only survive as a nation if the independence and vibrancy of the Judiciary, particularly the non-interference with the thoughts and decision-making processes of your lordships, are guaranteed and protected.

    “Society is diminished when judges are robbed of their independent minds and thought processes and the confidence of the ordinary person in the Judiciary is thereby diminished, if not destroyed.

    “Self-help and anarchy ultimately become the available remedy. Of course, our economy suffers in the process: the investing public, both local and international, lose confidence in our justice system consequent upon these denigrations of our Judiciary and there follows a consequential downturn in our economy with the attendant fallout on the socio-economic well-being of our people.

    “In summary, the ultimate losers when judges are robbed of their independence, in thoughts and discretions, is the society and all of us, including our rulers of today.

    “However, we are not entirely without remedy. To paraphrase the poet, the man dies in him who fails or is not able to stand up and/or speak against tyranny.

    “The courage to stand up and speak out is what we all need, both the Bar and the Bench, in our present circumstances.

    “My lords have, at critical moments shown such outstanding courage even in the face of danger and our prayer is that such courage and grit should never depart from our lordships.

    “These are indeed moments that require courageous Judges with the candour and fortitude to speak truth to power, to borrow the hackneyed phrase, and to dispense justices to all manner of men without fear or favour, as demanded by your lordships’ oaths of office.

    “We have no doubt that your lordships will continue to live up to these dictates of your lordships’ oaths and our prayers and thoughts will, as always, be with my lords in that regard.”

  • Minimum wage: Workers threaten strike as negotiation breaks down again

    Workers, under the aegis of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), are threatening to go on strike as a meeting of the Federal Government and the unions ended yesterday in a deadlock.

    The negotiations on the consequential adjustment, which was earlier adjourned till September 4 to allow the government’s team brief President Muhammadu Buhari, was rescheduled for September 16.

    But it suffered another setback as both parties failed to reach an agreement, despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

    The Nation gathered that at yesterday’s meeting, which was chaired by the Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, both government and the union leaders only made minor adjustments to their earlier positions.

    The government moved from its earlier position of 9.5 per cent to 11 per cent for Grade Levels Seven to 14 and 6.5 per cent from 5.5 per cent for Levels 15 to 17.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Workers consider strike option as negotiations breaks down again

    The workers insisted that the government adjust salaries of workers on Grade Levels Seven to 14 by 30 per cent and those on Levels 15 to 17 by 25 per cent.

    Chairman of Labour’s team and National Auditor of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Simon Anchaver said workers stepped down to 29 per cent, from 30 per cent, for Grade Levels Seven to 14 and down to 24 from 25 per cent for Levels 15 to 17

    According to him, the negotiating council resolved to write to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on their advice about a possible industrial action.

    Also, Secretary of the negotiating council, Slade Lawal said organised labour would decide on the next line of action on the minimum wage.

    The labour leader said in due time, Nigerians would be informed.

    Lawal said: “The meeting is deadlocked. We found out that the Federal Government officials are not serious about it at all. We are suspecting foul play or a hidden agenda somewhere. So, we have decided to report the development to our principals, including the labour unions. Nigerians will be adequately briefed about our next line of action very shortly.”

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, recently told reporters that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that the process of negotiations be concluded as soon as possible to enable workers begin to enjoy the new wages.

  • Lagos seals markets on Lagos Island

    The Lagos State Government has sealed some markets in the Island Business District over noncompliance with environmental laws of the state.

    The seal-up exercise was conducted by the enforcement unit of the Lagos Central Business Districts (CBD) management office, following the expiration of deadline issued by the CBD Special Adviser to the Governor to marketers and street traders within the business district to open up blocked access roads and remove shanties, makeshift shops built on walkways, roads and streets.

    Some of the markets sealed are at Berlin Street and Gbajumo market.

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts, Prince Olarenwaju Elegushi said the Berlin Street shop was sealed for flouting beautification and   market design, while Gbajumo market beside Breadfruit was sealed for erecting and extending their shops to the roads.

    Read Also: Traders recount losses after scavengers, miscreants clash in Lagos market

    Elegushi said, “This illegality cannot continue, we shall continue to open and clean up streets and roads that have been converted to markets. We will no longer tolerate shanties and extension of shops into the roads” he  said

    He said there have been situations whereby ambulances, firefighters and police were prevented from getting to emergency scenes on time due to blocked street by traders.

    “Traders especially those selling on the streets and walkways had been warned to remove their extensions and makeshift shops from the roads. The sealing of the markets was a fallout from the warning earlier issued. “

    Some of the streets especially Gbajumo Street had been taken over and blocked by traders, thereby hindering or delaying rescue operation in emergency cases “.

    Elegushi noted that other markets that have extended their shops into the roads and walkways thereby making the street and road inaccessible by vehicles will be shut down.

    He said that the cleanup exercise would be a continuous one, noting that this would help to restore the aesthetic value and beauty of the island business district.

  • Murder suspect, ‘cultist’ arrested

    The police in Lagos have arrested 23-year-old Kehinde Bakare alleged to be the prime suspect in the murder of a hotel worker Samuel Ladejo last October.

    Ladejo was stabbed in the chest on October 1, last year, while on his way to a party in Ikoyi.

    The victim was rushed to the Island General Hospital but died while receiving treatment.

    It was gathered that Bakare, who has been on the run since the incident, was apprehended around 4:15pm on September 12, at Obalende and a locally made pistol with two live cartridges recovered from him.

    Read Also: Five killed, seven injured in Lagos crashes

    The police had earlier arrested and charged to court, one Umukoro Otega in connection with the murder.

    Detectives also arrested an alleged notorious cultist Emmanuel   Olatunde, 31, alias Pastor said to be responsible for the murder of one Ahmed Karowi, an alleged kingpin of Aiye cult group.

    Olatunde, according to the police, was an ex-convict and a leader of Eiye cult group, had terrorised Bariga and environs for a long time.

    He was arrested at 27, Oremenunu Ibafo Street Bariga for his alleged involvement in series of robberies and deaths.

  • Artiste Dammy Krane arraigned in Lagos

    Top star,  Johnson Oyindamola, also known as Dammy Krane, was on Monday arraigned before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos over alleged threat to life and defamation.

    Oyindamola, 27, was arraigned on a three count charge  bordering on conspiracy,  threat to life, defamation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace before Chief Magistrate Afolashade Botoku.

    The pop  star was said to have threatened the lives of staff of a betting company, Merrybet Gold Limited, on July 29, 2019, and also released a song in which he accused the firm of breach of contract.

    The prosecutor, Inspector J .I Enang, told the court that the musician threatened a sport betting company, Merrybet Gold Limited, by posting an audio and video, on the internet accusing the company of owing him.

    He said that the defendant attended a game show sponsored by the betting company but lost.

    ‘Dammy Krane’ was said to have, demanded some money for appearing on the show.

    It was said that the firm disagreed, insisting that the sum was only given to winners.

    The musician subsequently went on Cool FM radio where he allegedly accused the betting firm of owing him money and for breached of contractual agreement.

    He was also accused of conspiring with others at large to conduct himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

    Dammy Krane was alleged to have threatened public peace when he posted an audio and video message on Cool FM 96.9.

    Read Also: Five killed, seven injured in Lagos crashes

    According to the charge before the court: “Oyindamola and others at large on July 29, 2019, at Cool FM in Lagos, conspired with others at large to commit felony to wit: Conduct likely to cause breach of peace and threat to life”.

    “Oyindamola and others at large on the same date, time and place, threatened  the life of the staff of Merrybet Gold Limited”.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    His counsel, Mr Adebayo Oniyelu, urged the court to grant him bail in liberal terms as  a first time offender.

    Oniyelu said that he would be produced whenever he is needed in court.

    Responding, the prosecutor, Enang opposed the bail, saying the offence is a national issue.

    When Chief Magistrate Botoku, asked to know the nature of the offence of the defendant, Enang insisted, ‘it is an International issue that is all over the media”.

    The defendant’ s lawyer told the court that the defendant and the complainant had a disagreement over a breach of contract.

    He said, “The defendant performed for the complainant and he was being owed the sum of N1million, and when he demanded for it, the next thing we saw was his arrest”.

    On enquiry by the court, one of the company’s representative, Mr Otemu Anaonye, told the court that the company is not owing the defendant.

    The company’s lawyer,  Mr N. Anachebe, who was also holding watching brief, for the company, said, ” The defendant posted audio and video messages on his Instagram page claiming that the company was owing him. He was asked to pull it down, but he refused.”

    Magistrate Botoku asked, if the crux of the matter was defamation, she said if so, it should be a civil matter.

    Anachebe, responded that  ” A case of defamation can be both criminal and civil”.

    Magistrate Botoku granted him bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.

    The case was adjourned until October 11.

  • Gbajabiamila resolves ABU-Nursing/Midwifery Council rift

    The lingering faceoff between Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has been resolved.

    The disagreement over the leadership of the Department of Nursing Sciences under the College of Medical Sciences in ABU made the Council to withdraw the accreditation of the course from the university.

    The Council kicked against the renewal of the tenure of Prof. Hayat Gomma (an Egyptian), who it said had been practising illegally in the country for eight years. She headed the department.

    Following this, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, mandated the House Committee on Health Services, headed by Hon. Tanko Sununu, to resolve the rift.

    Speaking yesterday, Sununu said the issue had been amicably resolved after a meeting with both parties, adding that the Council had agreed to restore the accreditation of the department after the appointment of a new Head of Department, Dr. Mohammed Awal Ladan.

    Present at the session were the Provost of the ABU College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Randawa, and Secretary-General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Umar Abubakar.