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  • CJN, ICPC Chair, NJI Administrator decry delay in determination of corruption cases

    CJN, ICPC Chair, NJI Administrator decry delay in determination of corruption cases

    …ICPC blocks diversion of N20b in six months

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, have expressed concern over the slow pace at which courts determine corruption cases in the country.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun, Aliyu, and Musa, who called for an urgent reversal of the current trend, argued that prompt determination of corruption cases will not only restore public confidence in the judicial process, but it could also deter those planning to engage in corrupt practices.

    The three legal giants spoke in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop jointly organized by the NJI and the ICPC, with the theme: “Reinforcing effective management and trial of corruption cases.”

    The CJN, who was represented by Justice John Okoro of the Supreme Court, decried the slow pace at which corruption cases are determined by the nation’s courts.

    She argued that the development was capable of eroding public confidence in the Judiciary’s capacity to dispense justice and at the same time, embolden the criminals, who are neck deep in corrupt practices.

    CJN said, “A major concern in the adjudication of corruption cases in Nigeria is delay. It is a matter of great regret that many corruption trials drag on for years, sometimes even decades, undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.

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    “Justice delayed is, indeed, justice denied. Delay in corruption cases breeds doubt, fuels impunity, and creates the perception that corruption pays.

    “If the Judiciary is to retain the confidence of the people, we must devise and implement effective strategies to curb unnecessary adjournments, discourage frivolous interlocutory applications, and embrace robust case management practices that ensure trials proceed with speed without sacrificing fairness.

    “This calls for a renewal of our commitment to judicial courage and efficiency. Case management powers must be exercised firmly but fairly. Procedural loopholes must not be allowed to become the refuge of the accused.

    “At the same time, however, the Judiciary must never lose sight of its sacred duty to uphold the fundamental rights of all persons who come before it.

    “The balance between expeditious trial and fair trial is delicate, but it is one we must constantly strive to maintain,” she said.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that corruption today is not what it was two or three decades ago, adding that “the advancement of technology, the globalization of financial systems, and the increasing complexity of commercial transactions have created new avenues for corrupt practices.

    “Money is laundered through elaborate schemes, assets are concealed across jurisdictions, and digital platforms are exploited to cover illicit dealings.

    “The judge, who must preside over corruption cases, cannot afford to remain static. Continuous training, exposure to emerging trends, and familiarity with both local and international instruments against corruption are indispensable.

    “Workshops such as this are vital; they serve not only as platforms for knowledge transfer but also as opportunities for introspection and re-commitment. 

    “With courage, integrity, and steadfast commitment, the Judiciary can and must play its role in expunging corruption from our society,” the CJN said.

    Aliyu said the policy of the ICPC under his leadership, which prioritizes corruption prevention while maintaining a strong enforcement focus, has yielded commendable outcomes.

    He said, “This strategic shift has already begun to yield positive results in 2024, with the commission blocking over 20 billion naira from reaching the pockets of ghost workers and pensioners.

    “Additionally, we initiated a programme, Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Government Councils in Nigeria, to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy.

    “In this programme, too, from May 2025 to date, across six states, we recovered more than N2.5 billion in outstanding remittances of tax deductions from ministries overseeing local government affairs on joint projects between local and state governments,” he said.

    Aliyu argued the effective administration of justice in corruption cases requires both vigorous law enforcement and scrupulous judicial oversight.

    He noted that the recent developments in the fight against corruption necessitate this capacity building to enhance judicial officers’ ability to handle corruption cases with speed and consistency, because the cases were becoming more complex due to rapid technological advancement and societal challenges.

    The ICPC boss explained that the expected outcomes of the capacity-building workshop were to enhance judges’ skills, knowledge, and professional ethics in handling corruption cases.

    He added that the workshop is equally intended to strengthen institutional performance through practical application of anti-corruption laws and strategies, and foster greater collaboration and innovation between the judiciary and the ICPC, thereby promoting integrity, fairness, and public confidence in the justice system.

    Justice Adejumo said the workshop became imperative in view of the deleterious effect of corruption on the nation’s development, noting that “corruption has remained one of the greatest impediments to our national growth and the consolidation of our democratic institutions.

    “Its deleterious impact touches every aspect of governance, the economy, and indeed the administration of Justice. For the Judiciary, corruption not only undermines our ability to deliver justice but also erodes the confidence of the very public we are sworn to protect.

    “For the fight against corruption to succeed, judicial officers must be properly equipped with the tools, knowledge, and ethical compass required to rise above challenges and discharge this sacred duty with courage and integrity.

    “To this end, this workshop is carefully designed to sharpen our skills in handling corruption-related matters.

    “It will expose participants to contemporary issues in case management, best practices in the trial of corruption cases, as well as emerging global trends that can guide our local experience.

    “Furthermore, it affords us the opportunity to reflect on the peculiar obstacles that impede the effective trial of corruption cases in Nigeria – including delay, procedural bottlenecks, technical objections, and ethical dilemmas- whilst collectively seeking practical solutions,” Justice Adejumo said.

  • Bank CEOs: N1.57tn bad loans threaten system without judicial support

    Bank CEOs: N1.57tn bad loans threaten system without judicial support

    Nigerian bank chief executives have issued a strong warning that the country’s banking sector may be unable to confidently extend credit without a functional and efficient judicial system.

    This warning came as non-performing loans continue to rise amid judicial delays and enforcement bottlenecks.

    This concern was raised on Tuesday by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, during the opening of the 23rd National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges. The seminar, jointly organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), was held at the NJI headquarters in Abuja.

    According to Alawuba, the country’s financial system is exposed to systemic risk due to the judiciary’s current limitations in handling commercial and financial disputes. He drew attention to the over N1.57 trillion in non-performing loans in the banking sector, describing it as a symptom of deeper institutional weaknesses that need to be addressed.

    “Without a strong, efficient judiciary, banks will struggle to extend credit with confidence,” he warned. “Our partnership is not one of convenience, but of necessity.”

    He called for urgent reforms to enhance judicial performance in financial matters, including digitisation of court processes, investment in judicial capacity building, and the establishment of specialized financial courts to handle complex cases involving fraud, cybercrime, and contract enforcement.

    Alawuba stated that the banking industry’s success is tied to the effectiveness of the courts. “No economy can flourish without the enabling guardrails of justice. From credit systems to contract enforcement, the banking industry depends daily on the efficiency, fairness, and predictability of our judicial processes,” he said.

    He argued that the courts must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming financial landscape, especially as digital platforms, fintech innovation, and cybercrimes become more entrenched in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

    Echoing Alawuba’s call for reform, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stressed the strategic importance of judicial predictability in promoting economic growth.

    “Judicial predictability is not just a legal virtue – it is an economic asset. It enhances market efficiency, lowers risk premiums, and unlocks capital for infrastructure and business development,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said in her opening remarks.

    She urged members of the bench to constantly update their knowledge in emerging fields of financial regulation and digital commerce. “Our courts must possess the capacity to interpret complex transactions and assess novel financial arrangements within the framework of existing laws,” she added.

    On the part of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the President and Chairman of Council, Professor Pius Olanrewaju, described trust and security as central pillars of banking, maintaining that the role of the judiciary cannot be separated from the stability of the banking system.

    “Trust is the lifeblood of banking, and security its bedrock. Every financial transaction, from deposits to loans, hinges on the assurance that rights will be upheld, obligations fulfilled, and injustices addressed,” Olanrewaju said.

    He maintained that courts must inspire confidence in the resolution of financial disputes and protect the sanctity of contracts, as failure to do so could undermine investor confidence and hinder the nation’s economic growth.

    Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi, also linked judicial efficiency to national development, saying that a competent and independent judiciary is fundamental to investor confidence and economic stability.

    “A judiciary that is both competent and fiercely independent doesn’t just resolve disputes; it actively underwrites economic growth. It creates the fertile ground where capital feels safe to land, innovation can flourish, and businesses can thrive,” he said.

  • Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Governor seeks siting of NJI Southsouth campus in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his administration will do its best to ensure Southsouth campus of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is sited in the state.

    He gave the assurance yesterday when the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary led by Oluwole Oke visited him at the Government House, Yenagoa.

    He said siting the NJI in Bayelsa would complement the campus of the Nigeria Law School in Yenagoa.

    Diri promised members of the committee of his government’s support to achieve the reforms required of the justice system in the country, particularly as they carry out their oversight function in the state.

    He called on his former colleagues to bring their wealth of experience to bear on addressing the challenges bedevilling the judiciary and asked them to proffer solutions at the end of their tour.

    Diri said: “You talked about the NJI. We have the Law School here in Yenagoa, and this will complement a school like that. So, I assure you that the state government will support siting of the NJI in Yenagoa.

    “We believe you will put in your best to make the judiciary in our country better. I am sure you will bring your wealth of experience to bear.

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    “As you know, our problems are multifaceted that people always first point to the executive because it carries out the day-to-day administration of government. But it does not end there. The judiciary has its own challenges too.”

    Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, said they were in the state for on-the-spot assessment of the infrastructure in the judiciary, the courts, as well as to ascertain the welfare of the personnel working at the courts.

    On the issue of siting a campus of NJI in the Southsouth, he said it was borne out of the need to reduce cost of judicial workers travelling for courses to the NJI headquarters in Abuja in relation to the security and safety of participants.

    Oke noted that with the governor’s assurance to facilitate the establishment of the NJI campus, the committee would look at it and decide appropriately.

  • NJI to hold workshop for judges March 6

    THE National Judicial Institute (NJI) will hold a workshop on Local Content Law on March 6 for judges.

    Former Chef Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore said the event planned for Abuja, is intended to equip judges with the  understanding of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

    Belgore noted that such training  was necessary for the successful implementation of NOGICD Act and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB operational guidelines.

    He said: “Considering the enormous positive impact this legislation is intended to have in the country’s oil and gas industry, and by extension, the nation’s economy, clear understanding of the philosophy and intended objectives of the Act by our judges and justices is considered critical to its sound interpretation, effective compliance and enforcement.

    “NCDMB has tried since inception, using the carrot approach to get the operators and oil servicing companies to comply with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.

    “It is time for the Judiciary to move the industry into the next gear by applying the stick within the rule of Law so that the objectives of the Local Content Act can be realised for the benefit of all,” Belgore said.

    The ex-CJN observed that NOGICD Act was enacted to build, promote and develop local capacity through human capital development, technology transfer and job creation.

    A Professor of Energy Law and Policy, Niyi Ayoola-Daniels said the workshop, being held by NJI, Juris Law Office and NCDMB, is part of efforts by the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Simbi Kesiye Wabote to promote the understanding of the law among critical stakeholders.

    Ayoola-Daniels, founder of Juris Law Office, said NCDM’s preference for the rule of law, as against deploying other means to achieve its objective, informed his support for the workshop.

    The workshop is expected to be declared open by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, while the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa and the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdul-Kafarati, are expected in attend it.

     

  • CJN, NJI chiefs decry unwholesome practices by judiciary workers

    CJN, NJI chiefs decry unwholesome practices by judiciary workers

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo, have asked court officials to desist from engaging in corruption and other unethical conduct.

    While the CJN warned that any judicial worker caught indulging in the leakage of judgment, bribery and related acts would face legal consequences, the NJI boss said the judiciary could no longer tolerate unwholesome practices by court workers because of their impact on public perception of the court system.

    They spoke at the opening session of a national workshop for secretaries, court registrars, process clerks and bailiffs at the NJI in Abuja. It was organised by the institute.

    Represented by Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court, the CJN noted that “these corrupt activities of the judicial workers have raised serious issues of credibility and integrity about the persons employed to assist the judicial officers in their duties.

    “I therefore warn you not to involve  in any misconduct, no matter how minimal. If you indulge in any misconduct and you are caught or suspected to have done so, you will be disgraced out of the judiciary.”

    Addressing the over 600 participants at the workshop with the theme: “Revisiting the Code of Conduct for Staff of the Judiciary”, designed to acquaint them with the salient provisions of the Code of Conduct for court employees, Justice Bozimo said the training became necessary because there was gradual, but frightening deviation from the acceptable conduct by judicial employees, amounting to judicial misconduct.

    She went on: “This dangerous deviation can no longer be tolerated as it has caused serious damage to the image and integrity of the judiciary.

      “Surprisingly, it has been observed that judiciary workers are not even aware of the existence of the Code of Conduct. As a result of this ignorance, there is a gap between the Code of Conduct and the people it is meant to guide.  This workshop is designed to fill that gap.”

    Justice Bozimo, a former chief judge of Delta State, said the workshop was meant to teach participants the rudiments of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the hope that the knowledge they would acquire would assist them in doing their work diligently, expeditiously and dexterously.

    “No worker of the judiciary of the participants’ cadre can perform his or her duties without the requisite knowledge of the use and application of the computer, be it laptop, desktop, I-Pad, or tablets,” she said.

  • CJN, NJI to judges: have proper understanding of FoI Act

    CJN, NJI to judges: have proper understanding of FoI Act

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI) Justice Umaru Eri, have urged judges to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable them effectively discharge their responsibilities under the Act.

    They argued that a proper understanding of the provisions of the Act by judges will enable them effectively adjudicate on disputes brought before them under the Act. They noted that judicial officers do not appear to fully appreciate the provisions of the law.

    They spoke in Abuja at a refresher course for judicial officers on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the FOI Act organised by the NJI. Its theme was “Enhancing judicial performance through the use of Information and Communication Technology”.

    Referring to the FOI Act, Justice Mukhtar said: “This piece of legislation has become a watershed in the Nigerian human rights jurisprudence. It becomes imperative that judicial officers have proper understanding of the Act, its requirement and means of compliance.

    “This is because the judiciary has been vested with the exclusive jurisdiction over the interpretation of the provisions of the Act,” the CJN said.

    Represented by Justice John Fabiyi of the Supreme, the CJN also stressed the importance of ICT in the opesration of today’s judiciary.

    “Our judicial officers have no choice than to key into this process of ICT otherwise they may find themselves quite unsuitable for the 21st Century Nigeria judiciary. The rapid developments in ICT opened up new opportunities that were unthinkable only a few years ago.”

    Justice Eri observed that the FOI Act has radically altered in a most fundamental way, how the three organs of government relate with the ordinary citizens.

    “It supersedes the Official Secrets Act of 1911 and the relevant provisions of both the criminal and penal codes, amongst other laws and relevant aspects of the extant Civil Service Rules.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CJN, NJI chiefs frown at ‘delayed’ justice dispensation

    •Seek improved ICT deployment to courts

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar, and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Umaru Eri, have expressed discomfort over the slow pace of justice delivery in the country.

    They blamed this on the low application of computers and other information and communications devices in the operations of the court.

    The duo advocated an improved application of information and communications technology (ICT) in the operations of the court to ensure prompt disposal of cases.

    Justices Mukhtar and Eri spoke in Abuja at an ICT workshop for magistrates, with the theme: Enhancing the Capacity of the Magistrate Courts Through the Use of ICT.

    Justice Mukhtar said: “The issue of delay in disposal of cases in our courts is of great concern me. There is an urgent need to increase the speed of disposal of cases. Consequently, the use of ICT has proffered solutions to this problem.

    “The computerisation of the Judiciary will allow for easy integration and cost effective solutions to capture, organise and retrieve a wide range of information across many locations and easily exchange data effectively with colleagues and court users.”

    The CJN, who was represented by Justice Suleiman Galadanci, noted that in a democratic setting, the ultimate goal of any government, especially the Judiciary, was the provision of an enabling environment for an un-impeded access to justice and the sustenance of the framework to preserve the rule of law.

    “The role of magistrates cannot be over emphasised, as they constitute the gateway to the Nigerian Judiciary.

    “The 21st century Nigerian magistrates need capacity-building in all areas to enable them function effectively in their duties,” she said.

    The CJN noted that the theme was instructive because the workshop was aimed at exposing the 21st century magistrate to the use and application of ICT in various courts.

    Justice Eri stressed the need for judges and magistrates to always ensure that any matter that comes before them for adjudication is disposed off expeditiously within a reasonable time to give vent and meaning to the provisions of the Constitution on fair hearing.

    He said: “A magistrate’s duty includes, among others, the ability to dispense justice in accordance with the law and within a reasonable time. The application of ICT in the adjudicatory process offers a tremendous advantage when properly used.”

     

     

     

  • Delegates: our expectations at conference

    Delegates: our expectations at conference

    •Fiscal federalism, regionalism, resource control top agenda

    Fiscal federalism, resource control, regionalism, devolution of powers and state police are likely to top the agenda of the national conference, which was inaugurated yesterday by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    However, many delegates from the North canvassed national unity, cohesion and equity, unlike their counterparts from the South, who clamoured for decentralisation of power and the re-design of the defective federal system.

    The population of the delegate is a blend of old and young politicians, technocrats, traditional rulers and other statesmen. Many old delegates, including former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), who could not stand for a long time or walk alone, were assisted by aides into the National Judicial Institute (NJI) venue. Other aged delegates-Prof. Jibril Aminu, Senator Edwin Clark, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Kolapo Gambari-were also accompanied by aides.

    Pro-Jonathan campaigners also invaded the venue, displaying presidential villa badges. One of them, former Bayelsa State Diepreye Alamiyeseigha, displayed the badge copiously as he move round to welcome co-delegates on the accreditation crew. The platform also offered a reunion of sorts for former governors and ministers, who exchanged banters.

    Clark, who spoke with reporters after his accreditation, said while he supported the unity of Nigeria, the national understanding can only be fruitful in an atmosphere of equity, fairness and justice.

    The Ijaw leader said the national conference can only be meaningful, if it can restore true federalism. He added: “The Southsouth is for true federalism. You can call it resource control. We also need to de-emphasise states and have regions. We need to return to the 1963 constitution. As delegates, we will come up with resolutions that will also end corruption in the country”.

    A retired soldier, Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga from Benue State, said he would articulate the rights of the minority groups at the conference, adding that the country is incomplete without them. He said: “We should use this opportunity to resolve Nigeria’s problems. Delegates should discuss frankly and with open minds so that we can resolve our basic problems. The constitution should be re-written so that it can satisfy our yearnings. This is my expectation”.

    Ejiga added: “One Nigeria is my agenda. Proper federalism is my goal. I am from Idoma, a minority tribe from Benue State. The minority should be given their rights to rule themselves in a peaceful Nigeria. In those days , we had the Idoma Native Authority, with its police and prisons. Such arrangements will give minorities to express themselves”.

    Former Lagos State Military Governor Raji Rasaki compared military and civilian administrations, saying that democracy is better. But, he said to foster popular rule, there is the need to re-design the federal structure to give room for the defense of peculiar interests.

    Rasaki said he looked forward to a conference of issues and understanding, where the right decision that can propel Nigeria forward will be taken by delegates. He also spoke on the agenda dear to his mind, saying that regionalism is the answer to the lopsided federalism.

    He stressed: “The zones should function well and states can operate under them. The six zones can become the component units. Then, you can change the state to another nomenclature”.

    Akinjide spoke on Nigeria unity, saying that it is non-negotiable. Dismissing the insinuation that the conference will be another jamboree, the elder statesman added: “The leadership of the country is committed to this initiative. The report will see the light of the day”.

    The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Omar, said labour representatives at the conference will canvass the retention of labour matters in the Exclusive Legislative List to prevent untoward hardship in the hands of the governors.

    He also said the NLC delegates would insist on the unity of Nigeria, adding that it has been the pre-occupation of the labour movement since independence.

    Omar added: “Something good will come out of the conference and Nigeria will move forward. This is a conference with difference because of the way the delegates were selected. It may not be a perfect selection, but, it is a deeper form of selection and representation. Labour representatives will canvass the unity of Nigeria at the conference. We will also canvass the need for improved security, freedom of expression and the need to review this form of government”.

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Gambari, who spoke with reluctance, avoided the contentious issues, saying that he would only lend his voice on the floor. He supported the move to submit the report of the conference to the National Assembly, pointing out that it is in order.

    The retired jurist added: “Subjecting the report to the National Assembly is in order. The members of the National Assembly were elected”.

    Former Ambassador to Spain, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman, who represents the Arew Consultative Forum, said the national question would be brought to the front burner. He added: ‘We are here to discuss the contentious issues. I am representing the ACF here”.

    Former Senate President Ken Nnamani said: “True federalism is the minimum outcome expected from this conference”. He lamented the inequality of zones, pointing out that the Southeast has been marginalised in the distribution of states. He added: “The zones should be equal. That is why we are asking for two more states in the South. They have more states in the dry land than where we have vegetation. The Southeast is densely populated. It is not only one state we need more; we need two states”.

    Nnamani dismissed the fear that the National Assembly may tinker with the report, following its submission by the conference. He said: “I don’t think so. The National Assembly will not tinker with it”.

    Former military governor of Rivers State and Amanayabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Diette Spiff, said: “What we need in Nigeria is true federalism or what you call resource control. We also need to debate this presidential system of government and parliamentary system to know which is better. Our founding fathers practices parliamentary system and there was a role for traditional rulers. We need a House of Chiefs for traditional rulers”.

    A delegate from Ondo State, Prof. Femi Mimiko, said the sessions may be stormy, adding that truth can emerge from the frank deliberations. The Vice Chancellor of Ondo State University added: “We need to redesign the federal structure so that we can have truefederalism”.

    Former Afenifere Publicity Secretary Mr. Yinka Odumakin said that the conference should be able to make suggestions on how to curb corruption in the country. He also spoke on the mode of ratification of report, saying that referendum is the best. He added: “the main issue is that federalism has been basterdised and the solution is that we should return to true federalism. There is the need fpr the devolution of power. Unitarism has led to s strong centre to the detriment of the component units”.

    Former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Naa’ba supported the ratification of report by the National Assembly, which he described as the custodian of sovereignty. He said: “Nigeria did not elect us as delegates. The National Assembly is elected by the people. Therefore, it is good to subject the report to the National Assembly”.

    The Accord leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, said, although he is representing the party, he would articulate the grievances of Oyo State at the conference. He noted the Southwest’s clamour for regionalism, saying that it has limitations. The former governor said: “They are calling for regionalism. Will Ondo State share its oil with Oyo State under Western Nigeria? This is the issue we should look at”.

    However, he reiterated his commitment to the struggle for the creation of Ibadan State, saying that it is long overdue. He added: ‘I don’t think state creation is on the agenda of conference. It is already a constitutional matter. The guidelines are spelt out in the constitution”.

    A delegate from Ogun State, Chief Bisi Adegbuyi, said there would be stormy sessions at the conference because of the fundamental issues on the front burner. He decried the lopsided federla arrangement, saying that a powerful centre is counter-productive.

    Adegbuyi, a lawyer and politician, said rehgionalism is the solution to the defective federal system, stressing that it will offer opportunities for self-determination.

    Former Anambra State Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife called for the equality of zones, adding that it is a factor in national unity. He also said that fiscal federalism should be the irreducible minimum outcome of the conference.

    The former governor objected to the proposed ratification of the report by the National Assembly. He said: “I don’t support the submission of the report of the conference to the National Assembly. The people of Nigeria should receive the report”.

     

  • Sanusi cautions banks on oil, gas financing

    Sanusi cautions banks on oil, gas financing

    Banks should consider the environmental impact of their financing and investments, especially when they concern the oil sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said.

    Speaking at the Banking and Allied Matters conference for judges, he explained that global environmental impact of businesses which are largely financed by the industry suggests that the sector has not given adequate attention to environmental impact of their funding.

    The seminar, which has as theme, Sustainable banking practice in Nigeria: The journey so far and the way forward, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    Sanusi said the tendency to view banking as an environment-friendly business was common place, adding that on the surface, it seems not to be of harm to the environment and society.

    “However, the banking sector has been profiting from financing of environmentally unfriendly sectors. Financing of the energy sector, which is usually the villain on matters of environmental degradation across the world, is a trite example. This sector is perhaps the most capital intensive sector and depends on the financial system to mobilise funds for its highly capital intensive operations,” he said.

    Sanusi said statistics abound on how spillage has degraded environment and destroyed farmlands and aquatic life, thereby incapacitating the people economically and perpetuating poverty, adding that there have also been various reports of chemical emissions from our industries resulting in health complications within affected localities with its attendant societal/public cost.

    He said until recently, the country’s banking industry had not given much attention to sustainability beyond ticking off environmental impact assessment on checklist for credit risk assessment for evaluation of loan applications, other jurisdictions have for decades been engraving sustainability ethos in their financial system.

    He said since the 1980s, banks in the United States had been held directly answerable (under CERCLA-Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) for the negative impact the businesses they financed had on the environment and some of them became bankrupt thereof.

    The Europeans followed suit in the mid-90s while the activities of multilateral development institutions, such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, had influenced sustainability considerations in the financial sectors in Asia and South America.

     

     

    CIBN President, Segun Aina said the seminar had become a significant forum where respected jurists, legal luminaries and other key legal personalities interact with the chieftains of the banking industry.

     

     

    He said that it helps the stakeholders to discuss contemporary banking and legal issues aimed at improving the Nigerian banking environment and related judicial processes.

  • Senate demands immediate recall of 18 sacked staff of NJI

    The Senate Wednesday directed the management of National Judicial Institute (NJI) to recall 18 sacked staff of the Institute.

    The Senate noted that it discovered that the 18 affected staff were not indicted by the report of the Board of Governors of the Institute.

    The directive followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions which considered a petition by 39 staff of NJI on alleged wrongful termination of their appointments.

    According to the lawmakers, the names of the 18 staff were swapped with those indicted.

    It resolved that the 18 staff should be immediately recalled to duty with “full entitlements up to date.”

    The upper chamber rejected the recommendation that the Board of Governors of the Institute should reinstate another 19 staff whose appointments were wrongfully terminated.

    It said that those indicted by the report of the Board of Governors should be disciplined accordingly.

    Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ayo Akinyelure presented the report.

    The committee in its findings and observation noted that “there was crisis amongst members of staff of the NJI which led to witch-hunting and petition writing to discredit each other.”

    It said that the Board of Governors intervened at various times to resolve the crisis.

    It said that various investigative committees set up presented a report which indicted a total of 57 officers, specifying various disciplinary actions appropriate to the offences.

    The Administration of the Institute, the report said, acted upon an anonymous petition which was not signed, dated nor had any address.

    The report added that the committee also observed that the Administrator of NJI did not comply with the recommendations of the Board of Governors.

    The Committee said that it observed that “18 out of the dismissed staff were not indicted by the report but their names were swapped with the indicted staff of the Institute, whereas those who were indicted by the report but perceived to be loyal to the Administrator were retained in the service of NJI.”

    The Committee said that it considered the action a clear injustice on the part of innocent staff.

    It said that “The Committee noted with dismay the attitude and response of the Administrator of the NJI who rebuffed and refused to honour any of its several invitations to him to appear before the Committee, but instead the Administrator of NJI sent his written defence to the Committee claiming the case to be in court, when in actual fact no case is in court except that of Mrs Bolatito Ajibade on another issue yet to be resolved by the court.”

    Accordingly, the Senate adopted the resolution “That the 18 innocent staff not indicted by the report of the Board of Governors of the Institute and whose names were swapped be called back to duty with full entitlements up to date.”

    The report listed those to be recalled as Mrs. Rosemary Emodi, Ayuba Musa, Wale Akinbola, Esetuwagbau Steven, Fadeyi O. Emmanuel, Ramat Popoola Shittu, Awoyale Yinka Michael and Mrs. Bola Ajiboye.

    Others are; Muili Jubril Adekunle, Yahaya Mohammed, Afolabi Moses, Mrs. Mary Nelson, Miss Yemisi Oloyi, Mrs. Immaculator Inyang, Olajide Tunde, Bamidele Olusola, Mrs. Dorcas M. Delight and Ms. W.A. Adesina.

    The Senate also adopted the recommendation that “That the Senate do mandate the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to effect the dismissal with immediate effect, the following staff of NJI who were recommended by various investigative committees of NJI for dismissal ab-initio, but were retained and still in service up till now in the interest of justice and fair play.”

    It gave the names of those affected by the resolution as Mr. Segun Olowookere, Mr. James Onu, Mr. John Agono, Mr. Jacob Danladi, Mrs. Ronke Akinsehinwa, Mr. Moses Agbede and Mr. Hussaini Musa.