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  • Oyetola’s expertise and uncertainty of Marine and Blue Economy

    Oyetola’s expertise and uncertainty of Marine and Blue Economy

    • By Jimoh Olorede

    Today, Saturday, the country-home of the immediate-past governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, Iragbiji, in Boripe Local Government, will be agog as dignitaries from all walks of life gather to celebrate a cerebral political icon, Honourable Minister of the newly

    created ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Based on what I know as someone from the Minister’s immediate Community, what is being celebrated today is not just his ministerial appointment by the President, but the appointee’s capacity, exceptional sterling qualities and technocratic expertise which allay apprehension and fear of uncertainty ordinarily associated with such a newly created ministry.

    Truth be told, there are challenges and huge tasks before the Minister. Generally, there are problems in Nigeria, especially in the area of political leadership, priority misplacement, lack of coherent policy framework and implementation, ineptitude of those in power, corruption and fiscal indiscipline as well as high-handedness. The newness of Oyetola’s ministry, and the heavy loads it carries in terms of departments and high-profile agencies under it, coupled with the fact that people are fast becoming aware of the economic fortune and potency of the Ministry as a veritable source of income and humongous revenue generation which precipitates their high expectations of the ministry to provide economic well-being and prosperity for the nation, make his responsibility highly tasking.

    With the combination of six big, high-profile agencies namely the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, and the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding of Nigeria (CRFFN), all under Oyetola’s Marine and Blue Economy, apart from many departments and various units within it, the former governor’s portfolio could be described as an umbrella ministry having other ministries wearing “agency nomenclature” under it.

    To whom much is given, much is expected in return. Similarly, so much is given to Oyetola in the allocation of this heavily-loaded Ministry to him, and therefore, so much is expected from the minister in terms of excellent performance in his administration and management of the ministry. Since our crude oil has turned to a vampire, consuming oil money instead of generating revenues for the nation, and it’s obviously now more of a bane than boon, it’s expected that revenues from Oyetola’s ministry will suffice in its stead.

    President Bola Tinubu must have been well-convinced that Oyetola, given his antecedents as Osun former Governor and his exploits as an ace administrator in the private sector for thirty years, has the capacity to sail and navigate the marine ministry and turn it truly to a blue economy for the nation. The minister’s clear focus and sound vision is expected to redirect policy misplacement. His fiscal discipline is expected to prevent financial recklessness, loss, corruption and lack of project implementation in the ministry’s agencies.  

    It’s never an exaggeration that the task of managing this loaded ministry is enormous. The minister himself knows this and confirmed it during his maiden visit to Apapa and Tin Can Ports in Lagos on Monday. It takes someone highly efficient in administration like Oyetola to take the helm of agencies as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which is the apex regulatory and promotional maritime agency in this sector, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which, on its own, has six major Ports in different locations; Lagos (having two), Calabar, Rivers, Onne and Delta. You don’t assign this kind of task to a neophyte, and that’s why the President’s cabinet membership selection, inclusive of technocrats among Democrats, is commendable.

    Read Also: Tears, tight security as Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s funeral rites begin

    Also, taking the helm of an agency like the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) established with the primary responsibility of improving and developing Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation thereby enhancing ease of operations which would lead to increase in revenue generation, requires someone with expertise and experience. As former governor of Osun, a state characteristic of fund paucity, Oyetola ‘navigated the state’s muddy treasury’ rendered financially weak and incapacitated with humongous loans incurred by his predecessor, by fulfilling and maintaining recurrent expenditure obligations of his government without recourse to borrowing.

    For efficiency and productivity, to best manage the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), yet another agency in the ministry, which serves as an agent for economic development through interventions in cost moderation and cargo transport issues, Nigeria needs someone with prudent and frugal financial mind-set. This, known to many, is one of Oyetola’s sterling qualities which might have made him fit the bill in the President’s assessment for his appointment.

    Nigeria needs someone not only with sound education, but also with discipline, premium and high value for excellence in academics like the appointed Minister of Marine to helm the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the premier maritime institution charged with the responsibility of training all level of manpower to man the nation’s ports, merchant Navy ships, maritime engineering workshops, pilotage, shipyards and other marine related industries.

    The Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CFFN) with its overlapping functions in relation to other ministries like Transportation and Aviation, could not be better managed than someone like Oyetola whose tranquility, equanimity, modesty and positive disposition to conflict resolution are second to none. These are the qualities with which the former governor resolved the age-long Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) ownership conflict between Osun and Oyo States.

    It’s expected that the minister, with his high level of experience, expertise deposit, managerial efficiency, fiscal discipline and business acumen, would bring the vision of the Council to become Nigeria’s leading transport player committed to the development of a modern globally competitive freight forwarding system in the country, and by extension, the visions of all other agencies and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in relation to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to fruition, just as I join my fellow Indigenes of Iragbiji, Oyetola’s friends and associates, and indeed, dignitaries in attendance, to celebrate this finance-wizard, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    •Dr. Olorede, a media scholar, is Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee for Oyetola’s reception.

  • Oyetola mulls national carrier to lift Nigeria’s crude oil

    Oyetola mulls national carrier to lift Nigeria’s crude oil

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said, the country needs a national carrier, especially through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement to carry its crude oil to international market.

    Speaking during his working visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) office in Lagos, yesterday,,  Oyetola decried the rates for charter vessels that carry the nation’s crude, and urged the stakeholders to come together under a PPP arrangement to overcome the challenge.

    The visit to NIMASA was part of his tour of the agencies under the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    “We are about the only country that is an OPEC member that still charters vessels to carry our crude where 30 per cent of the charge goes to freight. We must find a way around it,” Oyetola said.

    He said the government is ready to develop infrastructure in lake and coastal cities across the country to further attract tourists to waters for maximum revenue generation.

    He reiterated the commitment of his ministry to strengthen PPP arrangement, in order to abolish undue charge on crude oil exportation, and  put an end to the menace of charter vessel.

    He urged Nigerians to invest in the fishing industry since most of the shrimps that are imported into the country are gotten from the nation’s territorial waters.

    Read Also: Oyetola demands reports on dilapidated port facilities

    Oyetola assured Nigerians that no effort would be spared to properly harness the nation’s maritime potential, increase revenue generation and stem the tide of capital flight in the sector.

    The minister expressed satisfaction with NIMASA’s Modular Floating Dock, which, according to him, will further help generate employment for Nigerians.

    He said: “I am particularly interested in the NIMASA Modular Floating Dock because of its potential to generate employment and stem capital flight.

    “But we must find a way of ensuring stakeholders’ buy-in, in whatever we do so that we are seen to be working together for the growth and development of Nigeria.

    “Similarly, I am convinced we need a national carrier, especially through a PPP arrangement. We are about the only country that is an OPEC member that still charters vessels to carry our crude where 30 per cent of the charge goes to freight. We must find a way around it.

    “Again, what most Nigerians do not know is that most of the shrimps that are imported into our country are gotten from our waters. Therefore, it is now time to put an end to it by getting involved.

    “I have been to Barbados before; I knew how much we paid just for coastal tourism. Here in Nigeria, we also have what it takes to attract tourists to waters. Therefore, we shall be developing the infrastructure in cities and towns that are lake or coastal facing for this purpose.

    “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the fisheries sector contributed 1.09% of the country’s total GDP in the year 2020 and 0.9% in the Q3 of 2021. We are regarded as a net importer of fishery products.

    “But we are determined to change the narrative by putting in place measures to make Nigeria a major player in that regard.

    “Nigeria makes up about 853 kilometres of the estimated 47,000 kilometres of coastline in Africa. Nigeria has one of the largest wetlands in the world, with its coastal and marine ecosystems covering a total of 70,000 square kilometres.There are countries around the world that rely solely on earnings from the tourism sector.”

    While charging members of staff of NIMASA to rededicate themselves to quality service delivery and key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, Oyetola said repositioning the sector was non-negotiable

    “Like I told your counterparts at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, we all have a duty to reposition this sector for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians. We have the potential to grow our economy and create more jobs through this novel ministry. We must put everything to work to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said further that, “on our part as a ministry, those challenges that are internal and are affecting your smooth operation shall be looked into with a view to addressing them one after the other. The ones that are external, we shall take them up immediately.

    “I have full confidence in your capabilities and dedication, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of NIMASA in shaping the future of our maritime sector. Together, we can build a thriving blue economy that benefits us all,” Oyetola said.

  • I’m in hurry to make impact, says Oyetola

    I’m in hurry to make impact, says Oyetola

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said  he is in a hurry to make impact.

    Oyetola, who noted that he had no business in the ministry if he cannot make an impact, solicited the support of the management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders in the sector to realise President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the sector.

    He said this during his meeting with the management and staff of the NPA, shortly after his inspection of facilities at the Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos.

    According to a statement on Monday by the media office of the Minister,  Oyetola said going by the decay in infrastructure he saw at the ports, there was an urgent need to commence infrastructure renewal of ports across the country so as to save them from imminent collapse.

    He also encouraged terminal operators to invest in the development of facilities at the ports. 

    He also assured that enough scanners would be deployed to the ports to avoid unnecessary delays, noting that where the scanners already exist, he would interface with concerned government agencies to ensure their proper usage for efficiency at the ports.

    Oyetola said: “As you are all aware, we all have a duty to reposition this sector for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians and to contribute to the economic growth of our nation. By doing this, we will be leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

    Read Also: Akande, Omisore, others hail Tinubu over Oyetola’s appointment

    “I, therefore, enjoin you to be good ambassadors of this newly created ministry by displaying the highest level of character at your respective duty posts. Your attitude to work must change. We must imbibe the ethos of hard work, discipline, decency, and selflessness as this is the only way we can deliver on Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda.

    “Nigerians expect a lot from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. We must not fail them. We must increase our contribution to the country’s GDP. We have identified some of the low hanging fruits that will make an immediate impact. We shall vigorously pursue them. I am in a hurry to make an impact.

    “U have no business heading the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry if I can not make an impact. I want to make an impact. But I can not do it alone. I need your cooperation. I need your support. We have the potential to grow our economy and create more jobs through this novel ministry. We must put everything to work to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President”.

    He added: “We fully understand the crucial importance of our ports to the nation’s economic development and international trade. We will work towards improving the operations of our ports. Some of the access roads to our ports are in bad shape.

    “We shall liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure some of these roads are fixed in no distant time to ease our operations at the ports. We shall very soon commence the infrastructure renewal of our ports, including pursuing the rail to port project as part of efforts to decongest our ports.”

  • Marine engineers, surveyors seek support, collaboration with Oyetola

    Marine engineers, surveyors seek support, collaboration with Oyetola

    The Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) has urged the newly appointed Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola to collaborate with stakeholders in the industry.

     They spoke at the weekend during the induction of Israel Obadan as the association’s new President.

     In his acceptance speech, Obadan had hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a dedicated ministry to drive the development of the blue economy and marine resources.

     The AMES president noted that this would in turn create jobs and boost the economy.

     He also congratulated Oyetola on his appointment, urging the industry players, heads of government agencies, like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), port operators, experts and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to give their maximum support to the minister.

    Read Also: Oyetola resumes duty, vows to reposition Marine sector

     Obadan said the cooperation would enable the industry to develop and make Nigeria the hub of maritime activities in the West African sub-region.

     The AMES president also urged Oyetola to collaborate with the association to initiate good policies and strategies that would make the newly created ministry effective and efficient in job creation, revenue generation and trade facilitation at the port.

     He said doing so would enable the new ministry to give President Tinubu’s administration a good name and its imprints on the sand of time.

     Obadan, a first-class marine engineer who trained in the United Kingdom (UK), promised the association’s determination to help Oyetola to develop Nigeria’s maritime sector with a view to boosting international trade and generating massive employment for youths.

     Members of the association, he said, design, construct, operate, inspect, certify and maintain assets at sea, and on land.

     They are also involved in various types of survey and certification before vessel could be certified and deployed for operation on territorial waters.

     Obadan said: “Ours is a profession, I dare say, that belongs to those we regard as the esoteric group of professions, where people have an imaginary understanding of what we actually do.

     “Today, from what you will hear, see and observe, it is our expectation that your horizon will be better broadened. Ours is a profession of theory and practice. We never quite leave the classroom. Ours is a profession of theory and practice.

     “Starting with the profiles of members of the National Executive Council (NEC) in the brochure, it shows that only few of the calibre of members with an impressive level of global exposure, educational and professional knowledge acquired stretching some petty long years.”

  • Oyetola resumes duty, vows to reposition Marine sector

    Oyetola resumes duty, vows to reposition Marine sector

    The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Monday resumed duty at the ministry in Abuja after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu.

    Oyetola arrived at the ministry’s conference room around 2:15 pm in the company of his wife, Kafayat Oyetola, his son; Femi Oyetola, and some of his aides.

    He was received by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the managing director of NIWA, George Moghalu, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime, and some directors of the ministry.

    Oyetola urged the ministry staff to work with him to find innovative solutions to the challenges in the sector and ensure that the oceans and marine are safe, reliable, and sustainable.

    He also revealed that the blue economy is estimated globally to be worth more than $1.5 trillion annually.

    He said considering the size of the country’s blue economy, Nigeria should be a significant player in the sector to contribute to the country’s revenue and also provide jobs for the unemployed.

    He promised to come up with practicable ways of ensuring that the inland rivers, lakes, and waterways are utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

    Read Also: Tinubu reassigns Oyetola to Marine, Momoh to N/Delta

    He said: “Our oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet’s surface, holding the key to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and technological innovation. As we look ahead, my vision is rooted in the responsible management and utilisation of our marine resources to benefit not only our economy but also the health of our planet.

    “Experts say the Blue Economy is estimated to be worth more than $1.5 trillion per year globally. Therefore, given our size as a country and considering the size of our blue economy, we should be a significant player in this sector, to contribute immensely to the revenue generation of our country and also provide jobs for the unemployed.

    “We must come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our inland rivers, lakes, and waterways are well utilised, both in terms of cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

    “This can be done by embarking on a holistic dredging campaign for most of our strategically important inland waterways to make them navigable for the passage of goods and people.”

    The former governor of Osun state also said he would promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

    “As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialisation and the effective delineation of core duties between the units.

    “We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. These are my thoughts as I join you today. I believe that when we are able to do all these and more, we would have contributed our quota towards realising Mr President’s renewed Hope Agenda in the Marine and Blue Economy sector.”

  • Labour hails Oyetola, Kyari, Mustapha

    The Joint Labour Unions in Osun State have congratulated Governor Gboyega Oyetola on his victory at the Supreme Court over last year’s gubernatorial election in the state.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in a joint statement in Osogbo, the state capital, felicitated with the governor.

    The statement, jointly signed by the state Chairman of NLC, Comrade Adekomi Jacob Tunde; his counterpart in the TUC, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and the JNC Chairman, Comrade Bayo Adejumo said: “We heartily congratulate the Executive Governor of the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on his deserved victory at the Supreme Court.

    “It is our belief that this victory will spur you to be more focused and undistracted on the assignment of taking the state to greater heights.

    “The unions felicitate with you and pray that God Almighty will help you as you prepare to make life more bearable and pleasant for the teeming workers in the state. Once again, we congratulate you.”

    In a related event, the NLC, on behalf of its National Executive Council (NEC), commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Mr. Boss Mustapha and Malam Abba Kyari as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chief of Staff to the President respectively.

    NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the union had over the past four years enjoyed very good working relationships with Alhaji Kyari and Mr. Mustapha, which have contributed immensely to fast-tracking resolutions of critical labour issues in the country.

    He said: “We have no doubt that the country has benefited and will benefit more from their commitment to the success of the present government and the progress of the entire country.”

    Wabba added that the union enjoyed a robust relationship with Mr. Kyari’s at critical moments during the negotiations of the new National Minimum Wage, “which dispelled various misinformation sent to the President by some individuals involved in the negotiations”.

    The NLC further urged  President Buhari to maintain the trust and patriotic purpose of Alhaji Kyari’s and Boss Mustapha’s presence in his administration.

  • Media crucial to govt, says Oyetola

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has described the media as a crucial partner to government and promised a sustained robust relationship.

    Speaking during a fast-breaking dinner with Osun-based media executives at the Government House in Osogbo, the governor attributed the successes so far recorded by his administration to the support from the media.

    Oyetola said: “I am always happy to see members of the press around me because I have realised for a very long time that the success and otherwise of government lies with the media.

    “As a matter of fact, no government can do any meaningful thing without the press and I have recognised this from the first day.

    “As I thank you for the kind of atmosphere that exists between us. I also want to seek your support, cooperation and partnership to move the state forward.

    “Let’s remain partners in progress. Let talk of what binds us together, not what divides us. Let’s see the security of lives and property of the citizens as well as the general welfare of the people as things to be promoted.

    “It is high time for all us to see the socio-economic and political development of the state as our priority. We must work together to promote our commonwealth and place our state on the path of progress and prosperity.

    “We need ideas, suggestions and lofty comments and opinions to move the state forward.

    “I will always leave my doors open to ideas. As a Governor, I need your contributions to succeed. See me as your friend because being a Governor is an opportunity for me to serve the people and effect positive and meaningful change, particularly to ensure impactful socio-economic development and as well turnaround the fortune of the state.”

    On his plan for the youths, he said: “As you all know, our administration is supporting every sector, particularly the development of the mineral resources with a keen interest in mining, forestry and agriculture.

    “The motive behind this is to properly harness our potentials in this sector for maximum development. Our plan is to get our youths fully engaged in agriculture and mining for the betterment of our state.”

    General managers of media organisations in the state, union leaders and reporters attended the session.

  • Osun to register miners to prevent crime, says Oyetola

    •Governor talks tough on insecurity

    Osun State government will register miners operating in the state, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said yesterday.

    Besides, serious steps are to be taken to prevent security lapses linked to some of the criminals, who are operating as illegal miners in the state.

    These are the highlights of an Ife-Ijesa zonal security sensitisation meeting held yesterday in Ilesa. The zone is where the vast gold deposit in the state is located.

    Apart from the governor, Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, the governor’s wife Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, other top government functionaries, traditional rulers led by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, heads of security agencies, the leadership of artisanal miners and community leaders attended the meeting. The meeting sought people’s cooperation in the fight against illegal mining, kidnapping, banditry and other vices now rearing their ugly heads in the state.

    They appealed to residents to report any strange development in their domains for appropriate actions.

    Oyetola said: “The activities of illegal mining vendors, if not checked, will shatter the safety, security and peace of our people as they are capable of engaging in untoward behaviours.

    “Already, there is an upsurge in criminal activities in this area.

    “We have of recent been battling with kidnaping, harassment of people, and indiscriminate shootings on the highway, all traceable to the nefarious activities of some of these illegal miners.

    “Should these high-level crimes continue, the government will be forced to take a drastic action, which will include but not limited to a total ban on mining activities in this state.

    “To prevent the hammer from falling, all hands must be on deck to avoid criminality.

    “So, all miners operating in this state must be registered to enable the government keep a record.

    “Community leaders (the Serikis) must play a key role in ensuring that this directive on registration is faithfully carried out.

    “Thereafter, Serikis will be held accountable for acts of crime committed by miners in their area of operation.

    “Ensuring that these crimes do not happen requires your collective support and cooperation and those of our people with the government.”

    Heads of security agencies – the police, the army, the DSS, Immigration, the prisons, Road Safety, Civil Defence and the NDLEA – reaffirmed their commitment to securing the state and preventing the influx of criminals posing as miners.

    Leaders of the gold mining union also sought for government’s support to enable them to prevent crimes.

    A community leader, Prof. Olu Odeyemi, warned of dire consequences unless drastic measures were taken to stop the rising level of insecurity.

    Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Aromolaran urged the government to empower traditional rulers, who know their domain and are in a better position to assist in securing their areas

    They called for synergy between the government, people and the security agents as part of efforts to strengthen security and stamp out all forms of criminality.

    Oyetola described the security stakeholders’ meeting as sacrosanct, in view of the huge mineral deposits in the zone.

  • Oyetola vs. Adeleke

    The legal tango over the Osun State gubernatorial election held on 22nd and 27th September 2018, would be determined by the Supreme Court if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) carriers out its threat to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered last Thursday, setting aside the March 22nd judgment of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal, which sacked Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. While awaiting the apex court, let us examine some gravamen of the legal dispute.

    Of particular interest to this column is the issue raised at the appeal by Wole Olanipekun SAN: whether the absence of learned Justice Peter Obiorah (who authored and read the lead judgment) at the tribunal sitting on February 6, has not rendered the majority decision of the tribunal a nullity. The learned Justice Obiorah was a member of the three-man panel that heard and determined the petition of Senator Ademola Adeleke and the PDP. On a majority of two-to-one, Adeleke carried the day at the tribunal.

    That judgment has now been set aside on appeal, by a four-to-one majority panel, led by Justice Jummai Sankey.  While Justices Abubakar Yahaya, Isaiah Akeju and Bitrus Sanga agreed with Justice Sankey, Justice Ita Mbaba dissented. Interestingly, there is a plethora of cases on the validity of a judgment delivered by a panel different from the one that heard a case. In Awolola v Governor Ekiti State (2019) All FWLR, (Pt. 971), 1-55, the Supreme Court was invited to overrule its decision in Ubwa v Tiv Area Traditional Council (2004) 11 NWLR (Pt. 884) 427 as well as Sokoto State Government v Kamdex (Nig.) Limited (2007) 7 NWLR (Pt. 1034) 466.

    In Ubwa v Tiv Area Traditional Council, Magaji JCA who did not participate in hearing the appeal wrote and delivered a concurring judgment, in the case heard by Akpabio, Umoren and Chukwuma-Eneh, JJCA; while in Sokoto State Government v Kamdex (Nig) Ltd, Justices Ogebe, Aderemi and Chukwuma-Eneh heard an appeal, however Justice Galadima who did not hear the appeal, wrote and delivered a concurring judgment, instead of Ogeb JCA. In Ubwa’s case, the apex court had after considering sections 247(1), 294(2) ad (4) of the 1999 constitution declared the judgment a nullity and ordered a retrial.

    Also in Sokoto State government’s case, the Supreme Court held that the judgment was not a complete judgment of the Court of Appeal ‘because one of the Justices who heard the appeal did not reduce his judgment or opinion in writing capable of being delivered … as required by section 294(2) of the 1999 constitution.’ However in Awolola v Governor Ekiti State, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decisions, including Shuaibu v N.A.B. Ltd (1998) 5 NWLR (Pt. 551) 582, (1998) 4 SCNJ 109.

    The learned Justices referring to section 258(1), (2) and (3) of the 1979 Constitution held: “Sub-section (3) (supra) clearly provides a solution like the one at hand in this case, as it stated that where the decision of the court consists of more than one judge, the concurring opinion expressed by the majority justices shall be the binding.” They further held: “The sudden appearance of the name of Adio JCA as delivering a concurring judgement must be without doubt a genuine mistake made in the course of compiling the record.”

    Interestingly, in Awolola v Governor Ekiti State, if the judgment of the judge who is not a member of the original panel is discountenanced, the judgment still stood as judgment of the majority. However, in Oyetola v Adeleke’s case at the tribunal, the panel is made up of three members. So should the Supreme Court find the judgment of Justice Peter Obiorah, one of the panellist invalid, because he did not sit with the other two members on February 6, as shown by the records of appeal, there will be no majority judgment left to stand, since the tribunal was made up of only three judges.

    The surviving judgment, will become a minority judgment, just like the dissenting judgment of the chairman of the tribunal, and may therefore not meet the threshold established in Awolola v Governor Ekiti State and Shuaibu v N.A.B. Ltd, or even the earlier case of Adeigbe v Kusimo (1965) NMLR 284, wherein the Supreme Court held: “We are therefore of the opinion that variations in the bench do not make the judgment a nullity; they may make unsatisfactory; and it may have to set aside for this reason, but whether they do or not depends on the particular circumstances of the case.”

    The circumstance in Oyetola v Adeleke may be such that the sitting of only two members out of three at a stage of the proceedings, may render the judgment nugatory as held by the dissenting judgment of Mary Peter-Odili JSC in Awolola v Governor Ekiti State. In her judgment, Justice Peter-Odili, quoted Justice Kutigi JSC in Ubwa v Tiv Area Traditional Council, wherein he said: “The entire proceedings before the Court of Appeal were a nullity because all members who heard the appeal and those who wrote the judgments were not all present throughout the hearing of the appeal which includes delivery of judgment.”

    Should the Supreme Court come to the conclusion that the absence of learned Justice Obiorah “throughout the hearing” of the petition (a position affirmed by section 285(4) of the 1999 constitution: which provides that the quorum of an election tribunal shall be the chairman and two members) affected the validity of judgement at the tribunal, and choose to order a retrial, Senator Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party may then face the challenge posed by the provision of section 285(6) of the 1999 constitution (as amended). That section provides that an election tribunal shall deliver its judgment within 180 days of the petition.

    No doubt, should PDP and her candidate proceed on appeal, the coming days will be days of anxiety for Governor Oyetola and Senator Adeleke and their supporters. That is because section 285(7) of the constitution (as amended) provides that “an appeal from a decision of an election tribunal or court shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of delivery of judgment of the tribunal.” Clearly, the reversal of the judgment of the trial tribunal brought a lot of excitement to the people of Osun, and many of them look forward to a favourable judgment at the apex court.

    Reacting to the victory at the appeal court, Adeniyi Adesina, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oyetola, on behalf of the governor wrote: “After months of uncertainty and wait in judicial wilderness, truth has finally prevailed over falsehood….” The next 60 days will determine who finally carries the day in the legal tangle.

  • Oyetola hails Osun people’s support after verdict

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday hailed the people of the state for the massive show of support after Thursday’s verdict of the Court of Appeal, which reaffirmed his victory in last year’s governorship election.

    Residents of Osogbo, the state capital, and other major towns trooped to the streets as soon as news of the appellate court’s decision filtered into the state.

    Speaking yesterday at a thanksgiving prayer session organised at NASFAT in Osogbo, the governor described the massive instantaneous turnout of the people to celebrate his victory as “remarkable and historic” and expressed gratitude to God and the good people of the state.

    He said the massive turnout of the people shortly after the judgment to celebrate the victory indicated the love, acceptance and passion that the people had for his government.

    Oyetola said: “Coming to NASFAT today is not only significant but aimed to praising Allah and to appreciate the good people of Osun for their unflinching support.

    “Our people have always demonstrated their love and acceptance for this government as reflected in the enthusiasm displayed last Thursday to celebrate our victory at the Appeal Court. This is an attestation of the fact that people of Osun are for the APC and our government”.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to bring succour to all and sundry, and ensure even and equitable distribution of resources.

    The Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Abdul-Rasaq Aduagba, enjoined Muslims to move closer to God and renew their faith in Him.

    He called for a renewed commitment to God and admonished the faithful to shun things capable of leading them on destructive path and deny them Al-Jannah Firdaus (paradise).

    Sheikh Aduagba urged Muslims to reflect on ?their inward and outward attitudes and the traits expected of true Muslims.

    The cleric’s lecture which centred on “Who is an Ideal Muslim/Muslimah”, said it is only God that can judge an ideal Muslim.

    The governor was accompanied by his wife, Alhaja Kafayat; Deputy Chief of Staff Abdullah Binuyo; Olowu of Kuta Oba Ahmed Adekunle Makama and Supervisor for Finance Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji.

    Others include: Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alhaji Kolapo Alimi; former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism? and Culture Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun; Chairman, Osun Police Community Relations Committee Comrade Amitolu Shittu and former Chairman, Osun Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Liadi Tella, among others.