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  • BREAKING: Umahi sacks Chief Press Secretary

    Ebonyi Governor David Umahi Tuesday has terminated the appointment of his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor.

    Umahi, in a WhatsApp message to our reporter, said he took the decision because the CPS misrepresented him and South East Governors in a statement he issued on the Controversial National Livestock Transformation Programme.

    The Governor described the statement by Uzor as highly embarrassing and regrettable.

    He further noted that the position of the CPS was contrary to his on the issue.

    The statement reads: “I just directed the termination of the appointment of my CPS for misrepresenting me and south east governors on National livestock transformation plan programme of which I had issued press statement on behalf of NEC after our last NEC meeting”.

    Read Also; Umahi appoints 180 additional aides

    “My former Cps was never authorised to talk to the press on the matter. His position is different from mine and that of the south east governors” .

    “His statement is so embarrassing and regrettable,” the governor wrote.

    Mr Umahi also said that the sacked CPS is to hand over to his Principal Secretary, Clement Nweke immediately.

    He wished him well in his future endeavors.

  • Full text of Buhari’s speech at UNGA

    Protocol

    Firstly I wish to thank the General Assembly for the honour bestowed on the Government and people of Nigeria by electing our national, His Excellency, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande to the Presidency of the 74th Session of this august body.

    2. This is indeed a great honour!

    3. Nigerians are truly grateful and shall endeavour to live up to the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon us.

    4. Ambassador Muhammad-Bande is an experienced and seasoned diplomat and I am confident that he will prove to the International Community his suitability for this most demanding assignment.

    5. Let me also offer my sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her skill, resourcefulness and endless reservoir of patience in piloting the 73rd General Assembly.

    6. In the same vein, may I commend the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres for his tremendous energy, his genuine international outlook exhibited by his leadership of the United Nations.

    Your Excellencies, Delegates,

    7. The theme of the current General Assembly is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”

    8. These are the prime areas calling for collective action which will benefit national and global interests.

    9. Today the world is at a critical juncture. This year marks the first anniversary of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This year also marks the 100 years of the founding of the League of Nations, leading eventually to the establishment of the United Nations as part of the post-World War II international order.

    10. Article 1 (4) of the UN Charter called for “harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends”. These common ends include:

    a. International peace and security;

    b. Prosperity and social justice;

    c. Respect for human dignity; and

    d. Protection of the environment.

    11. Multilateralism symbolised by the UN system has brought immense benefits to the people of the world. It has saved lives, prevented wars, restored peace and stability as well as generated economic and social progress in many countries.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    12. We must admit that as the world grows richer, there are regrettable signals in the World Economic and Political Order. Millions in Africa and around the world remain in abject poverty. Furthermore, we are witnessing a backlash against multilateralism in the shape of rising tide of racism, xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, populism and tendencies towards protectionism and unilateralism. The pristine principles of the United Nations appear threatened.

    13. On cessation of hostilities after World War II, the United States in one of the greatest selfless undertakings in history decided to revive Europe through the Marshall Plan and uplift and restore Japan economically. This generous policy catalysed a great economic revival globally.

    14. This action of the United States not only benefited Europe and Japan but the United States as well through vastly improved trade and cross investments.

    15. The United States and Europe have become friends and allies since the end of the war. The United States and Japan have also become friends and allies since the end of the war. This example can be replicated with respect to Africa.

    16. A developed Africa will not be antagonistic to industrialised countries but will become friends and partners in prosperity, security and development. A prosperous Africa will mean greater prosperity for the rest of the world. A poor Africa will be a drag on the rest of the world. Is this what the international community wants?

    17. A coordinated multilateral effort should be set in motion to utilise and maximise use of the enormous resources on the African continent for the benefit of all nations. Investing partners will be able to recoup their investments manifold over time.

    18. Current attempts to help develop Africa by industrial countries are un-coordinated and plainly incremental. We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.

    19. Africa charges you with the singular task of initiating the effort we are calling for. The United Nations has in place processes for promoting collective action to combat global threats. No threat is more potent than poverty and exclusion.

    20. They are the foul source from which common criminality, insurgency, cross-border crimes, human trafficking and its terrible consequences draw their inspiration.

    21. Poverty in all its manifestations remains one of the greatest challenges facing our world. Its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.

    22. Under this initiative easy access to financial services are facilitated to our traders, artisans, market women and co-operative societies. This type of initiative can help lessen and eventually eliminate mass poverty in Africa.

    23. At the core of our efforts to build an inclusive society, our programmes are focused on youth and women empowerment. These programmes aim at ensuring women and youth participation in governance, industry, climate action and agriculture.

    24. On the international scene, Mr President, the United Nations has new opportunities to take the lead on issues that continue to cloud the prospects for international peace and prosperity, namely;

    a. The rights of the Palestinian people to have their own country free of occupation. Mr President, the international community has spoken from Resolution 242 of 1967 to the present day on the rights of the Palestinian people to have and live in peace in their own land;

    b. The risks associated with nuclear proliferation;

    c. Unfair and unjust trading practices notwithstanding the World Trade Organisation Rules and Precepts;

    d. The looming danger of climate change

    25. On climate change Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which I signed in 2015. We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional 1 million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7% through collective national effort.

    READ ALSO: Full text of Buhari’s speech at signing of 2019 appropriation bill

    26. As we advocate and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of International Community. That is why we support the expansion of the Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    27. From Asia to the Middle East, Africa to South America, violence and the threat of conflict continue to blight the lives of too many people.

    28. Our own country is no exception. Nigeria is a nation of nearly 200 million people of diverse groups. Our diversity is our source of strength which is why in elections this year, our people backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.

    29. Our election promises emphasised political stability, freedom and prosperity, tackling poverty, schooling our young and providing them with the tools to build better lives. We are placing special emphasis on the role of women in our female gender advancement programmes.

    30. Our progress and delivery are deliberate, purposeful and measured. We clearly appreciate there are no quick fixes to complex challenges.

    31. In particular, the challenge of education in Africa is enormous. On December 3rd 2018, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 73/25 that proclaimed 24 January of every year as International Day of Education. The Resolution which was spearheaded by Nigeria and co-sponsored by 58 other member states marked a watershed in the recognition of the fundamental role of education in building modern societies.

    32. To ensure access to education for all, our Government has introduced the Home Grown School Feeding Programme to address the challenge of out-of-school and forced-out-of-school children.

    33. This social intervention programme, Mr President, is aimed at encouraging increased school enrolment through provision of free school meals. The benefits extend beyond the school environment. In addition, we have introduced mainstreaming and implementation of Safe Schools Declaration laws and policies across all educational institutions in Nigeria.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    34. The world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers. This and similar crimes which have been fuelled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

    35. Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

    36. Organised criminal networks, often acting with impunity across international borders present new challenges where only collective action can deliver genuine results.

    37. This is true in the battle against violent extremism, against trafficking in people and drugs and against corruption and money laundering. The present Nigerian government is facing the challenges of corruption head-on. We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    38. As a young man, as a soldier, I witnessed at first hand the terrible legacy of destruction and broken lives that conflict leaves in its wake.

    39. As the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many millions across the globe in defence of freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

    40. In Nigeria, we have made significant strides to put our own house in order. We will work tirelessly to uphold due process. The rule of law remains the permanent, unchanging foundation of the world order.

    41. Freedom, tolerance and the rule of law are universal values and underline the best that this General Assembly represents. And that binds us all.

    Mr. President,

    42. I will conclude my remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development. We are also committed to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations for the benefit of humanity.

    43. Thank you very much.

  • UPDATED: Court orders DSS to release Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to forthwith grant freedom to detained convener of #RevolutionNow protest,Omoyele Sowore.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a ruling on Tuesday, directed that Sowore, who was also presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the last presidential election, be handed to his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), who is to produce him for arraignment whenever he is required.

    Justice Taiwo further directed that, since a charge has already been filed against Sowore, he should deposit his passport and other travel documents to ensure his availability for trial.

    The judge noted that the court’s earlier order, made on August 8, 2019, permitting the DSS to detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, expired on September 21, 2019.

    He added that since the DSS withdrew its application, in which it had sought the renewal of the detention order for another 20 days, there is no longer any existing order of court for his continued detention by the DSS.

    The ruling was upon an application for bail raised by Falana earlier on Tuesday.

    The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) filed a seven counts of treasonable felony and money laundering against Sowore and Olawale Adebayo Bakare (aka Mandate) on Friday.

    The charge is marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/235/2019.

    Falana, at the commencement of proceedings, withdrew the application he had filed for his client’s bail, on the grounds that it was overtaken by events.

    Read Also: Court strikes out DSS application to detain Sowore

    He was of the view that since Sowore has not been charged with terrorism, there was no basis for the application to be moved.

    Falana thereafter, prayed the court to order his client’s release from DSS’ custody, since its earlier order, permitting the DSS to detain him for 45 days expired by since September 21.

    He also noted that since the DSS equally withdrew its application for the renewal of the detention order, there was no competent subsisting order of court for Sowore’s continued detention.

    Falana said: “Since the application for the renewal of the detention of the respondent has been withdrawn and struck out by the court, we urged the court to make an order for the immediate release of the respondent from custody in line with section 35 of the 1999 constitution.

    “In addition, since the order of this court made on August 8, 2019 for the detention of the respondent by the DSS for 45 days has expired by exclusion of time, the implication is that as from today, there is no order of a competent court for the remand or further detention of the applicant.

    “Furthermore, the initial order for his detention for 45 days was predicated on the information that he was been investigated for terrorism.

    “However, from the seven-count information against the respondent, there is nothing like terrorism,” Falana said.

    In a counter-argument, lawyer to the DSS, Godwin Abadua drew the court’s attention to the charge file against Sowore.

    Agbadua argued that the offence with which Sowore is charged is a capital offence by the provision of Section 161 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which he noted, provides that a person arrested and detained for an offence punishable with death can only be admitted to bail by a judge of the High Court under exceptional circumstances.

    He contended that since a charge has been filed, in compliance with constitutional provision, it was only the court that could determine whether or not, a person’s right to freedom of movement should be restrained in certain circumstances.

    Agbadua further contended that the moment a charge is filed against a person, such a person cannot be said to be illegally detained.

    Replying on point of law, Falana urged the court to ignore Agabdua’s submissions on the grounds that mere filling of a charge cannot be equated to a remand order.

    He said the DSS’ lawyer misled the court when he said that the respondent was charged with terrorism, which is a capital offence.

    Falana added that the DSS cannot ask the court to detain a citizen in anticipation of his arraignment based on a charge filed.

    He urged the court to hold that since the order has expired and in view of the withdrawal of the application by the DSS for its renewal, the respondent should be released from detention.

    Upon the court’s ruling, directing Sowore’s release, his supporters, who thronged the court went wild in jubilation.

  • UPDATED: Oyetola nominates Akande’s, Adewole’s sons, Egbemode, 32 others as Commissioners, SAs

    Sons of Chief Bisi Akande, former Minister of Health Isaac Adewole, traditional ruler the Akinrun of Ikirun and Osogbo industrialist Alhaji Tunde Badmus made the list of 35 commissioners and Special Advisers nominees sent for screening by Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Also on the list read on the floor of the House of Assembly is running mate to Chief Iyiola Omisore during the 2018 governorship election and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Mrs. Funke Egbemode.

    Those who served as commissioners in the Aregbesola Administration that made the list are: Mr. Remi Omowaiye, Alhaji Bola Oyebanmiji, Dr. Olalekan Yinusa, Dr. Adebisi Obawale, Idiat Babalola, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu and Alhaja Lateefat Giwa.

    Also nominated are a former Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mr. Remi Kolajo; former House of Representatives member Folorunso Bamisayemi; a defeated House of Representatives candidate and pharmacist, Siji Olamiju and leaders of the Ileri Oluwa Organisation that championed Governor Oyetola’s campaign, Sola Oladepo and Jamiu Olawunmi.

    READ ALSO: See full list of Gov Oyetola’s Commissioner, Special Adviser-nominees

    Speaker Timothy Owoeye urged the nominees to submit 25 copies of their Curriculum Vitae to the house not later than Friday adding that screening would begin on Monday.

    During the sitting, the speaker announced the setting up of an ad hoc committee of five lawmakers to consult with traditional rulers and victims of kidnapping in the state to fashion out how to curb the menace.

    Owoeye said it was pertinent for the committee to move quickly into action, on the backdrop of recent upsurge in kidnappings in the state, saying the house was equally working on a law to address high rate of kidnapping in the state.

  • FCTA demolishes shanties, kiosks, beer parlours in Wuse Parks

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished shanties, beer parlours and other illegal structures in designated Parks and Gardens in Wuse Zone 6 area of Abuja in continuation of its reinforced measures to mitigate abuse of such places.

    The FCTA ,through a joint team drawn from relevant departments and agencies under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), raided and destroyed illegal structures within Surich Park, and two other Parks in Wuse Zone 6, for operating without approval or outside the land Use Act.

    It was observed that the FCTA officials, accompanied by a a joint security personnel carried out the demolition exercise, after the operators or occupiers of the affected structures were allowed to salvage their valuable wares from the Parks.

    About two weeks ago, the AMMC officials went round identifying infraction within Parks, with the aim of sanitising them in line with the purposes for which they were allocated to their developers and operators.

     

    Speaking during the exercise, Director, Development Control Department, Murktar Galadima, noted that it was a follow up to its ongoing sensitisation campaign and enforcement of development standard, which the government will continue till it has achieved its goal.

    FCTA news
    Photo of the demolished kiosks in Wise parks.

    Galadima said it was going to be all over the nation’s wherever there are designated parks to ensure prevailing activity is in line with what was approved for the development of such parks.

    He also cautioned operators of Parks and Recreational Spots not to do any transaction with any person that is not officially assigned to do such transaction.

    According to him: “This administration have been up and doing in regards to implementation of our standard.

    READ ALSO: FCTA takes inventory of undeveloped plots

    “I’ll like to caution them (operators of parks) not to deal with anybody not officially assigned to do that responsibility, because sometimes some touts will claim that they’re working for the constituted authorities whereas it’s not true. However if any of our staff is found wanting, we are going to apply the civil service rule.”

    Director, FCT Parks and Recreation Department, Ali Ukele, said the affected parks were not designed for recreational purposes but supposed to be developed for basic Park form, which entails that they should have green and park benches.

    Ukele said: “we are not supposed to have buildings in them, so that’s the infractions observed.

    “There are some park operators that have approved allocations, but a lot of them don’t have, so if you don’t have and you are operating illegally this operation will also catch up with you.

    “We have shanties where people are sleeping within the parks, and you can see all sort of things in the Parks, there are laundry services, and all sort of shanty related activities, so we can’t allow the trend to continue.

    “Also, there are security threats, because people sleep in Parks, and we have complaints from residents, because people come from parks and then rob or disturb them in the night, then disappear into the parks, so this is the issue.”

  • Jigawa Assembly suspends principal officials over alleged fraud

    Jigawa House of Assembly has suspended its former Majority Leader and Chief Whip, Alhaji Sani Ishaq and Mr. Aminu Sule Sankara for six months over alleged interference with the House investigation on financial spending.

    House Committee Chairman on Information Aminu Zakari (APC Gwiwa) disclosed this to reporters after the House sitting.

    He said the members were suspended with to allow for fair investigations into allegations of financial impropriety against them.

    READ ALSO: JUST IN: Jigawa Assembly re-elects impeached Speaker

    According to him, the principal officials allegedly attempted to retrieve some financial documents from the Ministry of Finance to prevent the Committee of Investigation set by the House to investigate financial misappropriation between 2017 and 2018.

    Ishaq and Sankara were principal officials during the period they committed the infraction.

    When contacted, they denied the allegation.

    The suspended Majority Leader and the Chief Whip were impeached with Speaker Isah Idris in May.

  • Justice reform should top agenda in Oyo, says report

    Nelson Olanipekun has advised that the justice sector should top the agenda for Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde who just celebrated 100 days in government.

    Nelson, Lead for Citizens Gavel a civic tech and justice sector reform advocacy organisation, believes that “Justice reform that can increase the pace of justice delivery in the state” should top agenda for Makinde’s government.

    “Oyo state has one of the highest numbers of awaiting trial detainees, which stands at 86 percent based on our April data survey, this is higher than the National average which stands at 69 percent,” Nelson stated.

    In a report by Citizens Gavel 1 of 5 people arrested by Police in Oyo state are been brutalized, from data collected from 16 LGAs in Oyo State, over 20 percent of citizens arrested by the Nigerian police are been brutalized during and before arrest.

    It was also gathered that over 80 percent of inmates were not treated fairly by prison wardens against the conditions of detention in police custody and pre-trial detention started in the LUANDA Guidelines Section 24.

    Prison Cells in Oyo State are overcrowded. Some very small cells have over 100 detainees.

    It was also reported there is very poor hygiene of arrested and detained persons at police stations in Oyo State, which can lead to serious health conditions of inmates. Less than 2 percent have their baths once in a week.

    It was also highlighted in the report that over 90 percent of the respondents said they have had very bad experiences in Oyo state Prisons and stations.

    Even though N17 billion was the budget allocated for feeding of awaiting trials and convicts in the Nigeria Prisons, less than 4 percent of Oyo inmates were feed twice daily in detention cells.

    Despite the N366.1 billion police budget for 2019 less than 7 percent of arrested and detained citizens were given food once daily in Oyo State.

    The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) provision of session 34 says that Magistrates are supposed to be visiting Police stations but due to lack of proper framework to implement the provisions less than 1 percent of the inmates have been visited.

    Arrested and detained persons have, according Section 8(1) of ACJL of Oyo State, rights to be informed of reasons their arrest and charges against them but less than 2 percent are notified of the reason for their arrest during or before the arrest.

    It was also reported that almost 60 percent of people arrested and inmates in OYO states are youths.

    According to LUANDA guidelines it is the duty of court to ensure that every detainee is represented by a lawyer but 100 percent of respondents say that they were not assigned by a lawyer by the court.

    And only 2 out of 100 respondents wrote their statements in front of a lawyer.

  • INEC trains security personnel for Kogi Gov race

    Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State, the Election Institute (TEI) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have embarked on a ‘training the trainers’ programme on election security.

    The participants were drawn from across the 21 LGAs of the state, including officers of the Nigeria Police, the Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary forces.

    Speaking at the opening of the training session for personnel from Kogi West, in the capital, Lokoja, the institute’s Director, Dr Sa’ad Idris, who was represented by his deputy, Victoria Ettah-Messi, noted that the INEC is not by law empowered to make arrests.

    She explained that it is the police in collaboration with other security agencies, that is charged with maintaining law and order, on election day.

    READ ALSO: INEC to officials: track election activities

    “We cannot conduct an election in an atmosphere that is not peaceful or conducive, but INEC is not charged with keeping the security, and that is why we need you during the conduct of the election, as you will help us conduct free and fair election,” she explained.

    She called on the participants to do their best in impacting what they have gained at the sessions on others back in their various areas of operation, saying that by so doing, will the outcome of the election be better impacted.

    She commended the European Centre for Electoral Services (ECES), for their efforts in promoting electoral success in Nigeria, noting that the gesture has continued to advance the process in the country.

  • Navy: we won’t promote unless..

    The Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy has said physical and mental health status of its officers and ratings were conditions for their promotions, attendance of courses and operations.

    Speaking at the maiden edition of a wellness lecture entitled, harnessing good health through prescribed medical lifestyle at the naval headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), CNC, Rear Admiral, Saidu Suleiman Garba, said health was important to the navy.

    Garba insisted that the Nigerian Navy placed a lot of emphasis on the physical and mental health of its personnel, a development he said led to the lecture series.

    He said the programme was a welfare package to enable personnel understand the need to be medically and mentally fit to undertake every operation expected of them.

    He also disclosed that the Navy introduced the Body Mass Index scale as a measure of fitness to be sure that everyone was fit to undertake normal routine operations and activities.

    He said: “This will serve as a criteria for promotion, availability for courses and operations. In order for personnel to know their status we introduced this lecture. It will be quarterly so that we can reach other who are on the field so that we can also enhance their health.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian Navy hosts Prince of Wales in Lagos

    “Our annual programme shows we have to undertake series of event like swimming, football championship, the thug of war games and so many others we concluded few days ago”.

    Health Expert, Dr. Susan Adam, said the programme was designed to encourage all participants to be more conscious of their health status and appealed to them to embrace nature.

    He said: “We recognise that a lot has been done and already put in place for them to be proactive but we think something could be done extra to enhance their health. They have to deliberately prevent some things, watch their BMI and what to eat, and how to wake.

    “The vegetable drinks is all about going to nature, because it has so much to offer and heal us, by running away from nature is running from natural medicines. First they should be awareness that there’s something called healthy living, it will be a learned habit and it doesn’t happen overnight”.

  • Doctor re-arraigned for allegedly cutting off patient’s kidneys

    A medical doctor based in Adamawa State, Dr. Yakubu Hassan Koji, has been re-arraigned by the tribunal sitting of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on a twelve-count charge bordering on negligence in the handling of a patient – Mr. Isa Hamma (now deceased).

    The accused doctor performed an operation on the patient without informing him of the risks involved.

    He was alleged to have in the process ‘mistakenly’ cut off the kidneys in the patient.

    One out of the twelve count charge reads: “That you, Dr. Yakubu Hassan Koji, registered medical practitioner and practicing as such , between 25th June and 7th July, 2016 or thereabouts at Jimeta Clinic and Maternity, Jimeta, Adamawa State, were negligent when you undertook a surgical operation on one Isa Hamma and remove an organ you could not identify and by the said fact, conducted yourself infamously in a professional respect contrary to Rules 29.4f of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria, 2008 Edition, and punishable under section 16 (1) (a) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act CAP M8 LFN 2004 (as amended).”

    Although in earlier arraignment, Koji pleaded not guilty to one or two of the charges.

    However, in a new twist, the respondent pleaded not guilty to all of the twelve-count charges.

    The Defense Counsel, B. E Olowonubi, pleaded with the members of the tribunal for a little time to opt for the option to plea bargain his clients position.

    However, the prosecution counsel vehemently opposed the position that a plea bargain can only be reached if the respondent accepts that he is guilty of the charges.

    According to the Prosecution Counsel, Dr. Musa A. Aliyu: “We remember that this respondent had earlier pleaded guilty to a count or two; that would have been the proper pedestal to build a leniency of any punishment that can be meted to him.

    “But he, after he has taken his plea, has taken a step to say ‘I am not guilty’, what are you bargaining again? Plea bargain will only result in – I am guilty.

    “This is a tribunal established by law, and the proceedings are guided by law. In criminal crime, in the new development there are issues of plea bargain which the administration of criminal justice have introduced into our criminal justice system, which is accepted in the court.

    “But to the best of our knowledge Mr. Chairman, there is no provision either in the medical ethics of Nigeria or in the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act, which empower the prosecution or the Medical and Dental investigation panel to enter into any bargain with somebody it has investigated and found that he has a case to answer, as a result of which a charge is proffered against him.”

    He further said that if the respondent admits to the charges and pleads guilty then the issue of plea bargain will suffice.

    READ ALSO: Doctor arraigned for allegedly assaulting nurse

    If not, he said himself (prosecution counsel) and his team are ready to proceed with the prosecution and call their witness while tendering all the evidences they feel that are enough to have the respondent convicted of professional misconducts on all the charges proffered against him.

    Chairman of the tribunal, Prof. Abba Hassan, reminded everyone that the respondent initially pleaded guilty on one or two of the charges.

    But because he didn’t have a counsel, the tribunal granted him some time to prepare with one.

    He pointed out he had changed his plea to all of them that he is not guilty.

    “The issue is the removal of functional kidneys in an individual, which has led to the death of the patient. Even if you are going to do a plea bargain, the important thing which you raise is not our law now.

    “In the review of the Act, if this comes in, but as far as I am concerned, the members of the tribunal have no option than to go ahead with the prosecution because the case is an issue of somebody who lost both of the organs and the patient is dead. It is only fair to the complainants that we conclude this case to a surgical conclusion,” he said.

    The case continues on Wednesday with judgment expected from the tribunal.