Tag: tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to consider and confirm his nominees for appointment as members of the board of development commissions for South West, North Central and South South.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letters of request during plenary.

For the North Central Development Commission, Tinubu forwarded the name of Cosmas T. Akyhir  from Benue as Chairman;

Read Also; Tinubu pledges commitment to promoting independence of judiciary

Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen as Managing Director (Plateau); James Abel Uloko – Executive Director (Benue); Princess Atika Ajanah – Executive Director Projects (Kogi); Hajia Bilgis Jumoke Sanni – Executive Director (Kwara); Hajia Aishatu Rujui Ibrahaim – Executive Director (Nasarawa) and Muhammad Bashar – Executive Director (Niger).

Other members of the North Central Development Commission are: Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa); Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger); Alhiaji Sulaiman Buka Ali (Kogi); Rev. Bunmi Olusona (Kwara); Dr Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Plateau); Engr Atotse Abraham (Benue); Solomon Adodo (FCT); Hon. Abdulkadir  S. Usman (North-West); Engr Habu Maman (North East); Engr Dr. Atinuke Owolabi (South West); Rachael Kufre Nse (South South) and Chief Boniface Izziogu (South East),

Tinubu’s nominees for appointment as board members of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) include a former senator from Ekiti State, Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman and Charles Akinola as Managing Director.

Other members are: Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Scholastica Omoworare, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu a retired general, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle and Lateef Ajijola.

For the South South Development Commission, former Deputy Speaker,  House of Representatives,  Chibudom Nwuche from Rivers State was appointed the Chairman,  Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State as the Managing Director, two Executive Directors and eleven members.

Also as members are Rt. Hon. Larry Odey Member Cross River; Charles Zuofa Member Bayelsa; Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong Member Akwa Ibom; Engr. Chika Chinedu Member Rivers; Barrister Femi Oise Member Edo; Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate Member Delta; Tijani Yahaya Kaura Member North-West; Tabitha Iliya Sallah Member North-East; Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao Member North-Central and Joseph Mmamal Member South-East.

Others are Hon. Bukonola Braimoh Member South-West; Hon. Marcus Nie Eji E.D. Projects Rivers;  Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven; E.D. Social and Human Capital Development Bayelsa;  Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye E.D Corporate Services, Delta;  Hon. Joseph Ugheoke E.D. Commercial and Environmental Development Edo and Amassador. Sony Abang E.D.Finance Cross River.

After reading Tinubu’s letters of request, Akpabio referred them to the senate committees on the various commissions to be constituted soon and to report to plenary in one week.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration is committed to promoting the independence of the judiciary in the country.

The President said this at the public presentation of a book titled “Honourable Justice Olakayode Ariwoola CJN, GCON: Through the Cases” co-authored by Dr Charles Mekwunye and Ayo Olarewaju.

The book was to honour the former CJN by chronicling his huge contributions to jurisprudence.

The President who was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, appreciated Ariwoola for his contribution to the growth of the nation.

“Through your judgments or decisions, you’ve been able to advance jurisprudence in so many areas of law which include constitutional, contract, electoral, administrative and almost all spheres of our law are touched or were touched by your Lordship.

“Again, I say congratulations and I want to also say that the nation is appreciative of

your contributions. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes that the government stands on the tripod. The executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. It would continue to respect the constitution, both in words and in spirit.  

“And as a demonstration of this,

The government will continue to pursue the independence of the judiciary and this has been demonstrated in the presentation of an executive bill at the signing into law of the 300 % upward adjustment in the emolument of judicial officers.

“As a Democrat and a human, the President said that he will continue to help. He will not help in building the house and turn around to bring it down. The administration will continue to encourage the independence of the judiciary and promote the rule of law.

“And I know that through the book, we will all be mentored, challenged and encouraged to always put our all in nation building and I pray that the book will continue to challenge and inspire us to the path of justice,” he said. 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the importance of maintaining integrity when given the opportunity of holding public office as he said the image left behind is critical.

The former president, who said the tension in society has grown since from how it was at the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999,stressed the need to always do the right thing as otherwise would always lead to crisis.

Jonathan urged the judges to always give their best in the discharge of their duties given the gravity of their responsibility.

He said, “I’m quite pleased that they have documented the actions of our very revered Justice Ariwoola. It will help to contribute to knowledge, especially in a country where judicial issues, especially in the political aspects, are always very shaky. And we do a lot as leaders, but if things are not properly documented, sometimes people don’t know what you really do. 

“And I like the topic here. Through the cases.

And I used to tell people that as if by divine providence, God made you to hold a very high position in government. People will look at you when you leave office and probably the angle that you think people assess you will be different. People assess you because of what you must have used that your position to do and this is what everyone wants to show the world and the next generation.

“I always tell people that if you look at adverts generally, the first thing is from the marketing aspect, which is that adverts are to make products so that people will buy. Then you ask, why should the IOCs continue to advertise? Take Shell, for example. They advertise in the most expensive international magazines. Shell sells their oil even before they produce. So they are not looking for somebody to buy. So why should they spend so much money for advertisements? 

“Because they want a good image. And that is all the thing that all of us are here for. The image that you leave behind is critical. What you gain temporarily is very ephemeral, but the image that you leave behind, history will judge. Your child and grandchildren will come and raise questions.

“This documentation of the activities of Honorable Justice Ariwoola is a good thing that is being done so that those who read would know his position on especially the controversial cases in Nigeria. I don’t envy the justice in the Supreme Court and Appeal Courts as a politician because we attack you every day for doing one thing or the other.

“As you are coming to this programme, I just asked my former chief of staff, and said looking at the political environment in Nigeria now and at 98, 99. Is the tension more now or at the beginning of this present dispensation? And we’re just wondering whether the tension is even more now.

“It’s more because I think there are few things we still need to do, both the National Assembly and of course the judiciary, to make sure that things are done properly. And if things are not done properly, the country will continue to witness one crisis or the other and will not know what it will lead us to. 

“There are things I believe are relatively easy, but when they are not handled the way it’s supposed to be handled, and either delays or handled wrongly, it takes a different dimension. Sometimes people would begin to think about self help. If I cannot get justice in the courts, then why not find a way to help myself?

“I will always plead that those of you who have the privilege of sitting over the affairs of men should always give us their best.”

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Charles Mekwunye, described Ariwoola as one of the greatest jurists of all time, who devoted his life to serve Nigeria as judge of the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court for over 30 years. 

He lauded the former CJN for strengthening the independence of the judiciary, promoting the rule of law, restoring the confidence of the Nigerian public in the judiciary.

He used the opportunity to urge the President to the issue of Nigerians detained for years without trial.

He also appeal to the courts to interpret the law of confession as has been reviewed and legislated upon by the legislature.

“However, as we present this book to the public, two things have continued to agitate my mind, and keep me awake at night as far as due process, equality before the law and the rule of law in Nigeria are concerned.

“The first is the plight of our brothers and sisters who are being detained in our prisons a.k.a Correctional Centres across our country for upwards to 15 years, 10 years, or even 7 years without trial. Why should anyone be in prison detained for this long without trial in modern day Nigeria that has just celebrated 25 years of unbroken democracy? 

“The true answer is that it is because they are poor, under privileged and helpless Nigerians. In our 11 years work providing pro bono services to some of these Nigerians, I can tell you that – no child or blood relatives of the President, the Vice President, the Senate President and other members of the National Assembly or the Governors or even the Court of Appeal and Supreme Justices is amongst these people who are being detained unconstitutionally and unconscionably without trial for several years.” 

He urged the President to sign an Executive Order to ensure those detained for six months or more be charged to court or discharged.

“I therefore call on you to compassionately but immediately issue an Executive Order that all detainees awaiting trial who have been detained for more than 6 months should either be immediately charged to court or be discharged unconditionally and be compensated. 

“The Executive Order should include free medical and psychological checks and treatment upon their discharge. And yes, the heads of the law enforcement units or agencies who have caused their detention without trial should be held accountable and should tender a public apology to them.

“The second issue is an appeal to the courts – this time the High Courts – to up their game, and to interpret the law of “confession” as has been reviewed and legislated upon by the legislature and in this case interpreted by the Appellate Courts – the Court of Appeal and in December, 2023 by the Apex Court the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This is another area where the poor and under-privileged who cannot afford good legal representation are also the main victims. 

“The police and other law enforcement agencies will arrest helpless Nigerians without any reasonable or probable cause, or even before they start to investigate the alleged crimes and then mercilessly beat out “confessions” from these victims and then charge them to court for trial on the basis of only these alleged ‘confessions’”.

President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe said the occasion was both solemn and celebratory.

Represented by the General Secretary of the Association, he said it is an occasion on which the Bench and the Bar join hands to salute one of Nigeria’s finest jurists and a moment of institutional gratitude and intellectual reflection.

He said the book does more than chronicle a judicial career, but captures the very essence of jurisprudential wisdom.

He said the book title is not merely literary, but judicial cartography as it “maps the evolution of legal principles across decades and affirms that in the realm of justice, ideas outlive time, and judgments echo through generations.”

“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, my Lord, Justice Ariwoola brought to bear not only his vast knowledge of the law but also an unwavering commitment to judicial independence, discipline, and integrity. And now as Chairman of the Body of Benchers, my Lord continues to exemplify the highest ideals of the legal profession-mentoring, reforming, and inspiring the Bench and Bar alike,” the NBA president said.

Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon Justice Kekere-Ekun, said they joined in rejoicing with him and the Nigerian judiciary for the feat he achieved in his tenure as CJN. 

Read Also: Tinubu launches national action plan on violence against children

Represented by Mr Garba Lawal, said they look forward to more of such honours to him and the Nigerian judiciary.

In his response, the former CJN and Chairman, Body of Benchers, Justice Ariwoola, said he was committed throughout his time in service.

He said however he was having his best life since he retired. 

He appreciated his wife for her support saying without a supportive spouse, no judge can function properly.

He also commended the co-authors saying they did a great job.

“All the 32 years were memorable. Since I left the Supreme Court on the 22nd of August 2024 ii would tell you I have been having the best of time with my family.

“Because throughout the 32 years from 1992 November to 2024, people who are close to me know that I was committed to this job. And that is why I’m appreciating my wife for you people to know, without a good spouse, no judge can function well at all.

“Men and women judicial officers, you should worship your spouse if you want to be successful. Give him whatever he wants, give her whatever she wants. Since I left the office, me and my wife now watch African Magic together,” he said. 

Represented at the event were the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as well as the representatives of the Akwa Ibom, Delta, Plateau, Enugu and Imo State governments among other top dignitaries.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the strict enforcement of Nigeria’s child protection laws as he launched the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children, signalling a new era of coordinated national response to the plight of vulnerable children.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inaugural regional meeting of Africa Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu also announced a raft of initiatives designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and ensure accountability in child protection efforts.

Among the measures unveiled are plans to establish a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency, a Universal Child Grant aimed at reducing household poverty, and the creation of a National Child Protection Database and Child Well-being Index to track progress and improve service delivery.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu declared his administration’s commitment to “establishing a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency to ensure coherent coordination of all issues relating to the Nigerian child.”

The president noted that while each day comes with a reminder of the dreams of Nigerian children, the conditions into which they are born, and whether these conditions protect or betray them, are also critical issues to ponder.

He said, “Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children. But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable—it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention. We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households.”

President Tinubu assured that relevant government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, are armed with the required training and resources to spearhead the protection of the Nigerian child across all levels of government, even as he maintained that it is a crusade for which sincerity and honesty are required.

“But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability.

“The real hope lies in action—concrete, deliberate action. Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he stated.

To ensure stiff enforcement of child protection laws in Nigeria, President Tinubu said his administration is “strengthening existing institutions and laws, and launching national campaigns to promote awareness and drive behavioural change.”

The President underlined the importance of the first regional meeting of Africa’s Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, pointing out that “it breathes new life into the bold declarations made at the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogotá.”

Earlier, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children, Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, urged African leaders to move beyond commitments and implement concrete actions to protect children from violence and exploitation.

Dr M’jid also charged delegates to the meeting and other participants to focus on peer learning, effective strategy sharing, and collective actions in addressing common obstacles to ensure child protection efforts are sustainable in Africa.

On her part, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the country’s commitment and the progress made since the Ministerial Conference in Bogotá, Colombia, in November 2024, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is strengthening legal frameworks, scaling up the Safe Schools Programme, expanding parenting interventions, and increasing budgetary allocations to child protection systems.

Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu honoured with chieftaincy title by Anambra traditional rulers

“Through our renewed national child policy framework now under review, and our adopted National Strategy and Costed Action Plan to End Child Marriage in Nigeria, we are laying the foundation for more accountable, inclusive, and data-driven action,” she said.

In separate remarks, the heads of delegation to the regional meeting from Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso, stated the recommitment of their various countries to the global alliance to ending violence against children as declared in Bogota in November 2024.

They presented progress reports from their respective countries, commended the leadership provided by Nigeria and urged all stakeholders to be intentional about ending violence against children and not to pay lip-service to the programmes and policies designed to actualise the objectives.

Also present at the meeting were the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Jibrin Barau; Minister of Women, Family and Children from Cote d’Ivoire, Hon Nasseneba Toure; Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare from Zimbabwe, Edgar Moyo; Minister of Gender and Children Affairs from Sierra Leone, Hon Isata; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria, Dr Maryam Keshinro, and representatives of development partners and heads of agencies, among others.