Dons EzeMOST LAWYERS DON’T READ JUDGEMENT BEFORE ATTACKING JUDICIARY – WOLE OLANIPEKIN
MOST LAWYERS’ DON’T READ JUDGEMENT BEFORE ATTACKING JUDICIARY – WOLE OLANIPEKIN Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun has admonished lawyers to painstakingly read through judgments delivered by the courts before attacking the judiciary. The visiting professor of Law Practice at the Federal University,Oye-Ekiti,(FUOYE) also decried the trend where lawyers go to television and radio houses to run down the courts. Speaking at the sideline of the third lecture series of the Faculty of Law, FUOYE, titled, ‘ Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practise: Effective Strategy for Using Law As a Tool for Social Justice In Nigeria’ the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said “it is wrong for anyone to insinuate or hold the notion that justice is being denied in Nigeria.” Warning lawyers against pushing the judiciary to the Golgotha,the former Chairman, Body of Benchers also used the ocassion to outlined the ethical procedures for challenging court judgements. According to him “put your observations on paper, critique and criticize them in law journals, that is what it is. You can compare what you think is right with what they do and put the two together, that is what we were taught. “We must not engage in self-destruct, although some social media pundits put it that Olanipekun hits the judiciary, I never did. We must stop pushing the judiciary to the Golgotha. “You must not kill the judiciary, I pity and sympathize with them and even me as a senior lawyer, if I have complaints I talked to them. If you have any issue particularly relating to judgments, the scholarly thing to do as a lawyer is not for you to go to television and radio houses and start lambasting the court. ”I will not believe or agree with the notion or impression that justice is being denied in Nigeria, I believe things can be better. “ I delivered a keynote address at the 70th anniversary of Ibadan NBA and I was pleading with our colleagues at the bar that we must stop attacking the bench and also the bench should stop attacking the bar. “The most annoying thing is that some of our colleagues don’t read the judgments they are complaining about or pontificating on. Although, the foremost lawyer clarified that the law profession, like other human practices has its own challenges, but urged the people not to lost hope in the nation’s judiciary with assurance that things could get better. “There is no institution manned by man that does not have its own deficiency, where you will not get minuses, where all will be pluses, it can’t be 100 percent, not even the executive or the legislature. “I have taken the silk since 1991 and I was called to the bar in 1976, you can’t see me after losing a case and the next thing is to go to the media, even when I know some courts are unfair to me I know where to channel by protest and reservations.” While revealing that there is a clear difference between theory and practical law profession, the chairman Governing Council of University of Lagos explained that law must be deployed towards ensuring social justice in the society. On the need to close the widening gap between theory and practical in law profession in attaining social justice, the former NBA president said, “ It is pertinent and expedient for us to deliberately work towards the bridging of the gap between theory and practice of law in order to achieve the ultimate goal which it is designed for, that is, the attainment of social justice. “While it may be relatively easy to commit the theories to memory, the major challenge appears to lie in the application of these theories to…
TRANSPORT FARES, FOOD PRICES SOAR AS NIGERIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
TRANSPORT FARES, FOOD PRICES SOAR AS NIGERIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS As Nigerian Christians join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, the prevailing hardship across the country is taking its toll on many families. The season comes with travelling, cooking of special delicacies, buying clothes for children, subscribing to infrastructure such as Christmas trees and other decorations, buying hampers and special gifts for loved ones, among others. But this year, not many people are smiling. The galloping inflation in the country indicates that, for many people, this Christmas comes with mixed feelings. Findings revealed that in the transportation sector, fares are over increased by over 50% often discouraging many from travelling, except for more pressing reasons like wedding, burial ceremonies, family meetings, among others. The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023 and subsequent increase in the price of petrol led to an increase in transportation fares. Consequently, some people have opted to send money to loved ones at home instead of travelling to villages for Christmas. However, many Nigerians in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs defied the harsh socio-economic situation as they trooped into motor parks in large numbers to reunite with families and friends, especially those who can afford exorbitant transport fares. Expectedly, drivers are using the opportunity to increase their fares to different parts of the country, particularly southern states. Findings revealed that commercial 18-seater buses have increased fares by over N10,000 to N15,000 per seat. Trips to different states in the Southeast and South-south, which initially cost between N20,000 and N25,000, now cost between N30,000 and N35,000, respectively. A trip from Abuja to Enugu State costs N35,000, Port Harcourt – N40,000, Lagos – N45,000, and Ilorin – N25,000. Speaking at some motor parks in Nyanya, a suburb of the FCT, as well as in Mararaba and Masaka, both outskirts of Abuja, domiciled in Nasarawa State, a driver of the commercial buses, Effiong Etim said the increased number of passengers ignited a hike in fares. “We are adding money due to demand. This has nothing to do with the cost of fuel. You can see there are more passengers than vehicles. “If you don’t buy a ticket at least 24 hours ahead, you will not get a seat,” he said. Another driver, Abdulaziz Alowonle, who goes to Ilorin, Kwara State, said that though a journey from Abuja to Ilorin, N15,000, has been increased to N25,000, Nigerians are adapting to the situation. He, however, expressed worries over the decline in the number of passengers this season. “Going to Ilorin is not as exciting as it used to be. Charging N25,000 from the initial N15,000 is shocking to so many people. “So, we see more family representatives travelling this year than the entire family. Can you imagine a family of six traveling? “The cost implications are huge. You find mostly the men travelling, leaving their family behind in Abuja,” he said. Another passenger travelling to Jos, Gyang Ibrahim, who described the N25,000 fare as painful, said he would have preferred travelling with his family but for the exorbitant fares, blaming the hike in transportation mainly on the seasonal demand. “I am going because I have something fundamental to do in the village. I have to resolve a pressing family issue; otherwise, I would have stayed back in Abuja,” he lamented. Another motorist, Ameh Sunday, traveling to Otukpo, Benue State, said the exorbitant costs are a source of discouragement to would-be travellers. “Honestly, this is quite discouraging. Do they want us to spend every penny we have made on transport? “There would be plenty of other expenses when one gets to the village and coming back after the celebration is another thing to…
PRESIDENCY HOLDS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP, ECONOMIC REVIEW IN ABUJA
PRESIDENCY HOLDS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP, ECONOMIC REVIEW IN ABUJA In a bid to reposition the country’s economy in the upcoming, Nigeria’s presidency has to organised a very crucial technical workshop and a review of the economy in the outgoing year,. The event had in attendance policy makers, the academia, business world and technocrats. It had as the topic, “Achieving Faster Economic Growth in Year 2025 and Beyond” and was an opportunity to also x-ray the high points of the economy, shortfalls in the 2024, then make a projection into the 2025 and beyond. The Special Adviser to the President, office of the Vice President on Economy, Sadiq Jambo who in collaboration with his colleagues spearheaded the technical workshop and review noted that it was aimed at encouraging and inspiring economic agents in the private and public sector towards achieving enhanced growth and economic development. According to him, the robust and far-reaching discussions held at the economic review will form the basis of economic direction of the government in the new year. He expressed happiness that President Bola Tinubu has put mechanism in place to increase oil production capacity per day, which at the moment is at 1.8m bpd. He said the new gas utilization will not only fight inflation but reduce unemployment rate and get young Nigerians meaningfully engaged. “The richness of our country in gas has visibly brought a renewed hope to our countrymen and women, transforming their livelihoods and living standards. “Our roads today are dotted by gas-powered vehicles, which is attributable to the well thought out policies of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu. “The values chain, beyond reduction of cost of transportation will also translate to availability of food in the city as more farmers will be able to bring out their produce to the market”, he stated. “Our refining capacity is undergoing a renaissance, with the Dangote refinery completed and the Port Harcourt refinery refurbished, Nigeria is on the verge of achieving what seemed like a distant dream, reducing our dependence on imported fuel. “While we must acknowledge these historic reforms by, of course, untold droves within the larger population, but dare say it’s a temporary and even necessary”, he said. He applauded the federal government for critical steps taken towards rebuilding the economy for enhanced performance that will impact the lives of every citizen of the country. ABUJAPRESS understands that hose who spoke at the event include, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion – OVP, Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes -OVP, Fegho Umunubo Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy -OVP Panelists include, Sadiq Wanka Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure – OVP, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agricbusiness and Productivity -OVP, Dr. Ibrahim Natagwandu Technical Adviser to the President on Debt Management- OVP, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion -OVP, Marion Moon Technical Adviser to the President on Agric -OVP and others. The Handbook, “The Nigerian Economy in 2025 And Beyond: Overcoming Challenges, Optimizing Opportunities for Accelerated Growth and Development” was also unveiled at the event.
WIKE IS A GOOD MAN, I DOFF MY HAT FOR HIM – TINUBU
WIKE IS A GOOD MAN, I DOFF MY HAT FOR HIM – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance in the nation’s capital since assuming office, saying his quest to make things right was commendable. The president gave the commendation during his first presidential presidential media chat with select senior journalists in Lagos on Monday night. When asked about the controversies surrounding Wike given his governance style in the FCT, particularly regarding ongoing demolitions of illegal structures, allegations of land grabbing against the Minister and revocation of land titles, Tinubu responded, saying Wike “is a good man” and a “performing minister,” highlighting the FCT Minister’s commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations in the FCT, a trait he said Nigerians often lacked. “Nyesom Wike is a good man, he is a performing minister. Nigerians lack compliance, period!” Tinubu said. “We don’t pay our ground rents on time. We see compliance as inconveniences. I doff my hat for him.” Recall that President Tinubu nominated Wike and thereafter assigned FCT Ministry on August 16, 2023, following his screening, and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, was among 28 ministerial nominees sent to the 10th Senate by the president on July 27, 2023. During his screening on July 31, 2023, Wike assured the Senate and Nigerians that Tinubu would not regret nominating him for a ministerial role. “Mr. President will not regret nominating me as a minister in his cabinet,” Wike said during his Senate screening. Since his assumption of office, Wike has implemented policies aimed at addressing infrastructural development and urban renewal in the FCT. His actions have received both praise and criticism.
I’LL REJECT ANY LAW OPPOSING NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION – GOVERNOR MAKINDE ON MOVES TO ESTABLISH SHARIA IN OYO
I’LL REJECT ANY LAW OPPOSING NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION – GOV MAKINDE ON MOVES TO ESTABLISH SHARIAH IN OYO Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, stating that it will take precedence over Shariah court amid plans by a group to establish one in the state. Speaking in a video seen by SaharaReporters on X, Governor Makinde said his government will never allow any actions that breach the provision of secularism enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that although there may be calls for a Shariah court, his primary duty is to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, the highest law of the land. As a public official, he is sworn to protect and defend the constitution, which outlines the fundamental principles and rules governing the country. The governor’s stance comes amid reports that the Oyo state chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had announced plans to establish a Shariah court in the state and its environs. In a flier that circulated widely today (Tuesday), the religious group invited Nigerians nationwide for the court’s inauguration ceremony. The event was initially slated to take place on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Oyo town. However, the group later postponed the inauguration of the court indefinitely. Speaking on these developments, the state governor maintained that he will ensure that the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution are strictly followed on the matter. He said: “They have brought up the issue of Shariah in Oyo, they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court. I say that people may try but for me, in Oyo State, our law is the constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold. “And if they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”
LAWYERS’ DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REJECTS AFE BABALOLA REQUEST TO DEBAR DELE FAROTIMI
LAWYERS’ DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REJECTS AFE BABALOLA’S REQUEST TO DEBAR DELE FAROTIMI The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a request by Chief Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the law practicing license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, popularly known as Dele Farotimi, over allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct. The petition, submitted by Ola Faro, a lawyer with Emmanuel Chambers, accused Farotimi of making defamatory statements about the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Criminal Justice System. In its findings, the LPDC concluded that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author rather than in his role as a legal practitioner. Consequently, the committee ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter and advised aggrieved parties to pursue their grievances in regular courts. LPDC Chairman, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, stated, “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practicing as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts.” Farotimi’s book reportedly referenced suit number SC/146/2006, involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye and others, alleging corruption, bribery, and unethical practices within the judiciary and the legal community. Emmanuel Chambers claimed the book distorted case facts, disrespected fellow lawyers, and obstructed justice for personal gain. The Chambers also cited violations of multiple sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that Farotimi’s name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. However, the LPDC’s jurisdictional limitations ultimately prevented the petition from succeeding.
I’VE NEVER LIED AGAINST ANYBODY – DELE FAROTIMI INSISTS ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AFE BABALOLA
I’VE NEVER LIED AGAINST ANYBODY – FAROTIMI INSISTS ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AFE BABALOLA Activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, on Tuesday insisted on the allegations he made against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Afe Babalola, in his controversial book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Farotimi said he has never lied against anybody in his life, stressing that whatever he said about anybody is the truth. He spoke while addressing journalists after regaining his freedom from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre. The lawyer was freed after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi said, “It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil, but some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. “It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria, which is the truth. “In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know.” Last week Friday, a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N30 million. In addition to the N30 million bond, the court said Farotimi must produce two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner. He was also ordered to submit his passport and prohibited from granting media interviews once released. The lawyer was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD.
IFEPED FELICITATES WITH ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, AT CHRISTMAS
IFEPED FELICITATES WITH ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, AT CHRISTMAS The Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment of the Disabled (IFEPED) has felicitated with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah on the occasion of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. In a release signed by the President of the group, Ugwu Victor Clifford, and Acting Secretary, Gab Ogbe, IFEPED appreciated the landmark achievements of Governor Mbah “on all sectors of the state economy especially in the areas of education, security, infrastructure and wellbeing of the citizens”. “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we want to thank you specially for Identifying with the IFEPED programmes and financial support more than your predecessors”, the group wrote.. IFEPED then prayed for the Governor’s good health and urged him to continue with his good works for the betterment of the people of Enugu State .
IT TOOK THE PRESIDENT 18 MONTHS TO TALK TO NIGERIANS – RUFAI OSENI FIRES TINUBU
‘IT TOOK THE PRESIDENT 18 MONTHS TO TALK TO NIGERIANS – RUFAI OSENI FIRES TINUBU.Popular journalist, Rufai Oseni, has expressed disappointment with the submissions by President Bola Tinubu during the first presidential media chat by his administration on Monday. Though Oseni acknowledged that the chat in itself was a welcome development, he lamented that it took President Tinubu such a long time to address Nigerians after his two economic policies had far-reaching negative effects on the lives of the people. He pointed out the two major policies as fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira. The journalist said President Tinubu does not have a total grasp of issues, as confirmed in his responses to questions asked him during the chat. Speaking on Tuesday during the Morning Show on Arise News, Oseni submitted that the chat has left him more scared about what’s in store for Nigeria. “It took the president 18 months to be able to talk to Nigerians, when he had two policies that destroyed the prospects of Nigerians, and after that media chat, I’m more scared for Nigeria. President Tinubu fell my hand 100%, not a total grasp of the issues,” he said. Oseni, while criticizing Tinubu for gloating over many of the questions asked during the chat, particularly called out the President for failing to use the opportunity to sell the controversial Tax Reform Bills to the people. Rufai observed that the president didn’t provide answers to most of the questions, no clear depth and clarity when asked on subsidy the president failed to say the paid subsidy till early this year and the government kept on lying they were not subsiding. The president couldn’t articulate how inflation will come down, he just said more production in Agriculture with no clear plan. He didn’t articulate his view on the forex market and the inhibitions of the devaluation. He contradicted himself by talking about reducing the cost of government but defended running a bloated cabinet and said we should mention ministers that aren’t doing well, but also said we can do more in solid minerals so why is the minster not delivering, what’s happening in the marine economy,the minster of power hasn’t ensured power,the band A system has collapsed as they hardly get power. Apart from some ministers ( a few) most are not doing well. The president also didn’t expatriate on the tax bill and sell it properly to the people when asked about VAT. The chat was low on policy and details. I repeat hope is not an empirical proposition, the president must show action and intended policy. Till date, nothing is said about the import waiver on food that failed, also the president once promised 10m hectares cultivation. He also said he will give loans to farmers, how will these policies be executed?
HOW I’M FIGHTING CORRUPTION BY TINUBU
HOW I’M FIGHTING CORRUPTION, BY TINUBU President Bola Tinubu said on Monday that his government is committed to fighting corruption, and one way it is doing that is by implementing mechanisms to prevent it from happening. Tinubu mentioned the student loan scheme, an increase in the minimum wage, and the removal of petrol subsidies as efforts to prevent corruption. The president spoke in his first Presidential Media Chat in Lagos. “Pay them good and living wages,” President Tinubu said, referencing the recent increase in the minimum wage from N35,000 to N70,000. “To me, that is anti-corruption. If I can add more, giving more money to the states and local governments level, we are addressing corruption directly.” President Tinubu mentioned that he has been transparent with his earnings by adopting the practice of publishing monthly revenue figures. Meeting people needs will reduce corruption President Tinubu defended his controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to reduce corruption and stabilize the economy. “Meet the people’s needs, help the people with their education of their children,” President Tinubu said, noting that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are now benefiting from tuition fee allowances through the student loan scheme. The president argued that fuel subsidies had long enabled smuggling and rent-seeking, with Nigeria inadvertently subsidising fuel consumption in neighbouring countries. President said that by removing the subsidies, the government has closed loopholes that were draining the nation’s resources. “The Nigerian economy had remained anaemic for decades because of many misalignments,” he explained. “We made the painful decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems, which blocked the greed and profits of smugglers and rent-seekers.” Though President Tinubu said fuel subsidy removal was a necessity, many Nigerians are still grappling with reality of high prices of food, transportation and other goods and services. Also, labour unions, civil society organisations, and opposition parties have criticised the policy by demanding a reduction in pump prices, a review of electricity tariffs, and stronger action against corruption in the oil sector. In response to the criticism, President Tinubu said his administration has introduced palliative measures to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal. “The society is moving forward by making many gains since its removal through palliative measures,” he said. EFCC’s recovery of estate The president also praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recovery of an Abuja estate with more than 700 houses acquired with proceeds of corruption. He said his administration’s resolve to block funds leakages in the public sector. “Block all loopholes where anybody can just get what they want,” he said.