Dons EzeINSIDE STORY OF ALLEGED JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, BY JUSTICE DATTIJO MOHAMMED
INSIDE STORY OF ALLEGED JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, BY JUSTICE DATTIJO MOHAMMED Justice Dattijo Muhammad served in the judiciary for over 40 years before exiting the Supreme Court in October 2023. In his valedictory speech, Dattijo criticised the over-concentration of powers in the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) office and judicial corruption in the polity. We are republishing his reflections in the valedictory speech in light of the claims of misconduct against some judicial officials, especially judges, reckless granting of ex-parte orders and granting of conflicting orders by judges of the same jurisdiction. The claims have led to some judges being called ‘Cash and carry judges’, indicating that judgments can be sold and bought, and the demand for reforms in the judiciary. Only recently, CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun invited the Chief Judge of Rivers State to Abuja over the granting of an order by a judge in his state over the local government election in Rivers that conflicted with that of a Federal High Court judge. The Dattijo speech exposes the bad and the ugly judges in the polity. Excerpts: Cracks Through the years, I rose to become the second most senior justice of the country’s apex court and Deputy Chairperson of the National Judicial Council. Considering the number of years I have spent in the judicial service and the position I have attained by the grace of the Almighty, I feel obligated to continue the struggle for reforms for a better judiciary and would be leaning on the earlier submissions of those who had exited before me. Now, how has the judiciary fared in the course of my journey? The journey was calm and fulfilling until about half way through my Supreme Court years when the punctuating turbulent cracks made it awry and askew. As presently structured, the CJN is the Chairman of the National Judicial Council NJC, which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges. He is equally Chair of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) that appoints Senior Advocates of Nigeria. In my considered opinion, the oversight functions of these bodies should not rest on an individual alone. A person with absolute powers, it is said, corrupts easily and absolutely. As Chair of NJC, FJSC, NJI and LPPC, appointments as council, board and committee members are at his pleasure. He neither confers with fellow justices nor seeks their counsel or input on any matter related to these bodies. He has both the final and the only say. The CJN has the power to appoint 80 per cent of members of the council and 60 percent of members of FJSC. The same applies to NJI and LPPC. Such enormous powers are effortlessly abused. This needs to change. Continued denial of the existence of this threatening anomaly weakens effective judicial oversight in the country. By the provision of Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the NJC shall comprise the following members: The Chief Justice of Nigeria, who shall be the Chairman; the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court who shall be the Deputy Chairman. Regrettably, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court like Deputy Governors of State, shorn of any official function except at the pleasure of the Governor, is neither consulted on anything nor does he have any official function. His job as No. 2 is purely as the CJN pleases. It is incumbent that the system provides for more inclusion and consultation among the stakeholders. The conversation about the diminishing number of justices at the Supreme Court has become a refrain. As I bow out today, the number is…
OBASANJO NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE – BAYO ONANUGA
OBASANJO NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE – BAYO ONANUGA Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under sharp criticism following his recent remarks on leadership and governance in Nigeria. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, the former leader alleged that subsequent administrations had failed the nation, describing Nigeria as a “failing country.” However, a statement issued on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took issue with Obasanjo’s comments, labeling them as hypocritical and undeserving of emulation. The statement accused Obasanjo of a legacy marred by constitutional violations, corruption, and poor leadership during his time in office. “Brazen illegality and assault on the Constitution of Nigeria reached a disturbing height under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo,” Onanuga said, citing the unconstitutional impeachment of four state governors and allegations of corruption, including misuse of public funds and involvement in the Halliburton bribery scandal. Onanuga also criticized Obasanjo’s handling of Nigeria’s economic resources. While acknowledging the fiscal benefits of high crude oil prices during Obasanjo’s tenure, the statement argued that these opportunities were squandered. Key criticisms included neglecting national infrastructure, leaving federal roads in disrepair, and failing to address the country’s power crisis despite spending $16 billion on electricity projects. “Obasanjo failed to fix the deplorable federal roads or expand the national road network,” the statement read, listing uncompleted projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It also accused him of prioritizing personal interests, such as advancing private enterprises like his university and presidential library, funded through questionable donations. Obasanjo’s privatization efforts were also criticized as benefiting cronies at the expense of national interests. Onanuga highlighted the controversial sale of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for a fraction of its value as a prime example. The statement further condemned Obasanjo’s third-term bid, which was described as a “failed project” that wasted billions of naira. It argued that the flawed electoral process he oversaw in 2007 undermines his credibility to comment on governance and electoral integrity. Additionally, Obasanjo was accused of neglecting national security during his administration, leaving the armed forces underfunded and ill-equipped. The statement credited subsequent All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations with modernizing Nigeria’s military and improving security infrastructure. The statement concluded by urging Obasanjo to focus on introspection rather than criticism. “His remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president,” Onanuga asserted.
OBASANJO, IMF SLAM TINUBU GOVT, PRESIDENCY KEEP MUM
OBASANJO, IMF SLAM TINUBU GOVT, PRESIDENCY KEEP MUM The Presidency has kept silent on the criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Obasanjo had, according to a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, alleged that Nigeria is currently under a state capture and that the country’s situation is bad.The former president was quoted to have said this while delivering in his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University New Haven Connecticut, United States.On the other side, the IMF, in its latest outlook report for sub-Sahara Africa, said Nigeria is one of the Resource Intensive Countries (RICs) in Sub-Sahara Africa struggling to realise gains of its reforms.It said while it is cheery news in some countries within the region, it is not looking good yet in Nigeria.Attempts by to get reactions from the Presidency met a brick wall as Tinubu’s media aides declined comment.The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, could not be reached on their mobile telephone lines and did not reply to text messages sent to them.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, also neither answered calls nor replied messages sent to their phone lines.However, a source at the State House told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity that Obasanjo is a statesman and that the Presidency “will not want to join issues with him.”The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had, last Wednesday, said President Tinubu’s administration had achieved significant progress in tackling insecurity and creating conducive environment for business.Obasanjo, in his address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria”, described Nigeria’s situation as bad.The former leader also alleged that Nigeria’s failing status under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see.”He alluded to a World Bank and Transparency International’s definition of what a state capture was, saying it was described, “as one of the most pervasive forms of corruption, “a situation where powerful individuals, institutions, companies, or groups within or outside a country use corruption to shape a nation’s policies, legal environment, and economy, to benefit their own private interests.”He noted that state capture is not always overt and obvious as it can also arise from the more subtle close alignment of interests between specific business and political elites through family ties, friendships, and the intertwined ownership of economic assets.He said: “What is happening in Nigeria – right before our eyes – is state capture: The purchase of national assets by political elites – and their family members – at bargain prices, the allocation of national resources – minerals, land, and even human resources – to local, regional, and international actors. It must be prohibited and prevented through local and international laws.“Public institutions such as the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and regulatory agencies both at the federal and local levels are subject to capture. As such, state capture can broadly be understood as the disproportionate and unregulated influence of interest groups or decision-making processes, where special interest groups manage to bend state laws, policies, and regulations.“They do so through practices such as illicit contributions paid by private interests to political parties, and for election campaigns, vote-buying, buying of presidential decrees or court decisions, as well as through illegitimate lobbying and revolving door appointments.“The main risk of state capture is that decisions no longer take into consideration the public interest, but instead favour a specific special interest group or individual. Laws, policies, and regulations are designed to benefit a specific interest group, often times to the detriment of smaller firms and groups and…
LAGOS WANTS TO COLONIZE NORTH WITH TAX REFORM BILL – KWANKWASO
LAGOS WANTS TO COLONIZE NORTH WITH TAX REFORM BILL- KWANKWASO Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, has asked the national assembly to reject any attempts to “cheat” the north with the proposed tax reform bills. Kwankwaso spoke on Sunday at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University held at the Ammani Centre, Nassarawa GRA, Kano state. Kwankwaso alleged that Lagos is “making a lot of efforts” to colonise the north. The former governor accused the president, who hails from Lagos, of interfering in the emirship tussle in Kano. “The Emir has just been installed at this difficult time in our country, especially in this part of the country, northern Nigeria,” he said. “Today, we can see very clearly that there is a lot of effort from the Lagos axis to colonise this part of the country. “Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose our Emir. Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own Emir. “Today, we are aware that the Lagos young men are working so hard to impose and take away our taxes from Kano and this part of the country to Lagos.” The Kano emirship is a subject of litigation. Muhammadu Sanusi was reinstated as the Emir of Kano in May. However, Aminu Bayero, who was removed to make way for Sanusi, has refused to step aside. TAX REFORM BILLS The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections said many factory owners have been “forced” to relocate their headquarters to Lagos to make the south-west state claim “all the taxes”. “We have seen the effort of some people to make the poor poorer and the rich richer. And I believe this is very dangerous for us,” Kwankwaso said. “This part of the country today is suffering from a serious economic crunch, insecurity, poverty, hunger, and diseases. “I believe this is not good for the cordial existence of our country. At this moment, I would like to call on all our national assembly members to keep their eyes open so that they don’t do anything that will cheat the people of northern Nigeria, especially here in Kano. “We are witnesses to what happened during the first term of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003, where our members of the national assembly were bribed into collecting a huge sum of money to support onshore/offshore in the country. “That law put a huge blow on our economy in northern Nigeria and all other states.” BACKGROUND On October 3, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills. The proposed legislations, which have sparked intense debate, include the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill. The president also asked the parliament to repeal the law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service. On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, arguing that the proposed legislation would harm the region’s interests. The governors asked the national assembly to reject the bills, demanding equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes across all regions. The national economic council (NEC) also asked Tinubu to withdraw the bills to give room for consultations. On November 1, Tinubu said the bills would not be withdrawn from the national assembly, noting that the proposed laws are designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and optimise existing tax frameworks.
NIGERIANS BACK NJC ON SANCTIONING OF ERRING JUDGES, DEMAND MORE
NIGERIANS BACK NJC ON SANCTIONING OF FIVE ERRING JUDGES, DEMANDS MORE The two justices are among five judicial officers sanctioned for various acts of misconduct, including recommending the compulsory retirement of two others. The Citizens Gavel, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting the rule of law, has said it supported the sanitisation of the Nigerian judiciary and the call to accountability of the judicial officers. The organisation in a release on Sunday sent to SaharaReporters was reacting to the recent sanctions meted out to five justices and judicial officers by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for alleged falsification of age and misconduct. Citizens Gavel said in the statement signed by Agih Sylvester Isaac, Senior Legal Analyst, that “the bold move to reposition the judiciary is imperative at a time when issues of corruption, nepotism and inefficiency have reduced the confidence in the judiciary.” It had been reported that the National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court for one year over judicial misconduct. The two justices are among five judicial officers sanctioned for various acts of misconduct, including recommending the compulsory retirement of two others. The two suspended justices of Rivers and Anambra high courts were also placed on ‘Watch-list’ for two years. In its release, Citizens Gavel said, “This bold move to reposition the judiciary is imperative at a time when issues of corruption, nepotism and inefficiency have reduced the confidence in the judiciary. “The NJC, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has demonstrated its commitment to upholding judicial integrity. “The suspension of Hon. Justice G. C. Aguma and Hon. Justice A. O. Nwabunike sends a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated. By placing them on the “Watch-List,” the NJC ensures accountability even beyond their suspension periods. “The recommendation for the compulsory retirement of Chief Judge Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka and Grand Kadi Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi due to age falsification underscores the importance of transparency and honesty. “Citizens Gavel appreciates the NJC’s commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards among judicial officers. “The recent disciplinary measures taken by the Kano JSC demonstrate their resolve to uphold professionalism. Dismissing Magistrate Nasir Ado for failing to record court proceedings and Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu for improper release of a convicted criminal reinforces the need for accountability at all levels. “These bold steps by the NJC and the Kano JSC will undoubtedly boost citizens’ confidence in the judiciary. When judicial officers are held accountable, it fosters trust in the legal system and ensures justice for all. “As we continue to advocate for justice delivery through enhanced access to justice, the use of digital technology, accountability, and active citizen engagement, we commend the NJC and the Kano Judicial Service Commission for their unwavering commitment to fostering a credible and trustworthy judiciary.”
SACK MAHMOOD YAKUBU, OTHER OFFICIALS OF INEC AT FEDERAL, STATES – OBASANJO
SACK MAHMOOD YAKUBU, OTHER OFFICIALS OF INEC AT FEDERAL, STATES – OBASANJO Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels as part of a reform of the electoral process in Nigeria. Mr Obasanjo made the call in a paper he presented at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University, in the United States. The annual lecture honours the late Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe. He delivered the address, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria”, in a pre-recorded speech played at the event. In his speech, Mr Obasanjo described the 2023 general election as a “travesty”, adding that the reform of the electoral system is a key agenda for the country. The former president also called for shorter tenures for INEC officials and a more rigorous vetting process to prevent the appointment of partisan individuals. “As a matter of urgency, we must ensure the INEC Chairperson and their staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should produce dispassionate, non-partisan actors with impeccable reputations. “Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government, and municipal – city, town, and village – levels, with short tenures to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and to re-establish trust in the electoral system by its citizens,” he said. He argued that “The INEC Chairperson must not only be absolutely above board but must also be transparently independent and incorruptible.” Mr Obasanjo said the commission willfully failed to utilise two main technological tools at its disposal—the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV)—during the 2023 presidential election, despite the promises made by Mr Yakubu. “The BVAS and IReV are two technological innovations that, prior to 2023, were celebrated for their potential to enhance the accuracy and transparency of our election results, eliminate the threat of election rigging, and boost public trust in electoral outcomes. “These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them, which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the henhouse,” he said. INEC’s credibility battle INEC faced criticism after the last general elections, particularly over the failure of the IReV platform during the presidential election, which INEC blamed on a technical glitch. The IReV platform was central to post-election litigation, but these cases were dismissed by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court. PREMIUM TIMES also published a special report showing how Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, won the election in Rivers State based on IReV reports, while INEC declared President Bola Tinubu the winner of the state. Mr Obasanjo backed Mr Obi during the last presidential election and, during the collation of results, called for the cancellation of some results that did not pass the “credibility and transparency test”. His call for the then-president to halt the collation was widely criticised by many. INEC has also faced criticism over its conduct during the Edo State off-cycle governorship election. Concerns have also been raised about the appointment of partisan individuals to leadership roles within INEC. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported instances of partisan individuals being appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioners. In the most recent appointments by Mr Tinubu, four nominees were found to have partisan affiliations, particularly to Mr Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While Mr Obasanjo made strong arguments for electoral reform, his record in overseeing elections during his presidency is not impeccable. The 2003 and 2007 elections under his tenure were widely regarded by local and international observers as some of the worst in Nigerian…
ONDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: WE TARGET ALL SOUTH WEST STATES – GANDUJE, APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
ONDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; WW TARGET ALL SOUTH WEST STATES – GANDUJE, APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN After winning the governorship election in Ondo State, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has announced plans to dominate the Southwestern states. This bold move aims to solidify APC’s presence in the region. With its victory in Ondo, Ganduje is confident that APC can secure power in all Southwestern states. “Our next target now is this geo-political zone, the Southwest geopolitical zone,” he said. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to hit its targets, particularly in Southwest Nigeria and commitment to securing victories in the remaining states in the region. “You know we are good at hitting the target, that is Osun State and Oyo State. We assure you, we will do what is possible to bring them into the fold. So we have political homogeneity in the South-West Geopolitical zone,” he boasted. The APC has secured a decisive victory in the Ondo State governorship election, garnering 366,781 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which polled 117,845 votes. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor, was previously the deputy governor who took office after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s passing in December 2023. He faced stiff competition from 16 other candidates, including Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With this victory, the APC has strengthened its hold on the South-West region, now governing Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo states. The PDP, however, governs Osun and Oyo states.
SOME INDIVIDUALS SABOTAGING FG’S WAR AGAINST INSURGENCY – CDS
SOME INDIVIDUALS SABOTAGING FG’S WAR AGAINST INSURGENCY – CDS The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS Gen. Christopher Musa on Saturday accused some unnamed individuals of frustrating the concerted efforts of the government at ending insurgency activities in the country. Gen Musa who spoke in Abuja after receiving 58 rescued kidnapped victims from the National Security Adviser, NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for onward transmission to the Kaduna State Government however assured that the individuals would not be allowed to have their ways. He said, ” You can see from the people, the women, the children, both girls and boys, and the little one. “The question you want to ask is why would somebody kidnap these kinds of people? If you see them, they are barely just providing. “And that is to tell you that there are individuals that on their own are trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed. “They are doing everything possible to sabotage the efforts of the government. That will not happen.” Gen Musa pointed out that contrary to the belief of many Nigerians, not all who are involved in banditry joined willingly. According to him, some of them were conscripted, adding that the troops would ensure the perpetrators face the wrath of the law. “I want to also inform Nigerians that it is not everybodyis part of this. Some of them were conscripted and forced into it, and it is those who are with them. “We are going after those perpetrators, and they will not be let free. “For the innocent blood they have killed, for those that have restricted their freedom, we will get them back, and they will face the law. I assure Nigerians that we’re not taking anything lightly”. Speaking on how the victims were rescued, Gen Musa instited that no kobo was paid for the victims to regain their freedom. He appealed to citizens to give the security agencies the needed support in the ongoing fight against insecurity. According to, “It’s a joint effort. We’re able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals,”. “And now I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not come together to work, it will make it extremely difficult for us to succeed. Success depends on all of us working together. It’s a whole-of-society approach”. Speaking , the National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Center, Maj Gen Adamu Laka disclosed that preliminary investigation had revealed that the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called JANBROS. According to him, “during the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of Kilometres to the thick forest of Birnin Gwari. “The government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to ONSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups, where they were examined, and six were admitted. “However, the six admitted victims have recovered and joined us for subsequent handing over to their respective families,” he added. On his own, the Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Sani Limankila thanked the security agencies and called on all Nigerians to team up with security agencies to end kidnapping. The victims were kidnapped from their homes and farm lands from the Gayam, Sabon layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa LGA of Katsina State. The victims, comprising 35 males and 23 females, were rescued on November 14 this year by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.
PDP BLASTS EBONYI GOVERNOR FOR SPENDING BILLIONS OF NAIRA WELCOMING TINUBU’S WIFE, ON FRIVOLOUS PROJECTS
PDP BLASTS EBONYI GOVERNOR FOR SPENDING BILLIONS OF NAIRA WELCOMING TINUBU’S WIFE, ON FRIVOLOUS PROJECTS WHILE ARE HUNGRY The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has berated the APC – led government of Ebonyi state over the government’s penchant for spending Ebonyi people’s money on frivolities – things that don’t matter to the Ebonyi society for now, whereas the major areas that need urgent attention have been either completely abandoned or treated with levity. In a statement issued on behalf of the party by a social media influencer and a media consultant, Mr Nwoba Chika Nwoba said PDP has watched the government of Ebonyi State under Governor Nwifuru recently and currently spending billions on frivolous projects and the one that just took place which is the hosting of the wife of the president of Nigeria is more disturbing. He further said PDP doesn’t have a problem with hosting the president’s wife, but with the amount of public money that was sunk into it when the people of the state groan in hunger and abject poverty. Mr. Nwoba revealed that the government is yet to pay teachers in Ebonyi state their October salaries despite being in the middle of the month of November, 2024. The statement reads, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State uses this opportunity to berate the APC – led government of Ebonyi state over the government’s penchant for spending Ebonyi people’s money on frivolities – things that don’t matter to the Ebonyi society for now, whereas the major areas that need urgent attention have been either completely abandoned or treated with levity.” “We have watched the government recently and currently spend billions on these frivolous projects and the one that just took place which is the hosting of the wife of the president of Nigeria is more disturbing. We don’t have problem with hosting the president’s wife, but with the amount of public money that was sunk into it when the people of the state groan in hunger and abject poverty.” “It bothers a sane mind a great deal to know that the government could recommission an airport project that had already been commissioned two years ago. Using the face of the president’s wife as a decoy to embark on the wasteful and theatric outing is what we frown at, more so as the government is yet to pay teachers in the state their October salaries yet in the middle of the month of November, 2024. This is a case of government’s inhumanity to its populace.” “It’s on this premise and more that we urge the government to backtrack from wasteful expenditures and begin to meet the people of the state at the points of their collective needs. It’s alarming also to note that the people of Ebonyi don’t feel the impacts of government yet in the face of the fiscal abundance the government swims in. The PDP in Ebonyi is bothered about all these inglorious events taking shape in the state and charges the administration of Gov. Nwifuru to rise to the mandate of tackling the immediate needs of the state and her people in this time of great economic distress.”
RIVERS STATE CRISIS NOW IN AUTO-PILOT
RIVERS CRISIS NOW IN AUTO-PILOTRivers State is believed to be on autopilot, now controlled by the sole instinct to survive. This is said to be because so many wrongs have been done and many court orders have been flouted that it may not be possible for any party to act with rational thinking.Every single action by either the Nyesom Wike camp or the Sim Fubara camp would definitely violate one court order or the other.Many analysts have listed over seven pending cases, which seem to confound the apex leadership of the judiciary in the country.As Kudirate Kekere-Ekun, new Chief Justice of the Federation, came into office, she immediately ordered a probe into the Rivers judicial crisis. This may have made the closeness between her and Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, the principal party in the crisis, to cause huge worry in the Fubara’s camp.Ekun had intervened allegedly summoned judges involved in issuing conflicting rulings on political cases in the state.It was said that a panel from the National Judicial Council (NJC) would investigate these judges, with Justice Kekere-Ekun requiring a report to be submitted this week. The panel, led by a former Court of Appeal justice, includes two heads of courts.The CJN has also summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for questioning on Tuesday.This development follows formal complaints submitted to the Council. It is understood that the CJN personally ordered a comprehensive probe.Bombshell:The outcome of the probe seems to send shivers down the spines of many.The NJC has suspended the Justice, G. C. Aguma of High Court of Rivers State from performing judicial functions for a period of one year without pay and also placed him on “Watch-List” for two years. The NJC also hammered judges in some other states, but it cleared Justice Peter Lifu of any wrongdoing, saying he neither exhibited personal interest in the River state matter nor misconducted himself in the proceedings. Allegations of bribery against Justice Lifu not substantiated. This has sent many pro-Fubara members searching for the meaning of the action to know where the CJN seems to lean in the face of outcry that Wike had given houses to federal judges and had played host to Ekun. Wike denied any wrongdoing.Despite these, Wike followers have continued to celebrate on social media like people who had foreknowledge of what the Supreme Court and the Federal Courts would decide in the many cases.The Amaechi-backed APC in the state has also pointed to such celebrations wondering if the verdicts were already known.They said so when the Wike-backed camp announced congresses despite a court verdict that sacked the Caretaker Committee of the APC in the state, but they seem to carry on.A statement to that effect signed by the Vincent Gbosi, who indicated it as ‘Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman, Caretaker Committee (CTC), All Progressives Congress (APC)’, said the Stakeholders’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 23 LGAs in Rivers State met in PH.The statement went on: “They met at the State Party Secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, in preparation for the upcoming State, LGA, and Ward congresses of the party, to elect the officers of the party in the State.“The meeting afforded party Stakeholders’ who attended the meeting the opportunity to be well briefed about modalities for the conduct of the scheduled congresses which will commence with the Ward Congress on Saturday, November 16, 2024.“Stakeholders’ of the Rivers APC who attended the meeting expressed delight and total confidence in the leadership of the party under Sir (Chief) Tony C. Okocha, DSSRS, JP, the Leader/Chairman of the APC in Rivers State.“The Stakeholders’ of the party took turns in commending the managerial acumen, and the inclusive leadership style of the party under Sir…