Kidnappers Raid Abuja Estate, Abduct Couple

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October 28, 2023

ByAyodele Oni

Residents of Grow Homes Estate at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are counting their loses after suspected kidnappers struck at the estate and abducted three persons.

The incident will be second time within a year after gunmen attacked the estate and abducted nine persons.

The recent incident, which took place around 9pm on Friday night, had a couple and another man taken from separate apartments in the estate.

It was gathered that the gunmen escaped through the bush track which links the community to another village.

Residents explained that after storming the area around 9pm, the gunmen shot sporadically into the air to scare people away.

A member of the vigilante group stated that “On Friday, around 9pm, we vigilante, heard a gunshot. After hearing the sound, we and some Nigeria Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers searched around to locate it.

“On our way, we saw one of us. He told us they were kidnappers, numbering over 20. He was shot in his hand. At that point, we heard another gunshot. They were shooting at us, while the officers were shooting too.

“We had to stop the counter attack because of their number. They took away three persons; a couple and a man. The kidnappers haven’t contacted anyone yet.”

A resident of the area, Bello Mohammed, said the kidnappers disconnected the alert systems of the houses attacked before whisking their victims away.

Controversy Trails Nomination of Akpabio’s Aide As INEC REC

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James Orji

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October 28, 2023

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Controversy has engulfed the recent nomination of a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, from Akwa Ibom, Mr. Etekamba Umoren, as a result of his relationship with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and also for being a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom.

Umoren is a former aide of the Senator Akpabio, who had served the Senate President as a Chief of Staff during his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and also one of his top aides as Governor of Akwa Ibom state.

President Bola Tinubu has recently appointed him as one of the new RECs, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale.

This development has elicited ill feelings within the People’s Democratic Party, PDP,, which was expressed through a statement protesting his appointment. A group, the PDP Aborigines Initiative, in a statement said “The appointment of Mr. Etekamba Umoren as Resident Electoral Commissioner will erode the trust Nigerians have on the electoral body.”

In the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Shaibu Abubakar, the group said Mr Umoren is a member of the All Progressives Congress, and as such should not be made to play the role of an umpire in any elections.

He equally said Mr. Umoren’s membership of the “APC is not hidden as he defected officially from the PDP in 2018, with his boss, the Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio.

“Umoren has served as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government and Chief of Staff to Akpabio as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“We call on President Tinubu to reverse that appointment as his government does not need this controversy at this period that it ought to focus on delivering good leadership to the whole nation irrespective of political affiliation.” Abubakar said.

Another statement by an Abuja based and Akwa Ibom born financial expert and public policy analyst Celestine Mel, said the appointment of Umoren who he referred to as a “highly partisan operative who will stop at nothing to project the partisan inclination of his master, into the electoral management body, does great harm and diservice to this country and this democracy.”

Mel said further: “The electoral system is like the banking system. Both thrive on trust. Participants surrender themselves to the process because they perceive that it will be fair. The moment participants suspect that either of the operatives could deal unfairly, the trust is broken, irrespective of whether or not there was any intention to be unfair. With this appointee in INEC, the perception of unfairness, injustice and inequity to different political parties is already established. The simple reason is that the nominee will be perceived to more loyal to his benefactor, who is on top of the political value chain, than Nigeria his country.”

He likened Umoren’s nomination to that of Mrs Lauretta Onochie for a similar role by the Buhari administration, and urged President Bola Tinubu to “please rescind the decision and seek non-partisan professionals for this sensitive assignment, if only he is interested in preserving whatever is left of the battered image of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

A State House release signed by Ajuri Ngelale, named Umoren as one of the RECs appointed by President Bola Tinubu in pursuant of the “powers vested in him by Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, Amended) and Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022),” for a term of five (5) years each, subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate.

Others appointed with Unoren were Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne from Edo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola from Ekiti State, Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji from Gombe State, Shehu Wahab from Kwara State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi from Lagos State, Aminu Kasimu Idris from Nasarawa State, Prof. Mohammed Yelwa from Niger State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha from Rivers State, and Isma’ila Kaura Moyi from Zamfara

According to the release, President Tinubu “expects the new appointees to abide by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties, in accordance with his determination to facilitate the establishment of a new and sustainable standard of transparent, fair, and conflict-free electoral conduct.”

Jonathan Congratulates Tinubu On His Victory At Supreme Court

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 27, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said his visit to the Aso Rock Villa was to brief President Bola Tinubu on his role as a mediator and also advance Nigeria’s interests as well as those of the Economic Community of West African States and the entire African continent.

The former President said it was important and necessary to consult with the current President on a regular basis, particularly when it comes to foreign programmes.

“They are not personal issues,” he clarified. “Traditionally, former Presidents, when going outside the country for continental or regional programmes, brief the President upon their return. That is the tradition”.

He stressed further that Friday’s visit was in continuation of his work as Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States, where he is leading mediation talks even as Mali remains under military rule following the August 2020 coup that ousted President Ibrahim Keita.

Jonathan, also, seized the opportunity of the meeting to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Commenting on the r verdict, Jonathan emphasized the need for unity among Nigeria’s political leaders, especially past Presidents, and said, “We need to bring all our political leaders together.”

“If top leaders continue fighting, they might not suffer that much, but the downtrodden will,” he cautioned. He called for an end to political tension for the sake of national progress.

Tinubu Set To Host Head Of Govt Since His Inauguration As German Chancellor Scholz Visits Nigeria

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Ayodele Oni

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October 27, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The German Embassy has announced that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is due in Nigeria on a two day working visit

The itinerary of his visit as released by the embassy, indicate that the Chancellor will meet with President Bola Tinubu and ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

The Embassy, in a statement in Abuja, stated that the Chancellor is also expected to visit Lagos to open a Nigeria-German Business Conference organized by the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce.

While in Lagos, he will also interface with representatives of Civil Societies organizations as well as entrepreneurs.

Chancellor Scholz will take part in a tour of the city of Lagos to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by a megacity such as Lagos.

The German Embassy, explained that the visit is to strengthen the over 60 years bilateral relations between both countries.

“The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Germany and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the first visit of a Head of Government to Nigeria since the inauguration of the new government.

“With diplomatic relations spanning over 60 years, Germany and Nigeria have a warm and longstanding relationship. They are natural partners as both are the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents.

“This visit intends to accentuate Germany’s appreciation for the strong partnership over the years, and underlines the importance the German government places in Nigeria’s role in the region and globally.

“The visit is also geared at intensifying the relations in the economic and cultural sectors and exploring opportunities for investment in Nigeria.”

IGP Egbetokun Orders All Hospitals To Treat Gun Shot Victims Without Police Report

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 27, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered all Hospitals and all medical personnel across the country to treat gunshot victims without asking for Police report.

IGP Egbetokun issued the directive while urging health workers to sensitize Nigerians about the issue.

The IGP’s directive, based on the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017, was contained in a Police internal memo dated October 25, 2023, and signed by the Force Principal Staff Officer, Olatunji Disu.

The memo was addressed to all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and the Commandants of Police Colleges in Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri and Enugu.

The memo reads, “I forward herewith a copy of letter HMSH&SW/IG/CTCV/ 10/2023 dated 3rd October, 2023, received from Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare on the above-underlined subject, and write to convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you comply with and enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 without any hesitation.

“The Inspector-General of Police further directs that you make this a subject of lecture and circulate widely for the members of the public to be aware of our compliance with the National Law.”

Before now, Nigerians have died as a result of gunshot wounds due to the failure of Hospitals and Medical Personnel around the country not to accept the victims due to the failure of the victims and their families to provide Police Reports.

Before the directive of the IGP Egbetokun, there have been clamour from activists, social commentators and cross section of Nigerians calling on Hospitals to save lives first before asking for Police reports.

However, this is not the first time this order will be issued by Police authorities. But it has always been ignored by most Hospitals.

AfDB, IDB, IFAD Boost Agro-Industrial Development In Nigeria With $1 Billion

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Ayodele Oni

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October 27, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, (IFAD) have voted $1 billion to further deliver special agro-industrial processing zones in 24 States of Nigeria.

A statement by the SSA Media to the Vice president, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that this is in addition to an initial $520 million voted by the development partners for the development of eight special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria.

President of African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, World Food Prize 2023, in the United States of America.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is attending the event in pursuance of the food security and diversification policy of the Tinubu administration, had on Wednesday delivered his keynote address at the ongoing Dialogue.

Delivering his own speech titled, “From Dakar to Des Moines,” Dr. Adesina noted that the decision to pump such huge funds into Nigeria’s agribusiness was part of the resolve to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) in 13 countries.

Explaining that it was the core of the food and agriculture delivery compacts from the Dakar 2 Summit held earlier this year in Dakar, Senegal, the AfDB President said, “We are investing heavily in the development of SAPZs to support the development of agricultural value chains, food processing and value addition, enabling infrastructure and logistics to promote local, regional, and international trade in food.

“The African Development Bank Group is investing $853 million in the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, and it has mobilized additional co-financing of $661 million, for a total commitment of $1.5 billion.

“We are deploying effective partnerships at scale. We are currently implementing 25 Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones in 13 countries.

“For example, the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development provided $520 million for the development of 8 special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria.

“The second phase of the program aims to mobilize an additional $1 billion to deliver special agro-industrial processing zones in 24 States of Nigeria.”

Dr. Adesina regretted that while much progress had “been made in African agriculture, 283 million people still go to bed hungry in Africa, about a third of the 828 million people that suffer hunger globally.”

He however described the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue World Food Prize 2023, as a “journey and narrative of how we are combining the power of science, technology, policies, and politics to ensure that Africa fully unlocks its agricultural potential, and feeds itself, with pride.”

The AfDB President thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, for participating in the global event, saying their presence is an indication “that Africa has the political will and is fully ready to tackle food insecurity and make hunger history” on the continent.

Also speaking during the fire-side chat with the AfDB President, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Vice President Kashim Shettima who spoke on the Tinubu administration’s initiatives for food security said the quality of present leadership in Nigeria and the rest of Africa will drive transformation in agriculture and other sectors.

According to him, “a nation falls or rises fundamentally due to the quality of its leadership. Right now Africa is blessed with quite a handful of quality leaders that have the drive, passion and skills set to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

Jonathan Meets With President Tinubu At Villa Over ECOWAS Mediation Role In Mali

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 27, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa as regards the former President’s mediation role for the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in Mali.

Since the August 2020 Coup in Mali that saw President Ibrahim Keita ousted from power by the Military, Jonathan has worked as a Special Envoy, mediating between ECOWAS and the Military in the country.

It would be recalled that the Military in Mali had said it would delay the Presidential election scheduled for February 2024 which was aimed to return civilian rule. ⁣

⁣Two rounds of voting, initially set for February 4 and 18, “will be slightly postponed for technical reasons”, said government spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga.⁣

Maiga explained the reasons to include issues related to the adoption of a new Constitution and a review of the electoral lists.⁣

⁣He also mentioned a dispute with the French company Idemia, which the Government said is involved in the census process.⁣

“The new dates for the presidential election will be communicated later,” Maiga affirmed.⁣

However, in January 2022, the Economic Community of West African State imposed sanctions on Mali when the Asimi Goita-led junta planned to stay in power for up to five years.⁣

⁣Bowing to pressure from the regional bloc, the Junta promised to hold the election in February.⁣

⁣Consequently, the ECOWAS lifted a set of trade and financial sanctions on Mali in July 2022. ⁣

These were the major reasons Jonathan visited President Tinubu.

Aside the aforementioned reason for the visit, other issues that led to visit were yet to emerge as at filing in of this report.

Governor Uzodimma’s Friends Raise Funds To Support His Re-election Into Office

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The Source

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October 27, 2023

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It was Naira rain Thursday night at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri when friends of Governor Hope Uzodimma gathered to raise money to support operations for his re-election next month.

His friends said they were spurred to financially support his ambition because they want to be part of Governor Uzodimma’s historical legacy, arising from his sterling leadership qualities.

Conservatively put, about One billion Naira was raised before Governor Uzodimma gave his brief remarks.

Some of the key donors who donated for themselves, their families and group of companies include Dr. Johnbosco Ozigbo, Sir Benneth Nwokejiobi, Chief Tony Chukwu, Prince Charles Amadi, Eze Imo, HRM EC Okeke, among others.

The Governor said: “I feel humbled by the quantum of encomiums this night and more importantly, the quantum of money raised this night. If the amount of money raised is anything to go by, it means the election is concluded.

“I feel very challenged by the commendations tonight and I think it will provoke new appetite in me to do more for our State.

“I want to say thank you to everyone, more especially to the Convener and the organisers. The Almighty will replenish every money spent this night.”

Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, Senator Osita Izunaso in his welcome remarks said the Governor’s friends are convinced he has done well to deserve a second term, hence the occasion.

He appreciated the Governor’s friends who came from all over the country and outside the country, to be part of the activity.

The Chairman of the occasion, former Chief of Army Staff, Rtd. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, thanked the convener and all the Governor’s friends, saying, they are “not supporting the Governor as a person, but supporting his good works Imo State.”

He urged the organisers to extend the invitation to those who were not physically present at the event but appreciate what the Governor has done so that they can be part of the process for more good works.

He cited the revolution the Governor caused in road infrastructure in Imo as well as his efforts in bringing the Igbos in Nigeria together for a better society.

General Ihejirika said some of his retired colleagues from the military and police are proud of Governor Uzodimma’s achievements and had asked him to support his reelection with the sum of N5 million.

Some Imo indigenes in the Diaspora, including Chief (Dr.) Uzo Unegbu who spoke via zoom, appreciated the Governor for what he has done. Chief Unegbu thanked the Governor for the strides he has made in roads, education, health, among others, adding that the contributions from people will be for continuation of his good works.

Convener of the event, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, said he was so delighted to be part of the event. He said he was humbled by the turn out despite the short notice.

He thanked the Chief Guest of Honour, the Governor and all those who came with him.

Ohakim said the event was organised for three reasons. First, “as friends of Hope, because Hope has done well for Imo.”

Secondly, “the Governors achievements go beyond the projects and touch on the leadership lessons from the governor.”

Finally, he said “the event was organised because we want to be part of history and to inform the Governor that we will be with him always due to the marvellous history he has left behind in Imo.”

Ohakim who reeled out the galaxy of Uzodimma’s friends from within and outside the country noted that they were delighted to have come from everywhere to come and say jisie ike ( well done).

Cognisance of the attitude of certain fellows who have refused to recognise the good things the Governor has done in Imo State, Ohakim urged Governor Uzodimma to “continue to show love to everyone.”

Ihejirika in his closing remarks said he was overwhelmed by the generous donations and thanked everyone, including those who travelled long distances to be part of the event.

“Let me say that we have all invested. It is not the money that will bring in the votes, but we must take our time to talk to different persons and encourage those whose roads are yet to be done that theirs would soon follow, assuming yours have been done.

The exercise will encourage the other Governors to do more for their people. We just have to talk to ourselves and our groups,” Ihejirika said.

In his vote of thanks, Senator Izunaso appreciated every one for their participation and asked those who have not done so to do so “as the window for donation will be shut in seven days time.”

He used the opportunity to announce a donation of N50 million from members of the Planning Committee and another N20m from some of his colleagues in the National Assembly.

CBN: Emefiele Begins Life With EFCC

By

James Orji

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October 27, 2023

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Godwin Emefiele, a former Central Bank Governor has been re-arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC few hours after he was reportedly released from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

He had been in the DSS detention for approximately five months.

The former apex bank governor who has been in the custody of Nigeria’s secret police since June this year, was picked up by the operatives of the anti-graft agency to interrogate him over some financial scandal that took place while in office.

“We picked him up because of the financial impropriety that happened under his watch, for which the DSS cannot interrogate him. The DSS cannot do our own job,” a source in the commission said on Friday.

It was learned that his release from DSS custody was due to pressure on the federal government by some Nigerians who questioned his continued stay in custody after the court has ordered his release.

Moreso, the DSS, according to experts, can only question him on issues bordering on national security, instead of corruption allegation for which he has been held for five months.

That’s the job of the EFCC and ICPC as provided by the enabling Acts, the EFCC source stated.

Trajectory Of Emefiele’s Problems

On June 9, Emefiele was sacked from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

24 hours later, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in their custody for interrogation.

On July 13, a federal capital territory high court ordered the DSS to charge him to court or release him.

On July 25, the DSS arraigned him at a federal high court in Lagos on a two-count charge bordering on illegal possession of firearms. He was later granted N20 million bail.

The charges were struck out by the court on August 17 after the federal government withdrew the charges, he would later be slammed with a 20-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud.

The magazine reported last month that the former apex bank boss has entered into a plea bargain with the federal government to return N50 billion to the coffers of the government.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, has yet to respond to the magazine’s enquiries whether Emefiele will be charged to the court soon.

Number Of Justices At Supreme Court Reduces To Ten As Dattijo Mohammed Retires, CJN Laments

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Ayodele Oni

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October 27, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Litigants at the Supreme Court whose cases are pending may have to wait for a while, as depletion in number of Justices continues.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Friday revealed that the apex Court is now having the lowest number of Justices in its history.

According to him, there are only 10 Justices on its bench to tackle the heavy workload of pending cases.

Within three years, the number of Justices reduced from 20 to 14, while at its peak, the Court enjoys as many as 21.

Justice Ariwoola spoke on the occasion of retirement of Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed who attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

The CJN however assured that efforts are on top gear to elevate a sizeable Justices to the bench of the Court.

“With Justice Musa Dattijo leaving us today after the retirement of Hon. Justice Adamu Amina Augie a few weeks ago, we are now left with just 10 Justices on the Supreme Court Bench; being the lowest we have ever had in contemporary history of the Court.

“However, I can confidently assure all the litigant public that efforts are in top gear to get on board a sizeable number of Justices to boost our rank and complement the tremendous effort we have been investing in the business of the Court.

The CJN paid glowing tributes to the retired Justice saying “I am so emotionally overwhelmed, and at the same time, profusely exhilarated to personally witness this uncommon valedictory session.

“This is not because I have never witnessed or presided over valedictory sessions before; but for the fact that we are honouring a quintessential Judicial icon with dazzling qualities and alluring stature who could, in one breath, be classified as a model of excellence that transcends the legal profession.

“My Lord Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad in whose honour we assemble here today, is an epitome of jurisprudential finesse; an insuperable lion with an irrepressible voice in the temple of justice.

“We are here to identify with an accomplished jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his several years of unblemished and incontrovertible adjudications at different levels of Courts in Nigeria.

“His Lordship has, by all standards, made an incisive inroad into the revered history books of the Nigerian judiciary as that gallant and eminent Justice at the Supreme Court bench who inviolably held sway in the discharge of his judicial functions.

“As second-in-command in the hierarchy of the Supreme Court, my Lord, Justice Dattijo, skilfully aided and supported me virtually in every sphere of administration. He is a specimen of hard work, industry, discipline and high moral rectitude.

“He willingly offered every support and encouragement that any leader would always wish to enjoy from a deputy to effectively meander the often stormy coast of court administration.

“So, by this event heralding his 70th birthday anniversary, the time has come to cease from functioning as a Judicial Officer. Immediately after this Court session, a new

page will ultimately open in the life of my Lord, which His Lordship and an entirely different set of people, that destiny had already assembled along the path of the second phase of his life, will begin to write on.”