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CJN Charges Judges To Handle Election Cases With Good Conscience

May 25, 2023

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, has sworn in 39 Judges to handle election petitions across the country, with the charge to put their good conscience to test.

The CJN stated this on Thursday in Abuja, few weeks after he swore in some judges for various elections tribunal. The appointmen of new Judges, according to sources was necessitated due to the number of cases pending at the tribunals, bringing the total to 346 judges.

Speaking to the new Judges, Ariwoola said the manner they handle the cases have great impression on their integrity, noting that their choice at this time is a ‘design’ by the Almighty God.

He said: “Your participation in these tribunals at this crucial phase of the Nigerian Judiciary is not by accident but a clear design of the Almighty God.

“This is an enormous national assignment that will literally put the contents of your conscience to test.
“I am convinced that this is not the first oath you have taken as Judicial Officers, and certainly won’t be your last, especially as you ascend the ladder of your career.

“No amount of homily can convey the enormity of this task. But suffice it to say that you are already initiating an interaction with history. Whatever action or inaction you exhibit today will serve as your testament in the annals of the Nigerian judiciary.

“As Judicial Officers, you may have, one way or the other, trodden this somewhat dreaded terrain, but you must, against all odds, rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy.
“The onus is on you to keep aloft the banner of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly hoisted over the years.

“Your appointment to serve in these tribunals is well conceived, thus, you should do everything within your ability to justify this confidence.

“There is no doubt that you will be exposed to different forms of temptations and even blackmails, but you should know that all are aimed at testing your strength of character, honesty and integrity.

“My candid advice is that, in whatever circumstance, you should always be mindful of this oath you have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between you and your creator.

“It behooves you to willingly submit yourselves to the sanctity of the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution in the discharge of your judicial functions.
“It is the general belief that elections held when the rule of law is too fragile, seldom lead to lasting democratic governance.

“You are enjoined to always strike a balance between justice and. rule of law as you embark on this critical national assignment.

“As you all know, rule of law delayed, is lasting peace denied because justice is a handmaiden of true peace. We need this in Nigeria more than ever before.

“The trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice; hence we put you forward as champions of this noble cause.

“By the virtue of this oath, you are now armed with the power to adjudicate on electoral disputes and take decisions in accordance with your convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law and not sentiments or public opinion.

“I pray the Almighty God will grant you the courage and wisdom to carry out this responsibility without faltering or failing,” the CJN stated.

Buhari Confers GCFR On Tinubu, GCON On Shettima

James Orji

May 25, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred the National Honour of Grand Commander of Order of Federal Republic, GCFR, on the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The outgoing President conferred the highest honour on Tinubu who is billed to succeed him on May 29.

The honour is usually awarded to an incoming President by the incumbent.

The President, also, conferred on Kashim Shetima, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON, on Thursday at a ceremony attended by top Government officials and captains of industry.

Ahead Of May 29, DSS Warns Media, CSOs Against Heating Polity

Ayodele Oni

May 25, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Few days to the May 29, Directorate of State Security Service, (DSS) has cautioned Civil Societies Organizations, (CSO) and the media against creating unnecessary issues that could cause panic and apprehension among the populace.

Spokesman of the security service in a statement on Thursday reiterated the commitment of the service to ensure a hutch free transition to new government on May 29.

The statement reads “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) on 18th May, 2023 held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration.

“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on 29th May, 2023 in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.

“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country.

“The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.

“Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.

“They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.

“This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.

“Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.

“The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”

Ondo Deep Sea Port: Akeredolu Suspends Approval Of Certificate Of Occupancy At Host Community

Ayodele Oni

May 25, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has moved to protect interest of land owners in areas where the proposed deep sea port, which licence was approved recently by the federal government is to be sited.

Part of the measures put in place by the state government is decision by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu not to approve any Certificate of Occupancy, (CofO)especially in Ilaje local government which will host the project.

This is to prevent land grabbers, that already understand the economic benefit of deep sea port to buy land cheaply from natives now and later start selling at exhorbitant prices to prospective investors.

Senior Special Assistant on special duties to Akeredolu, Dr Doyin Odebowale who disclosed this in an interview in Akure, said very soon investors will start migrating to the area for development.

Odebowale explained that Akeredolu’s decision to suspend signing any C of O in the area was made to protect land owners from hurriedly selling their plots of land at ridiculous prices at this period.

According to him, some individuals from other parts of the country that understand the economic benefits of the seaport, would soon be visiting the area to start buying lands from the local dwellers at cheaper prices.

“I want to ask land owners in the area to be patient because there is every tendency that they will want to jump to the opportunity at this time. They should resist any temptation to sell land at this time.

“Anybody who is wise now should just be careful because what we are going to experience in the next couple of months will be so massive to the point that you can’t even imagine that what you may be able to buy for N200,000 to N250,000 now, will later be sold for N5million and it will still be unwise for you to sell because of what is to come.

“I will advise them to watch and keep developing as those who want to dispossess them of their own land are thinking, they should also be thinking ahead because anyone who wants to buy your land now can not be your friend.

“Not that he wants to ameliorate your condition, no, he only wants to take advantage of your condition and he is waiting for the best time to exploit.

“Of course, they( local natives) will be working with government officials. However, they must also be wary of unscrupulous elements among the government officials who may want to connive with those who are coming to cheat them.

“What I am trying to say in essence is that, if you have an economic programme as a government and the local natives and residents of the area where the project is taking place, are not participating, that is a direct source of impoverishment.

“The local natives must participate actively in the local economy. That is direct empowerment.

“Of course, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made it abundantly clear that he would not sign any Certificate of Occupancy for anybody along that corridor. He would not do that.

“We can only try, but if you have a house in Ore Town, we can not ask you not to sell, if you have plots of land at ilu-tuntun, we can’t also say don’t sell. But for the corridors of Seaport, we are going to prevent indiscriminate sale of land.”

CBN’s 7th Interest Rate Hike, No Show

James Orji

May 25, 2023

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele on Wednesday tried unsuccessfully to justify the latest hike in the Money Policy Rate, MPR, or interest rate to 18.5 percent.

The apex bank governor announced the increased at the end of the MPC meeting in Abuja.

The hike is the third this year after the bank voted to increase the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 18 per cent in March this year.

Since Emefiele made the announcement, critics of the bank have criticised the government bank for trying to find a convenient way to deal with the problem of inflation in the country.

According to them, the CBN has increased the rate for seven straight months , yet inflation has spiralled, as the Nigeria Burdau of Statistics, NBS latest inflation rate stands at 22.5 percent, even as sector analysts insist that the NBS figure is conservative considering the high cost of goods and essential commodities in the country.

The decision to continue to hike interest rate repeatedly, according to experts in the sector, is a lazy attempt by the Emefiele -led bank to adress inflation problems in the country , while core issues pushing up inflation have been left unattended to.

Emefiele had while speaking to journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital after the end of the two- day meeting, said the committee voted to keep the asymmetric corridor at +100 and -700 basis points around the MPR.

He said the decision was taken to counter the high energy cost and challenges around the supply chain, among others, which are beyond the CBN control.

According to Emefiele, “Tightening would reduce pent up aggregate demand which had contributed to high inflation,” urging the federal government to deal with the fiscal aspect even as “the current trend in price development would continue to be monitored by the bank with greater collaboration with fiscal authority to address the drivers of inflation.”

Experts have however pointed out some issues which must be addressed by the government to curb the problem of rising inflation. They include forex scarcity which has drastically reduced the value of the naira; insecurity which has affected the supply of goods and commodities across the country, thus pushing up prices; multiple taxation; increase in the cost of transportation as a result of hike in the pump price of fuel, particularly diesel, amongst others.

There’s the possibility of another increase in Interest rate at the next MPC meeting in June, financial experts say, as the government try desperately to adress inflationary pressure on the economy.

Fani-Kayode Faces Arrest Over Alleged Forgery

James Orji

May 25, 2023

Femi Fani-Kayode could be arrested if he fails to show up for his trial, a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja ruled on Wednesday.

The former Minister of Aviation is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged forgery and related offences.

But for more than six months, he has not shown up for his trial in Court, and the Judge in now angry, threatening to issue a warrant of arrest on him.

Justice Abike-Fadipe has given him until November 7 to appear before the court.

According to Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe the siting Judge at the special ciurt in Ikeja, Fani-Kayode has refused to appear in the Court to answer questions on a 12-count charge of using false documents, use of fabricated evidence, procuring the execution of documents by false pretence, and fabricating evidence.

In the Court documents provided by the EFCC, the former Minister was accused of procuring one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to issue a fake medical report, which he allegedly tendered before the Federal High Court where he is currently standing trial before Justice Daniel Osiagor over money laundering allegations.

The anti-graft agency EFCC also claimed that Fani-Kayode on October 11, 2021, in Kubwa, Abuja, connived with one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to execute a document titled: MEDICAL REPORT ON Olufemi Fani Kayode 60 YEARS/MALE/HOSP. NO.00345 and purportedly to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.

The Commission further maintained that procuring and execution of documents by false pretence contradicts section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Africa Day: Jonathan Foundation Tasks Leaders On Peace , Charges Them On Full Implementation Of AFCTA

The Source

May 25, 2023

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has tasked African leaders to prioritize the peace and prosperity of its citizens on the occasion of Africa Day 2023. The organization also called on respective leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is effectively implemented across the continent.

Communications Officer of the Foundation, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, in a news statement, quoted Ann Iyonu, the Executive Director of GJF, as saying that the promises of freedom, peace, unity, and prosperity and the defining virtues that make the Africa Day celebration significant.

It, therefore, calls for peace and a quick return to democratic order in Sudan, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

The statement reads:

“On Africa Day 2023, we celebrate the shared values and common heritage that define us as a people. We appreciate the enormous contributions and sacrifices that Africans worldwide have continued to display to make Africa a better place.

“This year’s celebrations coincide with the 60th commemoration of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, now Africa Union. This forum has helped foster political freedom, growth, and economic development in the continent.

“We support the African Union idea of “One African market” as it offers a sure route towards economic prosperity and self-sufficiency for our people and provides concrete steps towards attaining economic goals captured in the Africa Union Agenda 2063.

“We call on African leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) is implemented in our countries in line with this year’s theme: “Acceleration of AFCTA Implementation.”

“The promises of peace, freedom, and unity are prosperity and the reasons we celebrate today. We call for peace and a quick return to democratic order in Sudan, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“We urge leaders and all stakeholders to commit to the ideals of freedom, democracy, peace, unity and shared prosperity on Africa Day 2023.”

Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation

24/5/2023

“I Have No Business With Who Emerges As Ekiti Assembly Speaker” – Gov Oyebanji

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has clarified that the issue of who becomes Speaker of the incoming Seventh House of Assembly is purely the business of the party.

He maintained that he has no preferred candidate for the State’s House of Assembly Speaker.

Since the election of the 26 member-Assembly during the March ,18, 2023, poll, various interests within and outside the state have been canvassing for a particular member who is a first timer as lawmaker.

Going by the zoning formula of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, the speaker is expected to come from the northern senatorial district since the governor is from central and deputy from south.

Ekiti central senatorial district is made up of five local governments of Ilejemeje, Moba, Ido- Osi, Oye, and Ikole as well as newly created Area Development Councils, (LCDA)

Oyebanji made this declaration on Wednesday during a retreat for members-elect and outgoing members of the Ekiti State 6th House of Assembly held at Ikogosi Warm Springs and Resort.

He declared “I want to plead with members- elect not to allow the position of the Assembly to divide them. I have intelligence report that meetings are being held both within and outside the state by some former Hon members who are recruited as consultants and members elect both new and returning.

“I want to say categorically that I have no hand in it. I have not asked anybody to shop for Speaker of the 7th Assembly on my behalf and I have no preferred candidate.

“All principal positions in the house belong to the party and at the appropriate time, the party will take a decision and I will abide with whatever the party decides.

“All of us are members of the APC and I can work with any one of you. This is the first and last time I will comment on this matter.”

My Final Word On Olokola Free Trade Zone & Dangote Refinery

The Source

May 24, 2023

Ibikunle Amosun and Dapo Abiodun and Aliko Dangote

By Ibikunle Amosun

THE FACTS!

Our attention has been drawn to a press statement by Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor Ogun State, where he accused Senator Ibikunle Amosun as being responsible for why Ogun State lost hosting the Dangote Refinery to Lagos State.

FINAL WORD

On Monday, 22 May, 2023. I was privileged to attend the official commissioning of Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone by Mr. President, H. E. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. I congratulate my brother, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, on this significant accomplishment for the larger benefit our Country. I also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, and the good people of Nigeria on this momentous occasion.

Since my tour of duty as Governor of Ogun State statutorily ended in May 2019, I have refrained from directly engaging and very rarely joined issues on any matter of policy undertaken by our government or the successor administration. The logic is simple: even if one were to stand right before a 10-storey building, a congenital liar and unrepentant pessimist will still indulge in selective amnesia and see nothing.

But, when lies and half truths are churned out so repeatedly and unashamedly, without being challenged, the innocent public may begin to reckon with such concoctions as the gospel truth. Hence, I am making this exception. It is my hope that this will be my final word on the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Dangote Refinery Lagos relocation debacle.

Let me put it straight: The Olokola Free Trade Zone project was not solely owned by Ogun State. From its conception in 2007, it was a Joint Venture. The Federal Government of Nigeria owned the majority 51%, Ondo State Goverment (14.5%), Ogun State Goverment (14.5%), and strategic core investors (20%). Alhaji Aliko Dangote, according to the information availed us when we took office, subsequently bought, and took over the 20% equity of the core investors. Ogun State was a minority equity stakeholder only, without proprietary strength and capacity to take sole decisions on the Joint Venture enterprise.

I am proud to put on record for posterity that the brouhaha and misconception about the true and full ownership of the project became confused for reasons of the proactive and investment-friendly disposition of our administration. Ogun State, under my leadership, went beyond and above duty and did all we could to ensure that the project saw the light of the day. As Governor at the time, I appointed two (2) carefully chosen stakeholders of Ogun East/Ogun Waterside Local Government extraction to represent Ogun State’s interests on the joint venture enterprise and advise the State. These were Dapo Abiodun (now Governor) and Mrs Kemi Adeosun, then Commissioner for Finance, who incidentally hailed from the host Community of the Olokola project. After Mrs. Adeosun was elevated and became a minister, another son of Ogun East, Lekan Onamusi, took charge and represented Ogun State on the Joint Venture.

Based on the advice of our representatives on the project, we engaged the majority equity holder, FGN and our joint venture partner, Ondo State Government, who were very responsive and eager to have the project in Olokola Free Trade Zone. We also vigorously engaged Alhaji Aliko Dangote and did everything possible to make the enterprise take off. A total of 10,000 hectares of land was made available. As mere holder of 14.5% equity interest, it is most uncharitable for anyone to churn out lies that Ogun State was in a position to unilaterally frustrate the project or was responsible for the logjam. With respect to all sides, it accords more with logic to appreciate the fact that Alhaji Aliko Dangote took business decisions of his own in accordance with the goals of his business strategy and risk assessment.
Our position was that, at the minimum, 500 hectares from the Ogun State portion be reserved for the host Community, Ogun Waterside, as against ceding the entire land of the Olokola Free Trade Zone. Indeed, at some point and at my instance, our revered Elders, Baba Olusegun Obasanjo and Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona were involved, where we all met to ensure that the project was sited in Olokola Free Trade Zone.
Looking back to my time in Ogun State, I remain immensely grateful to God and the good people of our State for the opportunities availed us. Our records of achievements remain incontrovertible. We opened the State to genuine entrepreneurs and investors, which led to the influx of massive private sector investments. We also paid serious attention to the security of lives and properties. Over 200 industries, both local and multinational, birthed in Ogun State. In a particular year during our time, 75% of the entire National FDI in the real sector birthed in Ogun State so much so that President Goodluck Jonathan saw the need to visit to commission significant private sector-led projects at least five (5) times. Ogun State, under my watch, was indeed investor-friendly, and investors’ destination of choice as Ogun State literally became the Industrial Capital of Nigeria. Ogun State’s economy, at the time, grew faster than the national average. No amount of concocted lies, blackmail and orchestrated falsehood will blight these unparalleled facts.

It is, therefore, interesting to read that the present Ogun State governor holds me responsible for allegedly scuttling the Olokola project. For the benefit of the good people of Ogun State, Nigerians and posterity, we challenge him, particularly as he was then the chairman appointed to oversee and ensure that the project was sited in Olokola Free Trade Zone, to disclose with facts, where he or the Administration was remis, and which might have led to the project being moved away from Ogun State.

The only thing I can recall that the government insisted on, was that, about 500 hectares must be set aside and protected for the benefit of our people in Ogun East, and in particular,the host community, Ogun Waterside.

As Governor, I would never have knowingly let any opportunity slip past Ogun State and its people. I did my best to the satisfaction and conviction of my conscience.

As I conclude, it is my hope that this intervention will give clarity to the vexed subject of the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the relocation of the Dangote Refinery controversy.

Once again, I congratulate the Dangote group and Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the hard work, dedication, and commitment to the results that we all saw on Monday.

This statement was issued from Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s, Media Office

Keyamo Advocates Scrapping Of Office Of Minister Of State, Says It’s Unconstitutional

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

In an ironic twist, Festus Keyamo, who is serving out his tenure as Minister of State for Labour, has advised the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu to scrap the Office of Minister of State, dismissing it as unconstitutional.

“Mr. President, the concept or designation of “Minister of State” is a constitutional aberration and is practically not working for many so appointed.

“Successive Governments have come and gone and many who were appointed as Ministers of State have not spoken out at a forum such as this because of the risk of sounding ungrateful to the Presidents who appointed them.”

The remarks were contained in a prepared valedictory statement by Keyamo on Wednesday.

He pointed out that all Nominees that appeared before the National Assembly were screened and confirmed as Ministers only for some to be designated as Ministers of state when portfolios were allocated.

Citing constitutional provisions, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria stated that Minister of State is not in the Statute.

“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:- provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State.”

“In addition to the above, the Ministers-designate appear before the Senate and are grilled and cleared AS MINISTERS, not as Ministers in some instances and Ministers of State in some other instances.

“It is at the point of assignment of portfolios that successive Presidents then reclassified some as “Ministers of State”.

Agreeing that the President has the prerogative to assign portfolios to nominees already screened by the National Assembly, Keyamo pointed out that: “Yes, I concede Mr. President can do that, but not by a designation different from that prescribed by the Constitution.

“Simply put, it is akin to the President assigning responsibilities to the office of the Vice-President and re-designating that office as “Deputy President” under our present Constitution. That is clearly impossible. Why then should that of the Ministers be different?”

According to him, argument that number of offices are reduced to save cost, leading to two Ministers in a Ministry, is no longer tenable.

“Obviously, the argument that two Ministers are cramped into some Ministries in order not to unnecessarily proliferate Ministries and, therefore, save Government’s money is no longer tenable.

“This is because Government does not need any extra infrastructure or more money to maintain all Senior 36 Ministers or even a bit more appointed as is now the custom.

“This is because the present Ministers and Ministers of State have their separate offices, cars, security personnel and personal aides. So, what is the point?”

On the way forward, he called for duplication of the Ministries in such a way that only a Minister will be in charge.

“In my case, whilst the schedule of my colleague had to do more with Labour and Productivity, mine had to do more with Employment.

“The Directorates in my Ministry that were under my office would then be fully under the Minister of Employment, without any double loyalty to the Minister of Labour and Productivity.

“We can also have a Minister of Trade and another Minister of Investment. We can have a Minister of Education (Tertiary) and another Minister of Education (Primary and Secondary).

“We can have a Minister of Mines and another Minister of Steel; we can have a Minister of Works and another Minister of Housing and so on and so forth.

“In all of these, no extra infrastructure is needed to sustain this suggested arrangement. The present infrastructure and present personnel in the Ministries can very well sustain it.

“It will be at no extra cost to government. This is preferable than successive governments continuing with this present unconstitutional arrangement.”

ot a few people have described the Office of the Minister of State as redundant, especially if one is working under a strong personality who is the “senior” Minister.

When Senator Udo Udoma, SAN, was appointed a Minister, and given the portfolio of a Minister of State, he refused to resume, and quietly went back to the Senate.

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