Judiciary Is ‘Sacred’ Nigeria Will Collapse Without It- Ozekhome

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December 13, 2024

Mike Ozekhome, has affirmed that the judiciary still remains the best hope for the country despite the teething problems facing the sector.

He said the judiciary is still better compared to the two arms of government, the Executive and Legislature.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, made the remark on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital while speaking at the 2024 Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, NAJUC.

The senior lawyer made the admonition amidst the recent bashing the nation’s judicial system has faced recently, over suggestions among not a few Nigerians that corruption is highly endemic within the system.

A lawyer and rights activist , Dele Farotimi have pointed out the alleged many rots in the nation’s judicial system in his controversial book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’ for which he’s now being tried for defamation.

His trial has further worsened the negative impression among not a few Nigerians that corruption, indeed thrives in the nation’s justice system, highlighting for instance, that justice is cash and carry in the country.

Speaking yesterday, Ozekhome said the country faces imminent collapse without the judiciary despite the obvious challenges, saying anarchy looms without an efficient judicial system.

He however warned those aggrieved to continue seeking reprieve in the court, rather than attacking the system, urging the courts to ensure that justice is dispensed.

He said, “I still want to believe that despite all the issues the judiciary may have, it remains the best of the three arms of government. If you remove the judiciary, Nigeria will collapse like a pack of cards.

“The role of the courts is very sacred in the functioning of society and must be held with the highest esteem.”

“We Have Arrested Marketers of Recalled Deekins Amoxycillin Capsule” – NAFDAC

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 13, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited has been arrested.

Ekeanyanwu was arrested on the orders of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, NAFDAC, for marketing recalled Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules.

He is presently in Police custody.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, on Thursday confirmed the arrest.

Adeyeye who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, also noted that the agency is investigating the suspected substandard Deekins capsule, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd.

“If we see bad actors, we go after them, we shut them down. We inspect their facility. If they don’t meet Good Manufacturing Practices, we shut them down temporarily or permanently, depending on the gravity; we have done that, and we have record.

“For this particular case, the Managing Director of Divine Kings Pharmaceutical is in custody in Lagos,” she said.

Adeyeye emphasised that the investigation of the capsule stemmed from reports of serious adverse drug reactions being experienced by patients that took the medication across the country.

NAFDAC had on Wednesday stated that the drug has been recalled due to reports of serious adverse drug reactions associated with this batch.

The NAFDAC boss said, “According to Ecomed Pharma Ltd, reports of serious adverse drug reactions were received from a hospital that reported three cases of serious adverse drug reactions from patients administered with the batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg.

“In the statement obtained from Mr. Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, the Marketing Authorization Holder, capsule, Divine King Pharmaceutical Ltd, stated that all products were manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd.

“The manufacturer Ecomed Pharma Ltd in his statement claimed to have produced only 20 packets of the affected batch number 4C639001 for the purposes of renewal of his registration. He also claimed to have manufactured 1,961 packets, Batch No 4C639002. However, 790 packs of Batch 4C639001 with manufacturing 03/2024 and expiry date 02/2027 were recalled, which he did not manufacture,” Adeyeye stated.

She said that the products have been sampled for laboratory analysis against the suspects, Pharm Ekene Christopher, Ecomed Pharma Ltd and Mr. Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, of Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd.

She noted that the analysis is currently pending determination while the investigation is ongoing.

“Meanwhile, the Quality Control and Production Managers have been invited for further investigation, The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the agency that issue site license for the site and the Pharmacist in charge has been notified.

“The public is hereby warned to avoid the use of the suspected substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsule. NAFDAC implores distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid distribution, administration, and use of the affected lots of the product. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

“Anyone in possession of the affected lot is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you have used this product, or someone you know, has used it, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

An alert has been placed against this product on December 3, 2024,” she highlighted.

She advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: [email protected].

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on [email protected].

“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” she added.

SEDC: APC Writes President Tinubu, Demands Removal Of MD, Recomposition Of Board

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 13, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has called on President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, withdraw the appointment of Hon. Mark Okoye as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer MD/CEO, of the South East Development Commission SEDC.

The Source reports that the President had, last week, named former Labour and Productivity Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu, from Abia State, as the Chairman of the SEDC and, Okoye, from Anambra State, as the MD/CEO.

President Tinubu also named other Executive Directors for the nascent South East intervention Agency.

The appointees are currently waiting to be screened and possibly cleared by the Senate .

But before then, the Anambra APC, in a letter addressed to the President and copied the Senate, dated Thursday December 12, 2024, expressed strong reservations over the appointment of Okoye.

In the letter signed by Hon. Basil Ejidike and Engr Chidi Oji State Chairman and Secretary, respectively, the APC alleged that Okoye is a well known card-carrying member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA ,and, as such, can not hold such a sensitive office as the Managing Director of SEDC.

The Party, also faulted the nominations and appointments pattern to the Board, insisting that they seriously violated the provisions of the Act establishing the Commission.

According to the APC, the glaring exclusion of Ebonyi and Imo states from the membership of the Board of the Commission, clearly violates the provision that demands that all the component states from the region be accommodated.

Similarly, the party described the appointment of Hon Okoye as the MD/CEO ,as a serious injury to both the leadership and members of the APC family in Anambra state.

It noted that Okoye, as a full fledged member of APGA , can not and will not be assumed to be representing the interests of the APC and its members.

To buttress its position, the Anambra APC ,informed that presently ,Hon.Okoye ,is the Managing Director of Anambra State Investment ,Promotion and Protection Agency ANSIPPA ,a position given to him by Governor Charles Soludo APGA led administration in the state.

” Sir ,we in Anambra state APC were aghast on receiving the news of the composition of the membership of the SEDC Board.

Permit us to use this medium to point out our observations with the above appointments.

From the membership of the Board ,it was observed that the nominations of members did not follow the provisions of the Act establishing the Commission ,which posit that Board memberships be drawn from the five South East states of Abia ,Anambra ,Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

Sir ,the appointment of Hon.Mark C Okoye as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer is a big minus for the leadership and members of APC in Anambra state.

Considering the person and political affiliation of Hon Mark Okoye ,the party feels terribly injured and bruised if the appointment is allowed to stand.

Hon.Okoye is a full fledged member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA and has served as Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra state on Budget and Economic Planning in the Chief Willie Obiano APGA administration.

He is currently the Managing Director of the Anambra state Investment,Promotion and Protection Agency ANSIPPA ,in the Anambra state Government led by Prof.Charles Soludo of APGA.

More worrisome is the fact that Your Excellency , appointed and inaugurated a serving member of APGA BOT ,Mrs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu as the Minister of State ,Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,thereby representing Anambra state in the Cabinet of Mr President and the Federal Executive Council.

These appointments of non-APC members from.Anambra state have continued to debase the entire stakeholders and members of the party in the state” APC stated.

Consequently, the party called for an immediate review of the composition of the Commission’s Board accommodate all the states in the region.

It also demanded the reconsideration of Hon Okoye as the MD/CEO ,with a view to appointing an APC member ,who will be able to carry party members along.

“The party in Anambra has the capacity to produce very competent persons that can effectively man these offices and sincerely deliver on the mandate of Mr President in line with the party manifesto and programme”, the statement further noted.

Labour Party Loses Another Lawmaker To APC

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 13, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after losing five of its members in the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, LP, has once again lost another Lawmaker to the APC.

Ajang Illiya, a member of the LP caucus in the House of Representatives, representing the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Plateau State, has defected to the APC.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced Iliya’s defection during Thursday’s plenary after reading a letter from the lawmaker.

Illiya gave the reason for his defection as the political wrangling in the Labour Party and the need to align with the APC’s national development agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

The Labour Party has been in turmoil following the leadership crisis that is yet to abate.

Fmr Gov Bafarawa, Rights Activist, Naja’tu Rally Northern Youths, Float Empowerment Initiative

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Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

An initiative aimed at addressing the myriad of sociopolitical and economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria, has been birthed, courtesy of two prominent figures in the zone.

They are former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and human rights advocate, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, that launched the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYE).

Speaking at a press conference held at the Arewa House in Kaduna, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, Co-Chairman of NSYE, emphasized that the organization’s vision is to ignite a transformative era for Northern Nigeria.

She stressed that the movement is not politically motivated and will focus on empowering the youth to drive positive change in the region.

According to Mohammed, the current challenges facing the North extend beyond politicization of security, social, and economic issues.

She emphasized the need for bold and innovative solutions that require significant contribution and collaboration between leaders and youth.

The objectives of NSYE, as outlined by Mohammed, include galvanizing and harnessing the mental and physical strength of individuals across the Northern region to achieve social and economic development.

Former Governor Bafarawa lamented the decline of the Northern region, which he described as the stabilizing factor of corporate Nigeria.

He emphasized the need for elites to take responsibility for the region’s development, rather than sitting idly by while the region declines.

Bafarawa charged the youth to take the initiative with vigor and seriousness, igniting a torch that would light their path to Northern greatness, regardless of religious, ethnic, or personal sentiments.

The press conference also witnessed the appointment of NSYE representatives from various Northern states.

Kano Police Command Rescues Victims Of Human Trafficking

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Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kano Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has received 10 rescued victims of human trafficking.

The agency’s Zonal Commander, Mr Abdullahi Babale, disclosed this on Thursday in Kano while receiving the victims from the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command.

According to him, the victims were rescued on December 7 at about 2.40 p.m. in a house situated at Rijiyar Lemu Quarters in Kano by a team of policemen,

Babale added that the rescued victims, aged between 22 and 42, comprised six females and four males, explaining that “they were on their way to Libya for labour exploitation.

“The rescued victims are from Delta, Edo, Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states.”

The zonal commander commended the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Salman Dogo-Garba, for his support and cooperation toward rescuing the victims.

He explained that the victims would be counselled and rehabilitated before reuniting them with their families and urged parents to protect their children from being exploited and lured into slavery in the name of seeking for greener pasture.

Babale also urged the public to report suspicious cases of human trafficking in their respective communities.

Workers Protest Wage Disparity: Gov Aiyedatiwa Says: “Allow Them To Protest”

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2024

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Ondo State Internal Revenue Service Workers Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Workers of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) on Thursday, shut offices, protesting over disparity in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The protesting staff of ODIRS, who are majorly junior staff are kicking against the contrast between the lavish compensation of senior executives and the meagre wages of junior staff in the establishment.

The workers, who took control of the office premises as early as 8am, blocked the major road and other offfices, complaining about their non inclusion in the payment of the minimum wage.

Armed with placards of various inscriptions, they vowed not to return to their various offices until the matter is resolved.

According to the workers, the management had been briefed about the disparity but that nothing was done over the matter which prompted open confrontation.

They alleged the management of the ODIRS of insensitive to the plight of its workers and accusing them of embezzlement.

The workers called on the state government to urgently look into their demands in order not to down tools, saying they deserve a better remuneration.

While responding, Special Adviser to Ondo Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, said the protest is a minor issue, which will be resolved soon and assured the protesting workers that the state government will urgently address their demands.

“This protest is a minor issue because all core civil servants, including local government employees, parliamentary staff, and political appointees, have received their salaries.

The affected workers of the ODIRS are from the private sector, not public servants, but the governor directed yesterday that they should not be paid the old salary but the new minimum wage.

“We asked for their demands, but they provided none. We are unsure of the protest’s motivation. Normally, they should have submitted a formal letter of demand to the government.

“The governor who is currently in Abuja called some few minutes ago, instructing us not to force them out but to allow them to protest.

“The minimum wage approval will be signed within the next 30 minutes. There is no salary problem in Ondo State. If they have unresolved issues with their management, they need to present their demands formally”

He frowned at the no prior notice over the protest saying “the governor was very concerned upon hearing about it yesterday, which is why he instructed us to be here early today.

“I arrived at 7am with representatives from all organized labor unions in the state. We came to listen and address them. When the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) arrived, we reviewed the salary details, and the governor’s directive was signed immediately.

“We are here to communicate with them, pass necessary information, and resolve any outstanding management issues. This is the first time such a protest has happened, and we are ready to engage with them in good faith”

Ekiti Airport Gets Approval For Non-Scheduled Flight Operation

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Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

After over two years, almost, of its completion, Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) Ado-Ekiti has received the approval of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operation effective December 15th, 2024.

The agro allied international airport was part of projects hurriedly commissioned by former Governor Kayode Fayemi at the expiration of his second term term tenure in 2022.

Condemnations had trailer the hurried commissioning as no aircraft has landed at the airport since then, except the military aircraft which landed on the day of commissioning.

The NCAA, in a letter dated December 11, 2024 and addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, said the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport is for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

The letter, which was signed by NCAA Acting Director General Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, was in response to the state government’s application for flight operational permit for the airport.

According to NCAA, the approval for a six months non-schedule operation at the airport is to enable the NCAA validate the implementation of the pending findings and to allow Ekiti State Government time to rectify a few outstanding Corrective Action items indicated in the agency’s last inspection report.

As part of compliance steps towards the commencement of the non-scheduled flight operations at the airport, operations are to be in agreement with relevant agencies for provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security and Meteorological services.

The State government had earlier signed MoUs and Service Level Agreements with these federal aviation agencies.

A statement in Ado Ekiti by the special adviser, media, to the governor, Yinka Oyebode, stated that “Government of Ekiti State welcomes NCAA’s approval for the non-scheduled flight operation, which allows private jets and other chartered flights to land and take off from the airport between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset), preparatory to the final approval for commercial flight operations.

“Most new airports are usually given non-scheduled flight approval to allow them clear audit gaps in their compliance before final approval for flight operational permit.”

It added that Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the NCAA’s approval as a welcome development and a justification for the state’s investment in the airport project, which was designed to boost Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by making the state more readily accessible.

The Governor had earlier in the year assured stakeholders that the Ekiti airport would become operational before the end of the year.

President Tinubu To Present 2025 Budget On Tuesday

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Ayodele Oni

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December 13, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The much awaited 2025 budget of the Federal government will be Unveiled on Tuesday at the national assembly, Abuja when President Bola Tinubu will present the document.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

“The president has made his intention known to the National Assembly to present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly on the 17th of December, 2024,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President added that the budget presentation will be held at the House of Representatives’ chamber.

Tinubu had, last Tuesday, earlier submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs was directed to consider the MTEF/FSP documents and report within one week.

Key parameters in the MTEF/FSP include a $75 oil price benchmark per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1, and a targeted GDP growth rate of 6.4%.

These figures form the basis for consideration and approval of the proposed N47.9tn 2025 budget.

Viewpoint: New Dawn As Chioma Onyenucheya – Uko, Emerges FIDA Chairperson

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 12, 2024

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By Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack

Known for her dynamism in leadership and thoroughness, she has proven her tuff as the former Vice-Chair, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar); former Chair, NBA Abuja Human Rights Committee and former Publicity Secretary, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria, Abuja Branch.

She is a private legal practitioner with expertise in Family Law, a certified Arbitrator and Mediator, Gender and Human Rights advocate and anchor of a family law talk-show -LATE NIGHT INTERCOURSE – a social impact talk show that focuses on helping people nurture their marital and family relations with wisdom, empathy and legal awareness.

Barr. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko is a passionate gender advocate, spanning years of dedication towards advocating for women’s rights.

She is known for her intentional mainstreaming voices of younger female lawyers towards bridging the gap in human rights literacy, women’s issues and has consistently shaped the narrative of generational equality within the women’s legal community through her network -The Zest Tribe.

It was Elenor Roosevelt who said “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

This quote defines the journey ahead of the new chairperson , FIDA Abuja branch, Barr. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko and also a defining characteristics of her strides as not just a leader in the legal profession but a woman with a vision, one whose heart is a carriage for others and a conveyor of visions into actions.

Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, a broadcast journalist and gender advocate, host “Gender Agenda” on AIT X@Talk2Adaora