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Tag: Judiciary

  • Stop leaking court judgments, CJN warns judiciary workers

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen has warned court staff to desist from leaking rulings and judgments yet to be delivered to parties.

    Justice Onnoghen urged court support staff to always be guided by the code of conduct for court employees and abstain from unethical conduct in order to retain public confidence in the system.

    He said: “In our quest to birth the Judiciary we all desire, I must not fail to emphasise that in the daily discharge of your duties, the code of conduct for court employees must be your guide and standard.

    “It is trite to note that it promotes the tenet of transparency, integrity and hard work among staff.

    “In this light, you must shun all vices that easily beset you. Vices such as lateness to work, leaking of rulings and judgments as well as absenteeism from work without permission from superior authority must be avoided,” he said.

    Justice Onnoghen spoke in Abuja yesterday at the opening session of the national workshop for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) staff of courts, put together by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    The workshop has as its theme: “Information technology as a catalyst for effective justice administration.”

    Represented by Justice John Okoro (of the Supreme Court), the CJN noted that the nation’s judiciary could no longer afford to operate without ICT deployment.

    He said the gradual integration of ICT into court’s operations has help in improving the pace of justice dispensation in the country.

    The CJN added: “The part to effective and efficient justice delivery in Nigeria lies in our ability to continuously improve our justice sector with the use of ICT tools.

    “Thus, judicial administration around the world have imbibed the use of on-line legislation and case law, electronic filing system and the electronic service of court processes,” he said.

    Justice Onnoghen noted that, in view of the importance of ICT to court’s operations today, the nation’s judiciary has developed and deployed the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS).

    He said the system allows the filing and service of court processes electronically as well as electronic archiving of probate records.

    The CJN assured that the judiciary, under his watch, was committed to achieving lasting structural and ethical reforms that would reposition it to adequately meet the aspirations of court’s users for reliable, effective and efficient administration of justice, using ICT.

    Justice Onnoghen, who recalled his recent directive that the Supreme Court will only serve processes by electronic means (e-main) in all matters, said from July 16, “all filings must bear counsel’s e-mail address.

    “I implore all judges and lawyers to join this trend in this quest for excellence by subscribing to and acquiring the legal e-mail, as the manual form of communication within the Nigerian courts is gradually phasing out,” the CJN said.

    NJI Administrator, Justice Roseline Bozimo said the workshop was intended to facilitate capacity building and further skill acquisition for participants in the area of ICT.

    Justice Bozimo noted that the workshop, to end on Friday, will feature presentations in area like Cloud computing, Internet of things (IOT) and the court’s Innovative tools or Dangerous fad, Office 365, Exchange online essential and Cyber security; Emerging threats and Mitigation strategies.

     

  • We have to part ways with judiciary if… – Dogara

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has urged the nation’s Judiciary to adhere strictly to the principles of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.

    Speaking during plenary Thursday, Hon. Dogara lamented that some persons were using some judges to gag the National Assembly, a situation he said will spell danger for Nigeria’s democracy.

    Hon Dogara stated that Nigeria is not a Banana republic and warned that if the Judiciary continues to cross the line, the National Assembly will be left with no option than to part ways with them.

    “We would part ways with the judiciary if it continues to gag the National Assembly. There are external forces pushing the judiciary to tackle the Legislature. Some persons somewhere are intimidating the nation’s Judiciary to gag the National Assembly.

    “We know that Nigeria is not Banana Republic and operates on basic principles such as rule of law and separation of powers, which states that none of the arms of government should gag the other.

    “Just as we cannot gag the Judiciary, we also expect same from them. We make laws and the Constitution only empowers them to interpret the laws, but for us to sit here and the judiciary tells us what we should consider and not consider and when to seat, then we are no longer practicing democracy.

    “The way the judiciary is going, nothing stops them (the judges) from coming tomorrow and saying the National Assembly should not sit. I don’t think it is us that is intimidating the Judiciary like is being alleged. It is some people that are intimidating them from somewhere else, to gag the National Assembly.

    “We have respected the Judiciary a lot and we expect same from them. When the Judiciary gets to the level they are now, that spells danger for our democracy. If they insist they must continue this way, we have to part ways.”

     

  • Appointments in judiciary should be based on merit not lobbying – Justice Mukhtar

    First female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mukhtar has warned that the legitimacy and independence of the nation’s judiciary was being threatened by the growing culture of lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism.

    Justice Mukhtar called for immediate end to the harmful practice where competence becomes a secondary consideration for appointment and elevation in the judiciary.

    The retired CJN spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the launch of the biography of Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, who retired on February 27, this year, as Justice of the Supreme Court. The book is titled: “Honey from the rock”.

    In her words: “I will, at this junction, revisit the issue of lobbying and in addition favouritism and godfatherism in the appointment of judicial officers.

    “It is sad that we allow the rising culture of lobbying to influence appointment in the judiciary.

    “If we are to revive what held sway in the past, that is, maintaining a strong and competent judiciary, then merit should be the watchword. Lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism should be discouraged and discarded, as they lead to the fall in the standard, and instead of enhancing the institution; they devalue and weaken it because of incompetence of the personnel.

    “These practices negate the principles of justice and breeds indiscipline.

    “I once read in one of our daily newspapers that lobbying is the norm in the USA (United States of America) and since we are practising the American system of democracy, it’s adoption here is in order.

    “I disagree because even if they do so, they consider merit first as the efficiency and the intellectual ability of an appointee is always paramount, as far as the judiciary is concerned.

    “We should not think of only what we desire today, but what we will bequeath to the generation yet unborn.”

    The Ex-CJN, former military leader General Yakubu Gowon, ex-Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma and other speakers at the event eulogised Justice Ogunbiyi.

    They were unanimous in describing her as an incorruptible judge, a virtuous and humble woman and an advocate of the rights of women and girl-child.

    Referring to Justice Ogunbiyi, the ex-CJN, who served as the event’s co-Chair, noted: “A virtue that precedes our celebrant is humility, which I always admire in people, particularly women. There is no gainsaying that Clara is an epitome of humility.

    “She gives respect to whom it is due, and even to those who do not deserve it despite the height she has reached in her career. She understands that it does not diminish what she stands for. Today I celebrate my dear sister, who has done not only Borno State and the North East Zone of Nigeria proud, but the whole country called Nigeria,” Justice Mukhtar said.

    Gowon, who co-Chaired the event with Justice Mukhtar, said he was delighted to be part of the event to honour a woman who devoted herself to the service of her fatherland. He noted that she was not only a distinguished jurist, but a devout Christian.

    Danjuma, who was represented by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a courageous jurist, who is committed to the truth and justice. He noted that the country needs more of her in this trying time.

    Justice Ogunbiyi, who prayed God to equally honour all those who turned up for the event, said: “You have all made me to feel to be somebody. For a girl from the village, from nowhere; to be so honoured by you all, I am really, really grateful.”

    She hailed her parents for her attainment in life and urged parents to support their female children and accord them equal opportunity as the male.

     

  • CJN unveils 13 reforms to curb corruption, delayed proceedings, others in Judiciary

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen on Tuesday unveils thirteen (13) reforms aimed at purging the Judiciary to serve the people better.

    Unfolding 13 reforms designed to sanitise the judiciary and rid it of corruption, the CJN said he must henceforth approve all overseas’ trips by judges.

    The CJN, who spoke at the “Dialogue of organs of government on campaign against corruption and reform of the justice sector at the Presidential Villa in, Abuja, said all travels outside Nigeria by judges will now be with his permission after an application would have been made.

    The forum was organised by the Prof Itse Sagay-led Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

    Onnoghen also directed the court at any level to award punitive cost for frivolous litigation or delays caused by counsel.

    In the reforms, judges are now all to go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.

    He listed the reforms in an address read by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.

    Onnoghen said: “In the recent past, the judiciary has been accused of corruption along with the allegation that when complaints of corrupt practices and unprofessional conducts are brought before the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Council shields or delays investigating the allegations so levelled against judicial officers.

    “Without considering the merit or otherwise of the criticisms, it goes without saying that the judiciary, like every other human institution, needs a rejigging every now and then to improve the functionality of the institution towards a speedy delivery of justice.

    “I have recently authorised the issuance of a set of reforms which ultimate objective is the speedy and transparent delivery of justice.

    “The delay in our justice delivery system is of great concern to me. This unacceptable situation inevitably dictates the need for a thorough and comprehensive reform of our justice sector to ensure access to justice at affordable costs and within a reasonable time

    “Such a reform agenda must of necessity require the cooperation of the three arms of government, namely; the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, as well as other relevant stakeholders

    “The reforms I have introduced cover a wide range of issues; from establishing new modalities for appointment of judicial officers, to tightening judicial discipline regulations, and fashioning out a speedy way to clear backlog of cases, among others.

    “Clearly, any unnecessary delay of justice is equally an act of corruption. Therefore, to enhance speedy dispensation of justice, we are ensuring that the Rules of Court Procedure must contain a provision for the award of punitive cost by the court for frivolous litigation or delays caused by counsel.

    “In the same vein, I am reviving and strengthening the Inspectorate Division to go round the country and ensure that, in line with Public Service Rules, all judicial officers go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.

    “And, in line with the NJC’s Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, I have directed that travels outside Nigeria should be with the permission of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, after an application would have been made.

    “For enhanced performance, all Judges of Lower Courts in the country have been directed to submit Returns of Cases quarterly to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) for assessment as it is done by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in respect of serving Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of Record.

    “The area of appointment, all judges of lower courts and other public officers such as chief registrars and secretaries, among others, are henceforth required to write examinations and be interviewed, in addition to submission of copies of their judgments to the NJC when they are to be considered for judicial appointment.

    “For members of the Bar who seek judicial appointments, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will, in addition to the requirements in the NJC Guidelines on Appointment of Judicial Officers, assist the NJC with a separate assessment report on all NBA candidates being considered for judicial appointment.

    “In the area of discipline, members appointed to serve in any fact-finding committee will henceforth be expected to complete their investigation and report their reports within 21 days.

    “And, considering the increasing number of petitions written against judicial officers, we will constitute more committees to investigate the allegations therein.

    “We have a lot more in our agenda to strengthen and reposition the judiciary, but suffice it to say that fighting corruption is not the responsibility of any particular arm of government but that of every citizen of Nigeria.

    “Corruption or any other form of injustice, for that matter, thrives in a culture of impunity. To carry out a successful campaign against corruption, we have to fight the culture of impunity which is an attitudinal phenomenon. If we allow the rule of law to reign, then there will be a dramatic reduction in corruption and injustice.

    “Corruption starts with a decision by an individual or a group of individuals to do the wrong thing. It is as simple as that. Corruption is never an accidental act. The person who commits a corrupt act has an option to do the right thing.

    “As a democracy, Nigeria is guided by the Rule of Law where the Constitution is the ground norm. It is pertinent to mention that there is no ambiguity concerning the role of the judiciary in our Constitution. It is an arbiter between parties. The core issue in the mind of an arbiter is for justice to be done and seen to be done.

    “Corruption in the judicial arm of government happens if an arbiter, in this case a magistrate, a judge, a justice or a panel, having heard from all parties and having determined where justice lies, decides to do the wrong thing by giving judgment to favour a particular individual or party over another.

    “On the part of the judiciary, the NJC under my watch has constituted the Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) under the chairmanship of Hon. Mr. Justice Suleiman Galadima, CFR, JSC (rtd), to serve as a check on the excesses of some bad eggs in the Judiciary. I am confident that in due course of time; our efforts to rid the Judiciary of questionable persons shall yield results.

    “To match words with action, we did not just set up COTRIMCO but we have devoted a 20 per cent of our already lean budget in the Judiciary to the committee to ensure their mandate is effectively executed.

    “I have also issued a directive to all heads of courts to designate some courts in their jurisdictions as Special Courts to handle corruption cases. This is a step in the right direction as lingering corruption cases will be expeditiously dispensed with.”

    He reminded Nigerians that their collective efforts would be required to tackle the monster called corruption.

    Onnoghen said: “Every individual must resolve to do the right thing, at the right time and without compulsion if we are determined to fight the scourge of corruption to a successful finish.

    “Whatever solutions the experts will proffer at the end of this dialogue, let me add this, establishing a reward system in all strata of our society to encourage the good in us, will go a long way to encourage the values of honesty, hard work and integrity.

    “More importantly, we must, as a nation, humble ourselves in prayer, turn from our evil ways and find our way back to God.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Chukwuka Utazi, said: “There is too much lip service to the fight against corruption. We need to do more to strengthen our anti-corruption agencies to discharge their duties to all whether you are in the ruling or opposition party.”

    On his part, Justice A.D. Yahaya of the Court of Appeal said: “If PACAC was not there, Nigeria would have been at the worst end in corruption.

    “We keep talking about corruption. It is so endemic and it is alarming. The problem is the indiscipline with us. I am sorry for this country; I do not see any light at the end of the tunnel unless we face the campaign against corruption, the way it should be faced.”

    The Reforms

    • Establishing new modalities for appointment of judicial officers
    • Tightening judicial discipline regulations
    • Fashioning out a speedy way to clear backlog of cases
    • Speedy and transparent delivery of justice.
    • Rules of Court Procedure now to contain provision for the award of punitive cost by the Court for frivolous litigation or delays
    • Reviving and strengthening the Inspectorate Division to ensure judicial officers go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.
    • President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to assist the NJC with a separate assessment report on all NBA candidates being considered for judicial appointment.
    • All Judges of Lower Courts and other public officers such as Chief Registrars and Secretaries, among others, are henceforth required to write examinations before being appointed
    • To constitute more committees to investigate allegations against judges
    • All Heads of Courts to designate some courts in their jurisdictions as Special Courts to handle corruption cases
    • 20% of Judiciary Budget to be devoted to Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO)
    • All travels outside Nigeria by judges will now be with the permission of the CJN after an application would have been made.
    • All Judges of Lower Courts in the country have been directed to submit Returns of Cases quarterly to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC)

     

  • Judiciary contributing to delay in fight against corruption – Osinbajo

    Judiciary contributing to delay in fight against corruption – Osinbajo

    …Says ‘we won’t relent in fight against anti-corruption despite challenges’

    The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government will remain resolute in its fight against corruption in spite of the daunting challenges.

    Osinbajo said this in Lagos at the 5th Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture on Business Integrity entitled: ‘Prevention is better than Cure even on the Issue of Corruption’.

    The lecture was organised by the Integrity Organisation Limited, an anti-corruption, research and advocacy organisation concerned with issues of public accountability and transparency.

    “We must ensure that corruption is prosecuted. In the last two years, we have had many cases of persons accused of corruption taken to the courts.

    “We have a hardworking and courageous team as most of our law enforcement agencies and the EFCC have worked commendably despite daunting challenges.

    “Of course they are not perfect and there are several complaints, but what is obvious is that they have focused on the work of investigation and prosecution and in fact, very few convictions and there are several reasons for that.

    “The most notorious of which are the delays in our administration of justice system mainly caused, sometimes by lawyers whose defence strategy is delayed.

    “Often judges have indulged these tactics by not taking firm control of their courts. A witness in a case being cross examined for over a month.

    “An important lesson for any society that is fighting systemic corruption, is that corruption will fight back viciously, using every means possible, and sometimes, using the very constitutions that are created to fight it.

    “We have experienced and continued to experience that but the antidote is single minded commitment.

    “And I must say that we are permitted to ensure that we will continue to fight against corruption despite whatever obstacles involved,” Osinbajo stated.

     

  • Conflicting judgments by judges necessary in judiciary – CJN

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has said conflicting decisions by different judges on same issue as presented before them (the judges) are necessary and that the Appeal Court is set up to revisit such judgments in case the defendants are not satisfied.

    The CJN made the remark on Monday in Abuja when he declared open the 2017 National Energy Workshop for Judges.

    He also said that judges must not allow technicalities to stand in the way of justice in order to sustain public confidence in the judiciary.

    Onnoghen explained that the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) would engender timely disposition of cases and encouraged the judges to adopt it.

    The CJN noted that the theme of the workshop: “Law and the Changing Face of Petroleum and Power Sectors in Nigeria”, was relevant in the light of the developments in the international energy market.

    He said that the workshop would enlighten the judges on global best practices in confronting the challenges that might arise in the power and petroleum sectors.

    “Some of the notable challenges faced are in the areas of taxes, rebates, royalties, demand for corporate social responsibility and environmental disputes which require the courts to adjudicate.”

    “Conflicting decisions, unfortunately, are necessary because when you approach a court in Lagos, your facts are stated and the facts of that case are also different in a court in Port Harcourt.

    “So, the judge takes a decision based on the facts before him and the law and that is why we have the Court of Appeal who will look at the law and decide,” the CJN said.

    He expressed confidence that the workshop would aid the justices and judges in the adjudication and resolution of lingering disputes

    In a keynote address, the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, called for measures to speed the “crawling” judicial process in the country.

    Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, described the slow judicial process in the country as “nightmare for investors.”

    We need to evolve measures that will speed up the judicial decisions. We also need these decisions not to be too complicated for investors to easily understand,” he said.

    The acting president expressed the need to align the decisions of various courts with some level of credibility to avoid complicated decisions from unnecessary “forum shopping”.

    “We need to ensure sanctity of international arbitration and judges should be trained in petroleum and energy sectors so that they will be fully equipped to handle the emerging trends in the sector.”

    According to him, petroleum and the power sectors provide 80 per cent of Nigeria’s revenue and over 80 per cent of foreign direct investment.

    He added that as critical as the sectors were, if the country was not positioned to supply the necessary power essential for driving the economy, the country would not make much progress.

    In a goodwill message, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, noted that the role of the judiciary in the post-privatisation period was to encourage the sector to grow.

    He said that the judiciary is to also hold parties to their contracts and ensure that the regulator does not exceed its mandate and that citizens fulfil their civic obligations.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the workshop was organised by the International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute.

    The workshop was organised to draw attention to emerging issues and challenges in the energy sector and to enlighten judges on on-going reforms in the power and energy sectors of the economy.

    NAN

     

  • Nasarawa CJ wants financial autonomy for judiciary

    Nasarawa CJ wants financial autonomy for judiciary

    The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman Dikko, has appealed to state governments to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary to facilitate smooth dispensation of justice in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com confirms that Justice Dikko was speaking in Lafia, during the 2017 Lafia Appeal/Call-over session to review cases already decided by lower courts.

    Inadequate finances, the Nasarawa Chief Judge noted is frustrating efforts towards building the capacity of judges and other supporting staff of the judiciary.

    “Judges that were supposed to attend national and international conferences over the years, could not do so due to lack of funds.

    “We have not been able to promote staff for quite some time, while allowances due to them are still unpaid.

    “We were forced to use our overhead vote to pay officers promoted in 2016 to avert industrial action by Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN).

    “The implication of that one year promotion is that the salary figure went up by N3.5 million monthly; with the paucity of funds, implementing another promotion will be impossible,” Dikko said.

    The Chief Judge, however, warned judges of lower courts and other staff against indulging in corrupt practices as anyone caught would be sanctioned.

    The Chief Judge had earlier inaugurated a five-man appeal panel to review the 155 criminal and civil cases already decided by lower courts. 53 of these cases are criminal, while 102 are civil.

    Nevertheless, Mr Dikko warned that review of the criminal cases may be delayed due to the ongoing labour strike since the prosecuting officers were staff of the justice ministry

  • Gov Wike hands over Federal High Court complex to Chief Judge

    Gov Wike hands over Federal High Court complex to Chief Judge

    In a bid to improve access to justice, the Rivers State Government has handed over the New Port Harcourt Federal High Court complex constructed by the Wike administration to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta.

    The hand-over of the Complex which houses six courtrooms was preceded by a formal commissioning by the Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta on Friday.

    ImageFile: Gov Wike hands over Federal High Court complex to Chief Judge
    The Federal High Court complex.

    Speaking before handing over the Federal High Court complex to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that his administration resolved to strengthen the judicial system as a way of promoting good governance and making Rivers State a regional judicial hub.

    He said “We therefore resolved not only to complete all stalled court projects but also, to initiate new ones to meet the increasing demand for judicial services by our people.

    “In a country such as ours, where the justice delivery system is pretentiously federal but manifestly unitary, our quest for having the most modern and advanced court houses and justice system cannot be completely achieved if we limit our judicial transformation agenda only to State Courts.

    “This is part of the reason behind our inclusive and non-discriminatory policy thrust of providing modern court buildings and necessary operational support to Federal Courts at enormous financial cost to Rivers taxpayers.”

    Governor Wike emphasised “Let it also be known that we have built this courthouse to serve and advance the public interest and not to satisfy any other self-promotive motives. Accordingly, we have fulfilled our duty as leaders who mean well for our country and its progress.

    “All that we ask in return is for the Federal Government to provide for the regular care and maintenance of this building so that its functionality is preserved for the use of the present and future generations.”

    The governor regretted the hunting and hounding of a small band of targeted judges to prison in Gestapo style even before allegations against them were investigated.

    He said such actions amount to political witch-hunt and practical strategy to browbeat the judiciary into submission.

    He said “This nation must find better ways of fighting judicial and other corruptions with all the seriousness they deserve within the framework of the rule of law instead of entertaining the gullible public with a phantom and tendentious actions against corruption.”

    Commissioning the Port Harcourt Federal High Court complex built and donated by the Rivers State Government, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta stated that the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt is outstanding and the best to be constructed by a state government.

    He commended Governor Wike for his commitment to the provision of the relevant infrastructure for the Federal High Court, pointing out that the court will dispense justice according to the law.

    He said that following the official hand over, the court will begin to use the facility on Monday.

    Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara expressed happiness that the Rivers State Government is providing facilities to increase access to justice.

    Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said all the Wike administration has done in the last two years is to open courts and create access to justice.

    Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Onueze Okocha said the hand over of the Federal High Court complex is an addition to the testimonials of performance for Governor Wike.

    According to the Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Rivers State Governor, Mr Dum Wite, the Complex has six courtrooms, exquisite judges chambers, 12 holding cells, changing rooms for lawyers, exhibits rooms and wider parking lot.

  • Obaseki’s victory: Oshiomhole hails judgment, says judiciary remains hope for common man

    Obaseki’s victory: Oshiomhole hails judgment, says judiciary remains hope for common man

    Immediate past governor of Edo State, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday commended the judgment delivered by the Election Petitions Tribunal on the Edo 2016 Governorship Election, affirming the election of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Speaking to newsmen in Benin, Oshiomhole said the judiciary still remained the hope for common man.

    “The judgment is sound and a testimony that the people of Edo never voted for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    ‘‘The petition was a busy body one to distract the electorate; this was just like ‘Mama Akara’ judgment going to see over non-issue.’’

    Oshiomhole further said that the judgment has shown that there were still men and women of good character in the judiciary.

    ‘‘This will serve as a deterrent to some people who can say whatever they like about the judiciary.

    ‘‘But it has shown it (judiciary) has men & women of good charter of courage and knowledge,’’ he said.

    In a relayed development, the counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Victor Ohiosunua, has appealed to PDP chieftains to support Obaseki to develop the state.

    Ohiosunua made the call in in Benin after the Election Petitions Tribunal in Benin dismissed the petition filed by PDP candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, challenging Obaseki’s election.

    “I want to appeal to the petitioners to joining hands with the governor to develop and carry the state to the next level.

    ‘‘The business of the governor is tedious and the few five months the present governor has spent in the office, shows his capability and focus to take Edo to the next level.

    ‘‘The logical order the tribunal made today is the right one for them to make.

    ‘‘We are happy that the votes and wishes of the Edo people who voted on Sept. 28, 2016 has been restored,” Ohiosunua said.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Justice Ahmed Badamasi-led three-member Tribunal had dismissed the petitioners’ claims based on no credible evidence to prove their case.

    The tribunal, therefore, upheld Obaseki’s victory in the governorship election of Sept. 28, 2016, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    On his part, Ken Muzia (SAN), counsel to Obaseki who also commended the tribunal’s judgment, said the tribunal did a proper review of the evidence.

    “The tribunal has done a fantastic job, what we should be thinking of is the development of the state,” Muzia added.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Ize-Iyamu and his party, PDP has however rejected the the ruling of the tribunal with a promise to appeal the judgement and also pursue the case to the Supreme Court.

     

     

    NAN

  • Makarfi remains PDP chairman, Judiciary cannot dictate for us – Fayose

    The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has said Senator Ahmed Makarfi remains the authentic chairman of the party regardless of Friday’s Appeal Court ruling.

    Fayose said this at the stakeholders meeting convened by the Ahmed Makarfi led faction of the party.

    He also warned the Nigeria Police Force, NPF and other sister security agencies to stop disrupting venues of the party events to avoid unrest in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that following the judgement of the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday declaring Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff as the recognized chairman of the party, the Makarfi led faction convened a stakeholders meeting scheduled to hold on Monday (today) at the International Conference Centre, ICC in Abuja but the venue was barricaded by officials of the Nigeria Police Force before party leaders could get there.

    The meeting was however reconvened to hold at the lodge of the Ekiti State governor in Abuja.

    Fayose said he warned Nigerians against voting in the All Progressives Congress, APC but was tagged as a bad person because he always speaks the truth.

    “I warned Nigerians against voting in President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC candidates in general but they didn’t listen. They called me all sorts of names but I am not bothered. I will keep saying my mind and nobody can intimidate me. Now that they have voted in the APC, look at what they have turned our beloved nation to within a space of just two years. It is really unfortunate but we still on ground to win back the presidency come 2019″.

    Fayose also said despite torrents of phone calls he had received to settle with the Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff faction, the Makarfi faction of the party will contest the Appeal Court ruling at the Supreme Court.

    Also speaking, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State advised party members not to be discouraged by what is happening in the country. He said despite intimidations, the party should be resolute in its pursuit of good governance to the people. He said that the PDP is on ground to win elections in virtually all the states of the federation as Nigerians have learnt their lessons from the 2015 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State), Nyesom Wike (Rivers State), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa State) all made it to the meeting. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, Senator Ben Obi, Chief Bode George, and other important party chieftains made it to the stakeholders meeting.