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Tag: Onnoghen

  • Opposition parties reject Onnoghen’s CCT trial, plan one million-man march

    …Says Buhari was never comforted appointing him CJN

    Opposition parties on the platform of the Coalition of United Political Parties are planning a one-million-man march to protest the planned trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

    The coalition’s first national spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

    Ugochinyere said the protest was meant to save the nation’s judiciary and by extension, Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Nigerian opposition will immediately commence mobilisation for a one-million-man march to save the Nigerian judiciary from President Buhari’s reign of destruction,” he said.

    He described Onnoghen’s planned arraignment as undemocratic and unconstitutional.

    He said the plan was the latest in the strategies being deployed by the present administration to rig the forthcoming elections.

    He added, “The Presidency had during the appointment of Justice Onnoghen shown its card that it was not comfortable with his appointment hence it was delayed until President Buhari was hurried out of the country due to perennial illness.

    “Justice Onnoghen has since shown that he is fair, firm, and able to do justice and will not succumb to the pressures of a Presidency that is planning to rig an election as the only hope of winning reelection following their rejection by the Nigerian people.

    “This dastardly move by the Presidency is the last desperate acts of an outgoing government to blackmail the CJN out of office and bring in a rogue judge to allow APC’s rigging.”

    He enjoined Onnoghen not to resign for the sake of the nation’s democracy.

    He said, “The trumped-up charges will fall like a pack of cards like those filed against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and all the judges whose homes were invaded on October 7, 2016.

    “These acts of desperation are an unequivocal declaration of war on the Nigerian democracy by the Buhari Presidency and the ruling APC.

    “President Buhari is now living in morbid fear of losing the election after he wasted the opportunity freely and willingly given to him by Nigerians to improve their lot.

    “This can only be a plot to manipulate post 2019 election tribunal. Nothing else can be behind this despotic move to desecrate office of the CJN.

    “This plot is as sacrilegious, if not more, as the demolishing of the homes of judges and not securing any convictions but this is the last defence line of democracy which must be protected at all cost even with the blood of Nigerians.

    “We know we are dealing with a President who is a maniac now. He is willing to bring Nigeria to a grinding halt. Nothing is sacred to President Buhari anymore. Not the lives of Nigerians, not our institutions of state, not security, not the economy, just absolutely nothing.

    “What President Buhari is doing is the height of impunity and rascality. The CJN cannot be forced out of office even with a trillion fictitious charges.”

    Ugochinyere claimed that intelligence reports showed that some ministers and leaders of the APC are behind Onnoghen’s ordeal.

  • 2019: Nigeria heading for destruction without rule of law – Onnoghen

    The Chief Justice of the Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Tuesday, said the country was doomed without the rule of law.

    Onnoghen, therefore, charged judicial officers to remain steadfast and committed in the build-up to the 2019 general election.

    He gave this charge during the unveiling of the ultra-modern Court of Appeal Complex in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Onnoghen, who performed the unveiling alongside the President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, and the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, told judges to remain firm no matter whose ox was gored.

    He urged the judges to always be mindful of the fact that the society depended on the justices and the decision they made.

    He said, “I use this opportunity to still call on judicial officers in the country to remain steadfast to their oath of office, the constitution of the country and continue to remember that without the rule of law, the society is doomed.

    “Hold firm to the wheels of justice and ensure that when cases are placed on a scale, whichever weighs more should be where the judgment should go. It does not matter whose ox is gored because the society depends on us and that decision you have to take. The society survives because you are courageous enough to tell whoever is wrong that you are wrong.”

    Also speaking, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Senator Kanu Agabi, who spoke on behalf of legal practitioners, commended the judiciary for standing firm and helping to shape the country through the decisions that had helped prevent anarchy.

    “The decisions of our courts are shaping the country and by these, the judges have demonstrated their capacity and disposition to save the country from anarchy. They are proving that that is indeed the third arm of government,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Ayade commended the judiciary for living up to its tenets of upholding the rule of law, justice and equity in the dispensation of justice.

    According to Ayade, the judiciary has now and truly assumed its independent status in Nigeria as it is no longer at the whims and caprices of politicians, but one fully and firmly in control.

     

  • NASS members notorious for bribe seeking- Jega

    A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has accused members of the National Assembly of seeking for bribes to carry out their constitutional duties.

    Speaking while delivering the year’s Democracy Day lecture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday, Mr Jega said he has “spoken to quite a number of chief executives who complained of high demand for bribes from members of the National Assembly in the name of so called oversight functions.”

    The professor of Political Science, told the gathering, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and other top government personalities that “some chairmen of committees at the National Assembly are notorious for seeking for bribes.”

    Details soon

     

  • Nigerian judicial system not corrupt; only few judges are – Onnoghen

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, has said the entirety of the Nigerian judicial system is not corrupt but some few judges within the system are.

    According to a statement signed by his media assistant, Awassan Bassey, the CJN spoke at the 2018 refresher course for judges with the theme: ‘Enhancing the Quality of Judicial Services’. The programme was held at the National Judicial Council, Abuja on Monday.

    The statement said Onnoghen condemned certain acts of corruption noted among judicial officers and highlighted efforts being taken to sanitise the sector.

    “Our nascent democracy has to be nurtured, consolidated and developed. Democracy in itself is nothing if the implication of the fundamental principles enshrined in the constitution of this nation cannot be readily determined in constitutional adjudication by a judiciary manned by upright judicial officers. This is premised on the fact that, as the society depends on justice, those who are singularly advantaged to do justice to all manners of persons must ensure that they themselves are standing upright, far away from all manners of injustice.

    “The prestige of the Judiciary is indeed essential in the system of government such as ours in which the Judiciary functions independently. The behaviour of judges is, in the circumstance, closely scrutinised to guarantee continued confidence in the integrity of the courts. The combination of power, responsibility and humanity accounts for both the most exemplary and sometimes, the most regrettable judicial conduct. To this end, judges must exercise decorum in all their undertakings.

    “My Lords, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, you will agree with me that a corrupt judge is not only a disgrace to the Bench and the noble profession, but also a disaster to the course of justice and the nation. I must not fail to emphasise here that my definition of corruption is not limited to bribe-taking, but includes the giving of judgements or orders based on any consideration other than legal merit,” the statement said.

    According to the statement, the CJN however denied any insinuation that the entire judicial sector was corrupt.

    “I must state categorically, however, lest I am accused of the fallacy of hasty generalisation, that the Judiciary in Nigeria is not corrupt or inefficient. It is an established fact that the Judiciary in Nigeria is as good as the best anywhere in the world. Only few judges are found wanting.”

    The statement further said Mr. Onnoghen expressed dissatisfaction with the remuneration of judicial workers at the state level, describing this as a major challenge.

    “My Lords, it is true that the Judiciary at the federal level enjoys full financial independence. Unfortunately, however, the same cannot be said of the state judiciaries. The funding of the Judiciary is crucial as it is the most important index for assessing its independence.

    “The issue of adequate funding at the state level is one of the greatest challenges confronting the Judiciary of this nation. It is imperative that the applicable provisions of the 1999 Constitution be duly amended to solve problems of State judiciaries. It is my hope that within the limits of our limited resources, the judiciary will continuously strive to achieve its constitutional mandate”.

     

  • Buhari, Onoghen, others mourn ex-CJN Musdapher

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State following the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

    Justice Musdapher died in London on Monday. He was 75.

    Buhari also commiserated with the Kano and Ringim Emirate Council, professional colleagues, family members and friends of the eminent jurist whose contributions to the structure, letter and spirit of the nation’s constitution and legal practice “will always be remembered and greatly appreciated by generations.”

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, praised the mediatory and conciliatory leadership roles the former CJN played, serving as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State, Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary, Justice, Court of Appeal and Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen said Justice Musdapher died in a London Hospital on Monday and directed that the national flag at the Supreme Court and his (CJN’s) official residence in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja be flown at half-mast immediately

    Justice Musdapher was the CJN from August 29, 2011 – July 16, 2012.

    The CJN’s Media aide, Awassam Bassey, in a statement, said Justice Onnoghen directed that flags in all judicial institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and all courts of records, be flown at half-mast.

    ”The National Judicial Service Council (NJSC) was directed to send memos to all heads of courts to ensure compliance by all jurisdictions across the country.

    “The Hon. Chief Justice prays for the peaceful repose of Justice Musdapher and urges God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) also mourned Justice Musdapher.

    It said: “While the death of the late Justice Musdapher is a sad and painful loss to the family; his home state, Jigawa; the country’s judicial community and indeed the entire nation, we should take solace in the fact that he lived impactful life.

    “Many who were close to the erudite jurist fondly described him as an avid reader who loved Nigeria and had a passion for the job.

    “Aside his distinguished service to the country as the 13th CJN, the Party recall his exemplary service as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State; Chief Judge of Kano State Judiciary and Justice, Court of Appeal, among other important appointments.

    “A staunch proponent for judicial reforms in the country, the late Musdapher was a frontline bastion for the entrenchment of constitutional democracy in the country. Indeed, his transition marks the exit of a great legal icon and an astute adjudicator.

    “The APC offers deep condolences and pray the Almighty Allah grant his deserving soul eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also condoled with Justice Musdapher’s family.

    In a message by his spokesman Imam Imam, the governor said the deceased made invaluable contributions to the development of the legal profession.

    Tambuwal said: “He was jurist’s jurist. He was a man of distinction and impeccable character. His life is an example in dedication and commitment to legal ethos, norms and values.

    “In work or in retirement, Justice Musdapher exemplified all that was good and commendable about the legal profession. In the service of truth, justice and fairness, he made his mark.

    ”The thoughts and prayers of the people of Sokoto State are with the Musdapher family especially at this very difficult moment of grief.

    “While we join you to mourn his painful departure, we are certain that you will find consolation in the fact that he had lived a worthy life, and stood as beacon of service, religious devotion and community leadership.

    “Nigeria will remember him as a man who gave his best towards the development of the country. His contributions have enriched legal jurisprudence. He has played his part well, and we pray to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest.”

    Justice Musdapher was born a member of the Bani Ya’muusa clan in Babura Town in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

     

  • JUST IN: Onnoghen replaces Salami with Galadima as head of graft cases monitoring committee

    …Committee to be inaugurated by CJN on Wednesday (tomorrow)

    The National Judicial Council on Tuesday approved the replacement of a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, as the head of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee.

    A statement by the Director of Information of the NJC, Mr. Soji, stated that Salami was replaced by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Suleiman Galadima.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the replacement followed last week’s resignation of Salami as the chairman of the 16-man committee.

    Justice Salami had reportedly turned in his resignation letter before a date for the committee’s inauguration could be announced.

    ‎The NJC stated that the Justice Galadima-led committee would be inaugurated on Wednesday, November 1.

    Apart from Justice Salami, who recently resigned, other members announced by the NJC earlier announced on September 27, 2017 remained on the list of members also released by the Council on Tuesday.

    The statement read, “The National Judicial Council under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has picked a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Mr. Suleiman Galadima, CFR, as the new chairman of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee.

    “He is to replace Hon. Justice Mr. Ayo Salami (retired) who excused himself from the committee as the chairman, after initially accepting to serve.

    “The committee will be inaugurated tomorrow, Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 by Hon. Justice Mr. Onnoghen, at the Council’s Conference Hall by 2 pm.”

    Justice Galadima retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 on October 10, 2016.

  • Your SAN ranks will be withdrawn if abused, Onnoghen warns Keyamo, Oke, 27 others

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen (SAN), on Monday, while swearing in 29 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) warned them to respect the profession or have the title withdrawn.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the new SANs sworn in at the Special Court of the Supreme Court in Abuja included a Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo and the Alliance for Democracy’s candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, and a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olusola Oke.

    The inauguration of the new SANs is part of the proceedings of a special court session marking the commencement of the new 2017/2018 legal year of the Supreme Court.

    The event was presided over by the CJN, who warned the new SANs not to abuse their new position or else it would be withdrawn.

    He said, “I must remind you that being a privilege, it can, and shall be withdrawn if abused.

    “The privilege you are conferred with today is not intended as a weapon of intimidation or licence for rudeness and arrogance.

    “It is an appointment that places both moral and professional duties on you, for which you have been found worthy to bear and discharge.

    “As members of the Inner Bar, you now occupy positions of trust and great responsibility.

    “Expectedly, you must imbibe every virtue of excellence, integrity, and diligence at all times. You must also remember your duties to the Courts as custodians of justice.”

    Also a brother to the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Akinlolu Osinbajo, who is a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Ogun State; a former Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Prof. Adebambo Adewepo, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, were also among the new SANs.

    They also included Chibuike Nwokeukwu, Johnnie Egwuonwu, Bert Igwilo, Sylvester Enema, Ikenna Egbuna and Wilcox Aberton.

    Others included, Michael Alliyu, Francis Egele, Nasser Dangiri, Emeka Okpoko, Sani Garun-Gabbas, Abdul Ibrahim, John Odubela, Gboyega Oyewole and Joshua Musa.

    They also included, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ekemejero Ohwovorile,Oyetola Oshobi, Sulaiman Usman, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Chiesonu Okpoko and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

    The rest are Professors Enefiok Essien, and Sadiq Shikyl.

  • Osinbajo, Onnoghen to commission key projects in Rivers on Thursday

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will visit the state on Thursday, July 27, 2017 to commission key projects executed by his administration.

    The governor also announced that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onoghen will on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, lay the foundation stone for the construction of a Judges Quarters in the state.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by Anglican Bishops of the Province of the Niger Delta on Monday, Governor Wike said Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will commission the following projects:

    Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road in Etche LGA, IgboEtche-Chokocho-Rumuokwurus i Interchange Road, Rukpokwu Market Junction to Aluu Road in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rumuokoro Market and Park in Obio/Akpor LGA and Ogbunabali Internal Roads in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.

    Governor Wike explained that the Judges Quarters is necessary as the State is working towards ensuring that the Judiciary is positioned to resist the temptation to be corrupt.

    “When judges retire, they will go with the houses. The State Government is building these houses to ensure that they are comfortable to carry out their constitutional roles “, he said.

    He thanked the Bishops of the Anglican Church Province of the Niger Delta for their support. He expressed happiness that he is meeting the Bishops and their spouses collectively for the first time.

    He said: “As far as God has given us the opportunity to serve the state, we must continue to partner with the Church. It is by God’s grace that we are here. We will do everything to support the Church”.

    Archbishop of Anglican Niger Delta Province, Most Rev Ignatius Kattey said Governor Wike has laid the foundation for the continuous development of Rivers State.

    He urged other Nigerian leaders to come to Rivers State to witness the rapid development taking place under the leadership of Governor Wike.

    He said that the fight against corruption can only be effective when it begins with those at its vanguard. The Archbishop regretted that Christians are always at the receiving end of religious conflicts in parts of the country.

    The highpoint of the visit was the dedication prayer for Governor Wike and his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo by the Bishops of the Anglican Church Province of Niger Delta.

  • Judiciary Reform: Onnoghen inaugurates 13-man committee

    Judiciary Reform: Onnoghen inaugurates 13-man committee

    In an attempt to achieve an independent and vibrant justice system in the country, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Friday inaugurated a 13-man steering committee.

    The CJN tasked the committee “to coordinate a comprehensive reform of the country’s judiciary”.

    The committee is chaired by the Secretary of the National Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Bilkisu Bashir while an Assistant Director of Administration in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mr. Royal Sunday Issah, will serve as the Secretary.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media to CJN, Awassam Bassey, said in a statement that the committee was given a month to submit its report.

    “Other members of the 13-member committee include Directors of Administration from the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Sharia Court of Appeal, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal Capital Territory High Court, National Industrial Court and the President of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria,” the statement added.

    Justice Onnoghen mandated the committee to call for memoranda from former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Presidents of the Court of Appeal, Chief Registrars, “and other stakeholders on the way forward”.

    The CJN was quoted to have said while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Friday that there was a need for a holistic review of the operations of the nation’s judiciary.

    The CJN observed that the judiciary had been stagnated for years while other arms of government continue to undergo reforms.

    The CJN was quoted as saying, “You will agree with me that over time, the Judiciary, due to its conservative nature, had stagnated in its operations while the other arms of government have continued to undergo reforms.

    “It is now more urgent than ever to undertake a holistic reform of the Judiciary”.

    By its terms of reference committee is expected, “To carry out a comprehensive analysis of the administrative structure and operations of the three arms of the Government with a view to exploring areas of comparative advantage and mutual cooperation.

    “To undertake a comprehensive review of the operations and condition of service of the Nigeria Judiciary with a view to enhancing general efficiency and effectiveness.

    “To recommend long and short-term measures that would help in the general improvement of the welfare/condition of service of both Judicial and non-Judicial Officers

    “To call for memoranda from former CJNs, PCAs, CRs, and other stakeholders on the way forward.

    “To create a professional/management structure for the administration of the Judiciary with – a “Head” well versed in Judicial Administration.

    “To create a professional Bailiffs and Sheriffs’/Judiciary Police Department.

    “To propose a pooling policy and recommend a rule to empower the Federal Judicial Service Commission to commence the operation of a pooling system of Senior Officers within the Judiciary.

    “To propose and recommend to the National Judicial Institute the review of its training syllabus to include short term courses for certification of Judiciary Personnel with a view of enhancing their career development.

    “To make any other recommendations that will help in repositioning the Judiciary for optimal performance.”

    The chairman of the committee, Mrs. Bilkisu Bashir, was said to have pledged that the committee would leave no stone unturned to ensure that its report “will make the country’s judiciary one of the best in the world”.

  • Breaking: Senate to screen Onnoghen for confirmation as CJN tomorrow, March 1

    The Senate on Tuesday fixed March 1 for the screening of Justice Walter Onnoghen for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, announced the date at the resumption of plenary for the week on Tuesday.

    Onnoghen has been in office in acting capacity since last year.
    His name was sent to the Senate by the presidency.

    Recall that TheNewsGuru.com reported that the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on forwarded the name Justice Walter Onnoghen, to the Senate for confirmation as the CJN.

    Buhari had, on November 10, 2016, inaugurated Onnoghen as acting CJN following the retirement of Justice Mahmud Mohammed at the attainment of the mandatory 70-year retirement age.