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Tag: SAN

  • 1999 Constitution won’t guarantee emergence of credible leaders – Afe Babalola

    1999 Constitution won’t guarantee emergence of credible leaders – Afe Babalola

    Chief Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) says the 1999 Constitution will not guarantee the emergence of credible leaders at the February general elections.

    “Unless a new Constitution similar to those of 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, with necessary amendments, is put in place, none of the aspirants, and indeed no angel can save Nigeria from total collapse,’’ he said.

    The proprietor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, made the declaration on Wednesday at the Ekiti capital at a news conference.

    He was reacting to the adoption of Mr. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    “On April 18, 2022, I urged the Federal Government to suspend the 2023 general elections and to raise an interim government of six months that will fashion out a new Constitution for the country.

    “I still stand by my suggestion that any election conducted under the 1999 Constitution cannot, and will not produce new leaders with new ideas.

    “Any election conducted under the 1999 Constitution will merely result in recycling the same people who brought Nigeria to grinding poverty, mass unemployment, underfunded education, insecurity, and huge external debts,’’ Babalola said.

    The elder statesman noted that only a moneybag; and not the best-qualified candidates could win the February presidential election under the present constitutional arrangement.

    He explained that the LP presidential candidate’s adoption by former President Obasanjo was his right of expression, and might be a result of the contestant’s acclaimed untainted records of character and sound education.

    He stressed that the 1999 Constitution was too lopsided and faulty to produce the type of change agent and developmental leader Obasanjo had in mind.

    He added that the 1999 Constitution was not what Nigeria needed at a time like this.

    “I am an elder statesman, a SAN, the highest taxpayer in old Ondo State, the highest taxpayer in present Ekiti, owner of the best private university in Nigeria and many more.

    “If I contest for political office today, I will fail, not because I am not qualified, but because the system will make me not to win.

    “I have no sympathy for any Nigerian aspiring to rule Nigeria in any form, whether as a legislator, governor, or president.

    “The fact remains that the 1999 Constitution on a large scale is the root cause of economic, social, political, and religious problems in the country today.

    “Our experience since 1999 has taught us that we are in urgent need of a new Constitution.

    “The new Constitution should provide for stringent conditions in respect of age, academic qualifications, character, and personality, as well as family background of candidates, especially for the presidency and the National Assembly,’’ Babalola said.

    He noted also that Nigeria’s external debt had risen to N42.84 trillion as of June 30, 2022, while domestic debt servicing rose to N5.24 trillion in the same period.

    He said that any Nigerian aspiring to lead the country ought to be worried about the country’s debt profile and advocated for urgent measures to defray the huge foreign debts.

    “In addition, government should emulate Obasanjo’s example by approaching the country’s creditors, either for total debt forgiveness or for substantial reduction of the debts,’’ the legal luminary stressed.

  • Lawyers applying for SAN to pay N1m

    Lawyers applying for SAN to pay N1m

    Lawyers applying for the 2023 award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) would pay N1 million as a fee.

    This was disclosed in a notice by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).

    According to the notice by its Secretary/Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello, the application began on January 1 and closes on March 31, 2023.

    The notice stated that the invitation was in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, and Regulation 10 (1) (4) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of SAN 2022.

    It reads: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (‘the LPPC’ or ‘the Committee’) hereby makes a formal call for applications preparatory to the award of the rank for the Year 2023.

    “Commencing with this year’s exercise, applications shall only be made online and prospective applicants are directed to visit www.lppconline.com to make their applications.”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that prospective applicants are notified that each person “must pay a non-refundable processing fee of N1 million only to any of the following accounts held in the name of the ‘Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (SAN)’: Account Number: 1014103141, at Zenith Bank PLC and Account No. 0213662834 at GTBank PLC.

    “Upon conclusion of payment, an applicant should upload a copy of the evidence of payment on the application portal. The applicant will receive an email notification from the LPPC Secretariat confirming the applicant’s payment and clearing the applicant to proceed with the application process online,” the notice stated.

    The LPPC warned that any submission made after the deadlines “shall be treated as a non-submission”.

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is a title that may be conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria of not less than ten years of standing and who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession.

  • Kogi probe: Agbakoba to seek exact scope of EFCC powers from Supreme Court

    Kogi probe: Agbakoba to seek exact scope of EFCC powers from Supreme Court

    Chief Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says he will seek an interpretation of the exact scope of powers of the EFCC, especially in relation to states of the Federation from the Supreme Court.

    Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), made this known in a statement he titled, “The Scope of Powers of EFCC Will Be Tested By The Courts” issued in Lokoja on Tuesday.

    The SAN described the continues beaming of search light on Kogi as nothing less than “deliberate breakage” of the rule of law guiding it’s operations as an anti-graft agency.

    “I am indeed heading to the apex count to seek for a declaration on the exact scope of powers of the commission, especially in relation to states of the Federation.

    “EFCC must not, in its fight against corruption, undermine the rule of law.

    “The very recent decision of the supreme court in a case of Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN v The Federal Republic of Nigeria in suit number FRN SC/CR/161/2020, the Apex Court drastically limited the scope of powers of the EFCC, as it recognised that the EFCC being very powerful could not be allowed to run amok.

    “I am so concerned that the EFCC often exceeds its powers in the investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders of our criminal laws.

    “The EFCC had issued a response stating that I was wrong to take the views that it sometimes acts outside the scope of its powers vested by the EFCC Act.

    “I am not in any way against the EFCC on the fight against corruption just as the Commission has admitted that I have always supported the fight against corruption.

    “My concern is that the EFCC, in its undoubted statutory powers to stamp out corruption in Nigeria, it must strictly conform to the prescriptions of the law.

    “But since the EFCC has in its fight against corruption undermines the rule of law, so, to the courts I go for a redress.” Agbakoba threatened.

    According to him, how a state spends its money should not be the business of the anti-graft agency.

    Nigerian standard reports that the EFCC in its response through its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said that Agbakoba was wrong in his accusations against the commission.

    Uwujaren argued that the anti-graft agency has not done anything outside its constitutional mandate at checkmating money laundering in Kogi and other states across the country and was not afraid of his (Agbakoba’s) threat.

    The fight, however, began last Thursday, when EFCC arrested and arraigned the nephew of Gov Yahaya Bello before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering offences.

  • Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ariwoola swears in 62 new SANs

    Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ariwoola swears in 62 new SANs

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday sworn in 62 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in Abuja.

    Some of the lawyers conferred with the SAN rank were, Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, Mr Ikani Kanu-Agabi and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyers Mr Sylvanus Tahir and Mr Rotimi Oyedepo.

    The CJN urged the new SANs to take on their new status with all sense of responsibility as it required high standards of merit.

    “I will like to say that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria comes with immense prestige, dignity and greater responsibilities as well.

    “Traditionally, those conferred with the rank automatically become members of the Inner Bar and revered apostles of the temple of justice.  It is an honour no conferee can afford to toy with.

    “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee took time to screen and assess all the relevant documents submitted by the applicants before arriving at its decision.  I can confidently affirm that the committee has done an excellent job.

    “The number of applicants for 2022 Senior Advocate of Nigeria award is 174. Out of this number, 111 are advocates and 63 are academics.

    “The total number of qualified applicants after the preliminary screening is 129; comprising of 73 legal practitioners and 56 academics respectively.

    “After conducting the specified screening and filtration exercises, the LPPC came up with 62 successful candidates who, by all standards, can be regarded as eminently deserving of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” he said.

    Ariwoola congratulated the new silks, saying that their success did not come on a platter.

    He urged them to display enormous integrity, discipline and impressive standard of advocacy as ministers in the temple of justice.

    Also speaking at the ceremony, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, urged them to live up to their new status as it was one of the most sought-after titles within the legal profession.

    “I wish to reiterate that the conferment of the revered rank of SAN is not only a recognition of your outstanding achievements within your various fields.

    “It is indeed, a call to service of our nation.

    “As senior members of the Bar we must look beyond personal advancements and strive to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” Malami said.

    Mustapha Ibrahim, a young legal practitioner conferred with the rank disclosed that being conferred with the rank of SAN was the dream of every lawyer and a call to higher responsibility.

    He also said the elevation was a call to do more to improve the legal profession.

    Ibrahim urged those who did not get selected this time around not to give up but to keep applying, saying that their determination would eventually pay off.

    Of the 62 new silks, 53 are advocates while nine are academics.

  • Dangote’s suit incompetent,amounts to window shopping, Kogi govt tells Court

    Dangote’s suit incompetent,amounts to window shopping, Kogi govt tells Court

     

    The Kogi Government on Tues said the suits filed by Dangote group before a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja are incompetent and amount to ordinary window shopping.

    The state government made this known before Justice Binta Nyako in two separate preliminary objections filed by its counsel, Mr Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN, challenging the companies’ originating summons.

    In the applications marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1876/2022 and FHC/ABJ/CS/1877/2022 dated Nov 8 and filed Nov. 18, the state government sought the order of the court, striking out the suits “for want of jurisdiction and/or compliance.”

    Justice Nyako had, on Oct 26, made an interim order restraining the Kogi government from shutting down Dangote Cement PLC at Obajana in the state pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suits.
    The court also stopped the state government from disrupting or suspending the activities of Dangote Coal Mines Ltd and Dangote Industries Ltd in Okaba, Ankpa Local Government Area and in Olamaboro Local Government Area respectively.
    The judge had given the interim order following two separate ex-parte motions moved by counsel for the companies, Regina Okotie-Eboh, but filed by Rickey Tarfa, SAN.

    The Kogi government and Dangote group recently locked horns over the ownership of Obajana cement factory.
    The state government had, on Oct. 13, given the cement factory at Obajana 48 hours to shut down in honour of the Kogi House of Assembly which ordered the company to sealed until the conglomerate furnishes it with the requisite documents demanded by the state legislature.

    But the companies, in the first motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1876/22, had sued the Kogi House of Assembly, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and Mining Cadastre Office as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    In the second motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1877/22, all the defendants in the first application, except Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), were listed as defendants.
    The plaintiffs in these suits are Dangote Coal Mines Ltd., Dangote Cement PLC and Dangote Industries Ltd.
    But in the preliminary objections, the Kogi government challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suits which it described as “incompetent.”
    In a 14 ground-argument brought before the court by counsel to the state government, Mr Muhammed, the state said that the plaintiffs had instituted similar suit at a Lokoja division of the FHC.

    Muhammed said that the plaintiffs, in a suit number: FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2022, had sued the Kogi House of Assembly seeking the determination of the exact question in the current suit.

    The senior lawyer told Justice Nyako that they, however, quickly withdrew the suit when the Lokoja court refused to grant their ex-parte application for interim injunction.
    “The plaintiffs have now filed the suit before this honourable court with the intention of obtaining a favourable outcome in the suit.

    “The filling of the instant suit before this honourable court is forum shopping, that ought to be discouraged and condemned,” Muhammed argued
    He said premised on the above, the plaintiffs’ suits are incompetent and cannot be entertained by the curt.
    The lawyer said the plaintiffs, by the amended originating summons, challenged the power of the state assembly to investigate the loss of revenue internally generated in the state.

    He said they also challenged its authority to issue a resolution to suspend, disrupt or in any manner stop or shut down the mining operations of the plaintiffs or any of their subsidiary companies.
    He said that the shares which the state legislature is investigating belonged to the people of Kogi.
    Muhammed, who said that the state assembly and the office of the attorney general were not Federal Government’s agencies, stated that the power of the state’s lawmakers “is not within the province of Section 251(p) (gq) and (r) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

    When the matter came up on Monday, counsel to the companies, Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, said the matter was adjourned for mention.

    He said he was in receipt of counter affidavits and preliminary objections of the 1st and 2nd defendants and that he planned to respond to the applications before the next adjourned date.
    Jalaawo therefore sought to amend the name of the 3rd defendant (Minister, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development) and the judge granted the prayer after the defence lawyers did not oppose the request.
    The court also granted the state government lawyer, Michael Adoyi, to deem all their processes to have been properly filed.

    But Jolaawo, in apprehension that the state might shut down the companies before the next adjourned date, urged the court to compel Adoyi to undertake that the status quo would be maintianed until the case is determined by the court.
    Responding, Adoyi said contrary to Jolaawo’s submission, the companies, including the Obajana cement, had been operating seamlessly.

    The lawyer, who described Kogi as a law-abiding state, said the state government is bound by the rule of law.

    “They cannot do anything, the matter is sub judice,” the judge said.

    Nyako, who said though the case was nit a pre-election matter, assured that it would be given accelerated hearing.

    She directed parties to regularise their processes before the next date, including the 3rd defendant’s lawyer, Abdulhamid Ibrahim, who pleaded for more time to file his application
    The judge, who adjourned the matter until Jan. 23 for hearing, said all applications, including the state’s preliminary objection, would be taken.

  • LPPC confers SAN on 62 lawyers

    LPPC confers SAN on 62 lawyers

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, has conferred Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 62 lawyers and be sworn in on November 21.

    This was disclosed in an announcement by LPPC on Thursday evening.

    The LPPC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, released the full list of the new SAN-designates in a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Bello, after its 154th plenary session.

    Among the new SAN-designates are three lawyers engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, although two of them- Sylvanus Tahir and Rotimi Oyedepo- are employees of the anti-graft agency.

    But the other lawyer, Wahab Shittu, is engaged by the EFCC for specific cases.

    Among the 62 successful candidates, 53 of them belong to the advocacy category while the other nine are of the academic category.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the inauguration of new SANs usually takes place at the Supreme Court during the ceremony marking the commencement of the court’s new legal year.

    The SAN rank is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics.

    Those to be sworn in as SANs are Mohammed Abubakar, Johnson Omophe, Lawrence Oko-Jaja, Christopher Oshomegie, Sanusi Sai’d, Wahab Shittu, Emmanuel Idemudia, Diri Mohammed, Oladipo Tolani, Ayodeji Omotoso, Chijioke Erondu, Ajoku Obinna, Yakubu Maikasuwa and Henry Omu.

    Others are Dagogo Iboroma, Joseph Akubo, Gozoe Obi, Inam Wilson, Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, Abioye Asanike, Sylvanus Tahiru, Bolarinwa Aidi, Tonye Krukrubo, Aderemi Bashua, Kolapo Kolade, Samuel Kargbo, Ifeanyichukwu Obiakor, Olasoji Olowolafe, Mutalubi Adebayo, Victor Ogude, Sulayman Ibrahim, Mumini Hanafi, Tanko Ashang, Damian Okoro, Andrew Malgwi and Etukwu Onah.

    Other beneficiaries are Adeboro Adamson, Bankole Akomolafe, Kelechi Obi, Andrew Odum, Okoro Edwin, Godson Ugochukwu, Steven Ononye, Ikani Agabi, Mustapha Ibrahim, Muizudeen Abdullahi, Magaji Ibrahim, Sanusi Musa, Oladoyin Awoyale, Rotimi Oyedepo, Chukwudubem Anyigbo, Lukman Fagbemi and Micheal Numa.

    The academics are Prof Kathleen Okafor, Prof Muhammed Abdulrazaq, Prof Amokaye Gabriel, Prof Ismail Olatunbosun, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, former Dean, Faculty of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Joy Ezeilo; Associate Prof Theodore Maiyaki, Prof Olaide Gbadamosi and Associate Prof Chimezie Okorie.

    “The meeting further approved a new guideline for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all matters pertaining to the rank to guide future exercises,” the statement added.

  • Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan SAN, bags African Bar award [Photos]

    Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan SAN, bags African Bar award [Photos]

    A Benin Chief and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN), has been decorated with the award of the African Bar Medal of Merit by the African Bar Association (AFBA).

    Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, a former Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice received the award on the 8th of August at the 2022 Annual Conference of the African Bar Association held in Lilongwe, Malawi.

    See photos:

     

  • Lawyer exits legal practice over professional breach of duty

    Lawyer exits legal practice over professional breach of duty

    A partner in the law firm of Wole Olanipekun & Co., Ms. Adekunbi Ogunde, who was accused of taking actions violating the rules of engagement and practice by the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) has taken a leave of absence from practicing law.

    Recall that Ogunde solicited a brief from SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd who had initially engaged another law firm of Henry Ajumogobia, SAN. The action was considered a breach of the legal profession and this led to NBA calling for disciplinary action against her by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

    According to the lawyer, her firm had already taken disciplinary action against her.

    In a statement entitled,  ‘My email correspondence of June 20, 2022, and subsequent events,’ Ogunde said contrary to some people’s beliefs, the firm had taken disciplinary action against her.

    She also expressed regret that her statement of June 27, where she owned up and clarified that the firm’s founding partner, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and others didn’t know about her action failed to douse tensions.

    The lawyer added that though it might appear that remedial action had not been taken by herself or the firm “by way of discipline, education, reform and rehabilitation concerning me. I wish to state that the firm took such steps but did not believe its actions should be for the media’s attention.

    She said that after extensive consultation with her family and the firm and thoroughly examining the issue, she is quitting law practice for a while.

    Ogunde said, “I will take a leave of absence from legal practice and get involved in the community and social work pro bono, with a few selected NGOs. I will also, during this time, undergo necessary courses to equip myself better in dealing with professional and life issues.”

    Ogunde added that she “will return to legal practice after some time, in consultation with my parents, senior colleagues, and well-wishers.”

  • LPPC shortlists 129 lawyers for SAN rank

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 129 lawyers for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) this year.

     

    According to a notice seen by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), the list comprises 73 practicing lawyers or advocates and 56 academics or lawyers in academia.

     

    The notice was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court/Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Sarki Bello.

     

    It said the applicants were graded on the basis of an LPPC integrity system, under paragraph 12 (2) and 20 of the LPPC guidelines 2018.

    LPPC

     

    The LPPC asked the public to vet the qualifications of the candidates and send their comments and complaints not later than 4pm on July 18.

     

    The shortlisted candidates in the advocates category are:

    1. Muizuideen Yunus Abduallahi,

    2. Mohammed Abduallahi Abubakar,

    3. Adeboro Lateef Adamson,

    4. Mutalljbi Ojo Adebayo,

    5. Babatunde Adeoye,

    6. Ikani Kanu Agabi Esq,

    7. Boalarinwa Elijah Aidi,

    8. Bankole Joel Akomoalfe,

    9. Joseph Ademu Akubo,

    10. Rotimi Adefemi Aladesanmi,

    11. Chukwudubem Bonaventure Anyigbo,

    12. Abioye Araoye Oloyede Asanike,

    13. Tanko Tanko Ashang,

    14. Caroline Mbafnashar,

    15. Oladoyin Oluseyi Awoyale,

    16. Rafij Oyeyemi Balogun,

    17. Aderemi Moshood Bashua,

    18. Yahaya Danasare Dangana,

    19. Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune Esq,

    20. Emmanuel Ibhagbemen Esene Esq,

    21. Chijoke Ogbonna Erondu Esq,

    22. Lukman Oyesanji Faobemi Esq,

    23. Lawrence Bankole Falade Esq,

    47. Emmanuel Idemudia Oboh Esq,

    48. Johnson Odionij Esq,

    49. Andrew Osemudua Odum Esq,

    50. Victor Odafe Ogude Esq,

    51. Lawrence Sunday Oko-Jaja Esq,

    52. Damian Ohakwe Okoro Esq,

    53. Okechukwu Edwin Okoro Esq,

    54. Ngozi Chido Olehi Esq,

    55. Cole Beguin Ololade Esq,

    56. Olasoji Olaiya Olowolafe Esq,

    57. Ayodeji Oyewole Omotoso Esq,

    58. Henry Eshijonam Omu Esq,

    59. Etukwu Onah Esq,

    60. David Dare Onetan Esq,

    		   24. Adewunmi Richard Fatunde Esq,

    25. Mumni Isholahanafati Esq,

    26. Dagogo Israel Isoroma Esq,

    27. Magaji Mato Ibrahim Esq,

    28. Mustapha Shaba Ibrahim,

    29. Sulayman Olawale Ibrahim Esq,

    30. Habeeb Orisavbia Lavbare Esq,

    31. Samuel Peter Kargbo Esq,

    32. Kolapo Olugbenga Kolade Esq,

    33. Tonye Tombere Jenewari Krijkhobo Esq,

    34. Yakubu Maikasuma Esq,

    35. Andrew Yajm Malom Esq,

    36. Diri Saki Mohammed Esq,

    37. Charles Oyalole Musa Esq,

    38. Sanusi Musa Esq,

    39. Michael Jonathan Numa Esq,

    40. Orji Nwafor-Orizu Esq,

    41. Chidi Benjamin Nworka Esq,

    42. Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta Esq,

    43. Gozie Bertrand Obi Esq,

    44. Kelechi Chinedum Obi Esq,

    45. Ifyeanyichukwu Sylvester Obiokor Esq,

    46. Ajoku Kingsley Obinna Esq,

    61. Steven Onyechi Ononye Esq,

    62. Christopher Agbomeirhe Sunday Oshomegie Esq

    , 63. Rotimi Ibeoluwa Oyedeopo Esq,

    64. Sanusi Olugbenga Said Esq,

    65. Wahab Kunle Shittu Esq,

    66. Sule Shuabu Esq,

    67. Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari Esq,

    68. Sylvanus Tahiru Esq,

    69. Oladipo Akanmu Tolani Esq,

    70. Johnson Tarigho Omophe Ugboduma Esq,

    71. Oddson Chukwudi Ugochukwu Esq,

    72. Daniel Osinachi Uruakpa Esq,

    73. Inamakpadiagha Wilson Esq.

     

     

    The Academic Applicants are:

    1. Dr. Fitihu Abubakar Abba,

    2. Ass. Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar,

    3. Prof. Muhhamed Taofeeq Abdulrazaq,

     4. Dr. Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe,

    5. Prof. Funmniyi Abiodun Adeleye,

    6. Dr. Ayodele Anthony Adewole,

    7. Mr. Abraham Femi Afolayan,

    8. Dr. James Attagaba,

     9. Prof. John Alewo Agbonika,

    10. Prof. Augustine Robert Agom,

    11. Prof. Aliyu Ahmad,

     12. Prof. Violet Omon Aigbokhavebo,

    13. Dr. Taiwo Francis Ajala,

     14. Prof. John Oluwole Akinbiyi Akintayo,

     15. Prof. Omoniyi Bukola Akinola,

    16. Dr. Gbade Olumu Akinrinmade,

    17. Dr. Halima Ikuji Alfa,

    18. Prof. Dawud Kamal Alhaji,

     19. Dr. Jerry Amadi,

    20. Dr. Fatima Waziri Azi,

    21. Mrs. Abimbola Onikepo Braithwaite,

    22. Prof. Lawrence Obinna Collins Chukwu,

    23. Prof. Damfebo Keriseive Derri,

    46. Ass. Prof. Chimezie Kingsley Okorie,

    47. Prof. Ismail Adeniyi Olatunbosun,

    48. Prof. Ikpomwonsa Osahon Omoruyi,

    49. Prof. Babatunde Adetunji Oni,

    50. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe,

     

     

    		   24. Prof. Omerionwan Kingsley Edu,

    25. Dr. David Ihhojohwegba Efewerhan,

    26. Prof. Ambrose Ozoemezilem Ekpu,

    27. Dr. Dennis Uche Ekumankanma,

    28. Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo,

    29. Prof. Amokaye Oludayo Gabriel,

    30. Prof. Olade Abass Gbadamosi,

    31. Prof. Akinolaamao Ibidapo-Obe,

    32. Prof. Adbulqadir Abikan Ibrahim,

    33. Prof. Mansir Sa`Id Ibrahim,

    34. Prof. Akaa Tyozua Imbwaseh,

    35. Prof. Nathaniel Ahabue Inegbedion,

    36. Prof. Emmanuel Ayangarumun Kenen,

     37. Ass. Prof. Abuah Arinze Lawrence,

     38. Ass. Prof. Theodore Balamaiyaig,

    39. Dr. Junadi Bello Marshall,

     40. Prof. Isah Mohammed,

     41. Prof. Osy Ezechwunyere Nwebo,

    42. Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri,

     43. Dr. Jrinwayo Jude Odinkonobo,

     44. Ass. Prof. Chuwudiebere Chudi Nelson Ojukwu,

    45. Prof. Kathleen Ebelechukwu Okafor,

    51. Prof. Akkarren Samuel Shaakaa, 52. Dr. 51. Nasiru Tijani,

    52. Dr. Nasiru Tijani,

    53. Prof. Josephat Chima Ubanyionwu,

    54. Prof. Melshach Nnama Umenweke,

    55. Dr. Fassy Adetokunboh Olore Yusuf,

    56. Prof. Abdullahi Shemu Zuru.

     

     

     

  • Epiphany Azinge SAN, others honoured by Pope Francis

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Epiphany Azinge, and 14 Nigerians from Delta State have been awarded the prestigious Papal Knights and Dames of St Gregory and St Sylvester, by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

    Epiphany
    Epiphany Azinge, SAN

     

    The Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Nigeria, Rev Fr Charles Uganwa, disclosed this in a statement in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

     

    He said, “Some were also honoured with Papal Medals. These men and women have distinguished themselves in faith and morals and have contributed immensely to the growth of the Church and society.

     

    “The awardees are: Patrick Ikemefuna, Okechukwu Ofili, Epiphany Azinge, SAN, Benedict Chukwuma, John U T Okolo, and Joseph Emuezie. Others are: Henrienta Odume, Rosaline Bozimo, Henrienta Ajuebon, Caroline Sotunde Patience Elumeze, Carol Enuha, Justina Nwaobi, NES, Elizabeth Okwuadi and Suzanna Nwabude.

     

    “The Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, Most Rev Michael Elue will on behalf of the Holy Father perform their investiture ceremony within a Eucharistic celebration which will take place at St Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku on Saturday, June 18.

     

    “They have also selflessly helped in bringing positive development to Nigeria in all ramifications. The honour given to them is, therefore, a clarion call on them to further gird their loins in the defence of Christ in all ramifications at all times as his soldier.”

     

    Rev Fr Uganwa said the ceremony which is expected to kick off at 10 am is expected to attract many from all walks of life.

     

    He said these honourees, and many others, have been instrumental to the local Church’s physical and spiritual development, thereby helping in no small measures in grassroots evangelisation in the diocese.

     

    He added that as soldiers of Christ and the Church, Knights are expected to be fired with a fervent zeal of the Holy Spirit for the social apostolate, holding in high esteem professional competence, family and civic sense, virtues related to social behaviour, such as honesty, sense of justice, sincerity, courtesy and moral courage without which there can be no religious or social apostolate.