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Nominees Positioned As Future CJNs

 

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 11 justices from different states and zones for elevation to the Supreme Court.

 

This list contains representation from all six geopolitical zones with North Central with 3, South East with 3, South South and South West with 1 each, and North West and North East having 2 nominees.

 

They are as follows:

Name State Region
Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey OFR Plateau North Central
Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa Abia South East
Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme Imo South East
Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani Bauchi North East
Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein Bayelsa South South
Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya Ebonyi South East
Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah Kogi North Central
Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru Lagos South West
Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur Katsina North West
Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar Kebbi North West
Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris Niger North Central

 

In a statement on Wednesday, Soji Oye, NJC’s director of information, said after deliberations at the council’s 104th meeting held on Wednesday, 11 out of the 22 on the list have been nominated. Other judicial offices were also recommended for appointment.

 

According to Soji Oye, the Supreme Court nominees will be sworn in upon approval by President Bola Tinubu and confirmation by the Senate.

The apex court is currently left with 10 justices after the death of Centus Nweze, and the retirements of Amina Augie and Dattijo Muhammad. The constitution allows the supreme court to have a maximum of 21 justices.

Name State Zone
Hon. Mr. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON CJN Oyo South-West
Hon. Mr. Justice Kudirat M Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun CFR Lagos South-West
Hon. Mr. Justice John Inyang Okoro Akwa Ibom South South
Hon. Mr. Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji Yobe North East
Hon. Mr. Justice M. Lawal Garba Zamfara North West
Hon. Mr. Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju Ondo South West
Hon. Mr. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Katsina North West
Hon. Mr. Justice Adamu Jauro Gombe North East
Hon. Mr. Justice Tijjani Abubakar Yobe North East
Hon. Mr. Justice Emmanuel A. Agim Cross River South South

 

 

On November 16, the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) compiled a list of 22 justices of the court of appeal for elevation to the supreme court and transmitted the same to the NJC.

It appears that campaigners were able to get the attention of leadership regarding recent appointments to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), as the new list contains many younger and more junior justices instead of older, high-ranking members that would typically be in line for promotion based on succession by seniority.

By elevating more junior justices now, they are being positioned to later take over leadership positions like CJN in the future once the current senior justices retire. This is an apparent departure from the tradition of succession by seniority.

FUTURE CJNS

Name State (Zone) Expected Tenure Period
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun Lagos (South-West) August 23, 2024 to May 7, 2028 (3 years, 9 months)
Inyang Okoro Akwa Ibom (South-South) May 8, 2028 to July 11, 2029 (1 year, 2 months)
Tijani Abubakar Yobe (North-East) July 12, 2029 to April 15, 2030 (9 months)
Emma Agim Cross River (South-South) April 16, 2030 to April 26, 2030 (10 days)
(Ex-CJN, The Gambia and Swaziland)    
Moore Adumein Bayelsa (South-South) April 27, 2030 to May 6, 2034 (4 years, 9 days)
Obande Ogbuinya Ebonyi (South-East) May 7, 2034 to June 16, 2035 (1 year, 1 month)
Mohammed Baba Idris Niger (North-Central) June 17, 2035 to October 25, 2040 (5 years, 4 months)
"E

Cracks have emerged in the fold of opposition political parties as seven of them formed a coalition named Concerned Political Parties (CCPP)against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their goal is to resist the APC’s alleged plot to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.


The parties are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).


After a meeting at the SDP national secretariat, the parties addressed journalists on the formation of the coalition.

In its reaction to the development, the Labour Party said it is the Third Force in the Nigeria political circle.

The LP said the seven political parties that formed the coalition out of 16 are likeminds, adding that it was not approached.

The national chairman of the SDP, Shehu Musa Gabam, who spoke to journalists after their meeting in Abuja said the federal government’s budget of theories can’t solve Nigeria’s economic problems.

Also, the acting national secretary of the PDP, Setinji Koshoedo, who represented the party’s national chairman, Umar Damagum, said the coalition is to offer strong opposition to the APC.

“This coalition wants to offer strong opposition for the good of Nigeria. Our duty is to offer alternative solutions to government policies.

“The government has not shown strategic moves to solve Nigeria’s problems. I think this government should review its policies,” he said.

The national chairman of ADC) Ralf Nwosu said, “The idea is to strengthen our democracy, we have seen that people in government are trying to stiffen viable opposition. Therefore, we are crying out, with what is happening in states like Kano, Plateau and others is an indication that the government wants a one -party state. One political party state is not healthy for our country; let’s save our democracy,” he said.

Also, the acting national chairman of the NNPP Abba Kawu Ali said they still believe in the judiciary and the power of the Supreme Court to correct the wrongs.

“There is no way millions of people will go out and vote for the person they want only for a few people to be in a room and decide otherwise. This is not healthy. But we believe in the judiciary that the wrong of the past will be corrected. We were cheated in 2019 and in 2023, we are still faced with a similar challenge. The judiciary must be seen to be the last hope of the common man,” Ali added.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP last night, the national publicity secretary of the LP, Obiora Iffoh said they are the third largest political party and should be driving the opposition.

“The coalition of the seven political parties is just a group of likeminds. Even though we were not invited, as the third largest political party in Nigeria, we should be driving the opposition.

“But as I said, we have about 16 political parties in Nigeria and these seven that formed the coalition are just a group of likeminds,” Iffoh added.

In his assessment of the Bola Tinubu administration, Gabam said, “We have also looked at the issue of the Renewed Hope Budget. We have analysed that budget and in our own humble analysis and opinion, we believe strongly that the National Assembly (NASS) needs to step in and review the budget.

“Our population is over 200 million, and by now, it must have doubled that number. We don’t want a budget that is theory based, the budget must be operational. It is in the interest of the country for the leadership to develop an operational budget, not a budget based on projections and theories that cannot be realised.

“What we have also is a borrowing budget, the country is over indebted and then there is more borrowing. So, we feel that the budget is not balanced, it is not in tandem with our national interest, the National Assembly must look into it passionately for the overall interest of Nigerians,” Gabam said.

According to Gabam, “We have also looked into the issue of the judiciary, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, if it still stands. We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through. If you look at recent developments in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano and Plateau States, it is very clear that the judiciary must exercise extreme caution with some of its decisions.

“The judiciary should strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgments that can stand the test of time. They should not allow politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity and capacity to deliver judgements that are sound and can be recognised internationally. We believe the Nigerian judiciary is well entrenched but must be devoid of Executive and political influence, so that they know they are serving Nigeria and not any institution of government or political party.”


He also alluded to the insecurity in the country when he said, “We have looked at the security situation in the country with a lot of concern. When the president came in, he promised to do everything humanly possible to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians. We want to urge him to do more than he is doing, the security situation is not improving. For him to have a conducive environment where people can invest domestically and internationally, the nation must be secured.”

Last modified on Thursday, 07 December 2023 11:05

The Economic Community of West African States has stated that the incessant coups in some countries in West Africa drive insecurity in the sub-region.

The ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray said this while giving his welcoming address at the 51st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at Ministerial Level in Abuja, on Wednesday.

West African countries that have experienced coups in the past two years include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea.


Touray said: “On the political front, the transition roadmaps and timetables agreed with the transition authorities in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso for rapid and peaceful restoration of constitutional order have been implemented at varied paces amid worsening security situations.

“The attempted coup d’état in Niger has further distracted attention from the support to these transition processes as the transition countries seek to forge solidarity with the military authorities in the Republic of Niger, thereby, creating an impression of a divide between them and ECOWAS.”

He also lamented the economic implications of coup. He said; “In just Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, a total of 4.8 million people face food insecurity, 2.4 million people are internally displaced, and close to 9,000 schools remain closed.

Former Nigeria minister of finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been listed on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women list.

According to Forbes’ 20th annual ranking released on Tuesday, the Nigerian economist holds the 87th spot, surpassing South African businesswoman Mpumi Madisa, who stands at 88th.

However, Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan also makes her debut on the list at the 93rd position, alongside Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist Mo Abudu at the 98th.

Topping the chart is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission for Impactful Policy and Budget, while Christine Lagarde, European Central Bank President, secures the second spot, with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris following closely in third place.

Okonjo-Iweala, who worked for the World Bank, Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, and the World Trade Organisation, has been vocal about how economies can become more inclusive when women’s unique experiences are considered in economic planning.

See full list here:


Rank: Name, Age, Location, Category

1 Ursula von der Leyen 65 Belgium Politics & Policy

2 Christine Lagarde 67 Germany Politics & Policy

3 Kamala Harris 59 USA Politics & Policy

4 Giorgia Meloni 46 Italy Politics & Policy

5 Taylor Swift 33 USA Media & Entertainment

6 Karen Lynch 59 USA Business

7 Jane Fraser 56 USA Finance

8 Abigail Johnson 61 USA Finance

9 Mary Barra 61 USA Business

10 Melinda French Gates 59 USA Philanthropy

11 Julie Sweet 56 USA Business

12 Kristalina Georgieva 70 USA Politics & Policy

13 MacKenzie Scott 53 USA Philanthropy

14 Gail Boudreaux 63 USA Business

15 Emma Walmsley 54 UK Business

16 Ruth Porat 66 USA Technology

17 Safra Catz 62 USA Technology

18 Ana Patricia Botín 63 Spain Finance

19 Carol Tomé 66 USA Business

20 Sandy Ran Xu 46 China Business

21 Kathryn McLay 49 USA Business

22 Sarah London 43 USA Business

23 Amy Hood 51 USA Technology

24 Tarciana Gomes Medeiros 45 Brazil Finance

25 Laurene Powell Jobs 60 USA Philanthropy

26 Catherine MacGregor 51 France Business

27 Janet Yellen 77 USA Politics & Policy

28 Gwynne Shotwell 60 USA Technology

29 Phebe Novakovic 66 USA Business

30 Tsai Ing-wen 67 Taiwan Politics & Policy

31 Oprah Winfrey 69 USA Media & Entertainment

32 Nirmala Sitharaman 64 India Politics & Policy

33 Ho Ching 70 Singapore Finance

34 Thasunda Brown Duckett 50 USA Finance

35 Marianne Lake, Jennifer Piepszak USA Finance

36 Beyoncé Knowles 42 USA Media & Entertainment

37 Shari Redstone 69 USA Media & Entertainment

38 Kathy Warden 52 USA Business

39 Dana Walden 59 USA Media & Entertainment

40 Amanda Blanc 56 UK Business

41 Susan Li 38 USA Technology

42 Margherita Della Valle 58 USA Business

43 Adena Friedman 54 USA Finance

44 Mary Callahan Erdoes 56 USA Finance

45 Lynn Martin 47 USA Finance

46 Sheikh Hasina Wajed 76 Bangladesh Politics & Policy

47 Sri Mulyani Indrawati 61 Indonesia Politics & Policy

48 Gina Rinehart 69 Australia Business

49 Lisa Su 54 USA Technology

50 Vicki Hollub 64 USA Business

51 Nicke Widyawati 55 Indonesia Business

52 Shemara Wikramanayake 61 Australia Finance

53 Tricia Griffith 59 USA Business

54 Jessica Tan 46 China Business

55 Judy Faulkner 80 USA Technology

56 Tokiko Shimizu 58 Japan Finance

57 Donna Langley 55 USA Media & Entertainment

58 Jennifer Salke 59 USA Media & Entertainment

59 Wang Laichun 56 China Technology

60 Roshni Nadar Malhotra 42 India Technology

61 Jenny Johnson 59 USA Finance

62 Yuriko Koike 71 Japan Politics & Policy

63 Hana Al Rostamani United Arab Emirates Finance

64 Suzanne Scott 57 USA Media & Entertainment

65 Lynn Good 64 USA Business

66 Sinead Gorman 46 The United Kingdom Business

67 Bela Bajaria 52 USA Media & Entertainment

68 Belén Garijo 63 Germany Business

69 Melanie Kreis 52 Germany Business

70 Soma Mondal 60 India Business

71 Paula Santilli Mexico Business

72 Mette Frederiksen 46 Denmark Politics & Policy

73 Joey Wat 52 China Business

74 Rihanna 35 USA Media & Entertainment

75 Linda Thomas-Greenfield 71 USA Politics & Policy

76 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw 70 India Business

77 Güler Sabanci 68 Turkey Business

78 Trudy Shan Dai 47 China Business

79 Debra Crew 52 The United Kingdom Business

80 Robyn Denholm 60 Austrailia Business

81 Solina Chau 61 Hong Kong Philanthropy

82 Lee Boo-jin 53 South Korea Business

83 Robyn Grew 54 The United Kingdom Finance

84 Zuzana Caputova 50 Slovakia Politics & Policy

85 Mary Meeker 64 USA Finance

86 Makiko Ono 63 Japan Business

87 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 69 Nigeria Politics & Policy

88 Mpumi Madisa 44 South Africa Business

89 Melanie Perkins 36 Austrailia Business

90 Dominique Senequier 70 France Finance

91 Raja Easa Al Gurg United Arab Emirates Business

92 Julia Gillard 62 The United Kingdom Philanthropy

93 Samia Suluhu Hassan 63 Tanzania Politics & Policy

94 Xiomara Castro 64 Honduras Politics & Policy

95 Kirsten Green 52 USA Finance

96 Choi Soo-yeon 42 South Korea Business

97 Jenny Lee 51 Singapore Finance

98 Mo Abudu 59 Nigeria Media & Entertainment

99 Mia Mottley 58 Barbados Politics & Policy

100 Barbie 64 USA Media & Entertainment

Last modified on Thursday, 07 December 2023 10:23

An elder statesman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Frank Kokori, has been confirmed dead.

 

Naija News understands that the former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) died at exactly 1:30 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023, coincidentally on his birthday at exactly 80.

According to Tribune, Kokori’s passage was disclosed at about 2:30 am by his personal assistant, Atawada Barry Oke.

Oke disclosed that the former labour leader’s health relapsed on Monday as he was unable to interact with people around him while he was placed on life support.

Kokori’s death came barely one month after he cried out from his hospital bed on Thursday, November 9, 2023, that he had been neglected and abandoned to die in spite of his huge contribution to the democratic growth of the country.

The Octogenarian has been in sick bed at Mount Horeb Clinic, Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, over kidney-related ailment since early November.

 

Kokori had, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, made a distress call at about 12:40 am to complain that life was ebbing out of him where he was receiving treatment for his kidney-related ailment.

Kokori had lamented how NUPENG and the nation had abandoned him to fate in the hospital where air conditioner was switched off by the hospital management possibly owing to a shortage of diesel.

The Ovu-born fiery labour leader had complained over the idea of being abandoned in the hospital in Warri by those who should cater for his wellbeing.

He, thereafter, said he would not mind if he were taken abroad for a top-notch medical treatment by the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu with whom they fought the military junta of late General Sani Abacha in the early 90s over the annulment of the historical June 12 1993 presidential elections.

 

Chief Kokori’s November outcry attracted dignitaries such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to his sick bed on Friday, November 11. The latter picked up the bills including those of two other patients.

[NaijaNews]

The Islamic Forum in Kano, has called for compensation for victims of the Sunday military bomb attacks  in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State.

The Forum comprises: Tijjanniya Qadiriya, Shiites and the Izala sects.

 

Mallam Abubakar Rabo, who spoke on behalf of the Forum, also called on the Federal Government to set up an independent panel to investigate the matter.

 

“This act is condemnable and we are tasking the Federal government to rise up and unearth the truth behind it.

 
 

“The Federal government should make the safety of lives and property of the citizens a priority; without people, there can never be a government,” he said.

The villagers were hit while celebrating  Maulud.

 

The Army has since claimed responsibility for the attack, explaining that it was done in error.

[EagleOnline]

A shooting on a major shopping street in central Brussels Wednesday evening left four people wounded, the Belgian capital’s police said.

The assailants had left the scene by the time the police arrived after being called at about 7:30 pm (1830 GMT), police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere told AFP.

“At this point, there is nothing to make us think it was a terrorist act,” she said.

One of the wounded is in critical condition.

The shots were fired on the Avenue de la Toison d’Or, a busy commercial street near a covered passageway featuring upscale fashion boutiques. The passageway was evacuated, according to Belgian media.

[AFP]

• Project worth billions of naira, delayed for efficiency, says FPRO
• ‘We buy our own uniforms, officers’ welfare not police priority’
• Lawmakers consider auction of ‘squalid quarters’

Seven months after handing quit notice to 22,500 police officers living in the 25 barracks marked for demolition by the Lagos State government, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is yet to effect payment of rent to the displaced officers seven months after the promise was made.

 

The barracks had been recommended for demolition for not meeting up with the structural integrity test and for vacating the barracks between May 1 and 30 to give access for rebuilding activities, affected officers were promised a particular amount of money to rent temporary accommodation for two years, which the rehabilitation project is expected to last.

Under the 2024 proposed budget, the Ministry of Police Affairs has a budget of N938.7 billion, with N806.7 billion allocated as personnel cost, N62.4 billion for overhead and N69.6 billion to be spent on capital projects.

Specifically, ongoing assessment of police barracks nationwide is expected to cost N100,513,975, construction/provision of police stations/barracks will cost N5.77 billion while N1 billion is expected to be expended on rehabilitation/repairs of police stations/barracks.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, had on May 3, announced the demolition, redevelopment and reconstruction of 25 barracks and facilities in full compliance with the Lagos State government’s recommendations.

The affected barracks are: Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende; Highway Police Barracks, Ikeja; K9 Police Barracks, Keffi Street, Ikoyi; Falomo Police Barracks (A and B), Ikoyi; Bar Beach Police Barracks, Victoria Island; MOPOL 20 Barracks, Ikeja; Women Police Barracks, Obalende; MOPOL 2 Police Barracks, Keffi Street, Ikoyi; Mounted Troop, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi and Queen Barracks, Apapa.

Others are: FPRO Annex Office and Barracks, Ijora Olopa; Iponrin Police Barracks, Surulere; Adekunle Police Barracks, Yaba; Federal Highway Patrol Office, Yaba; Alausa Police Barracks, Ikeja; Mounted Troop, Ikeja; Okesuna Police Barracks, Obalende; Mccarthy Barracks, Obalende; Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende; Obalende Police Barracks, Obalende; Bourdillon Police Barracks, Ikoyi; New Staff Quarters, Ikeja; Elere Police Barracks, Agege; Onikan Officers Mess, Ikoyi and Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Milverton Street, Ikoyi.

Barracks

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who refuted claims at the time that officers were sent packing without enough notice and provisions for alternative accommodation, had said: “We have not forced anyone out of the barracks. They are expected to move out between May 1 and 30. However, they will not be asked to move until their money is paid for a new accommodation.”

But alas, seven months after the May deadline, NPF has not started payment of rent to the estimated 22,500 police officers living in the affected barracks.

The Guardian investigations revealed that the majority of the officers living in the barracks are unaware of the relocation plan. Also, none of the affected police officers has been debriefed by barracks officials on the quit notice.

With police authorities’ lackadaisical approach towards the project, many of the officers and their dependents living in the derelict structures are confused on the next line of action.

The Guardian learnt that apart from the project cost, estimated to run in billions of Naira, the financial implications of relocating the affected officers in a city like Lagos are humongous and may not be feasible with the current national economic realities.

When The Guardian visited Ijeh Barracks, Obalende, housing about 1,000 people, the buildings were defaced with cracked walls, leaky roofs, broken windows and doors, while the barracks lacked potable water, with poor sanitation.

Some officers queried the motive behind the plan, stressing that police authorities have not been able to complete the redevelopment of the barracks at Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ikeja, which started during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

They alleged that they are doing their best to take care of the buildings but the police hierarchy is doing less to improve the living conditions of the officers. The officers argued that it would be difficult to carry out the exercise because each of the marked barracks had no fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, coupled with relatives and friends.

Dilapidated Barrack

An officer who pleaded for anonymity said: “I am not against relocation of officers but before the relocation, they should provide a conducive place for us to stay. The buildings are long overdue for renovation.

“It has never been conducive living here, but when you don’t get what you need, you have to manage what is provided. We come back from work to live in a place that is not conducive and it affects our work and delivery. This is Ikoyi and if they are talking about relocation, they should consider that Ikoyi is not Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu or Oshodi.

Another officer said: “We have been living in this condition and the police authorities have been shying away from their responsibilities. I buy my own uniform; we take care of the buildings within the barracks. I am still studying and it’s not as if they care about my certificate, but I’m doing my best to upgrade myself.”

When asked on the number of officers to be affected by the plan, the Force spokesman said he needed an audit to determine the staff strength in the barracks.

According to him, there are people staying in the barracks, who are not police personnel and that is one of the reasons the facilities are overstretched. He said the Force was working on identifying bonafide personnel before taking any action.

Asked about the estimated amount for the cost of construction, he could not confirm the amount earmarked for the project.
He said: “Billions of Naira. I can’t be specific now, but definitely, it runs into billions based on projections. We have a relocation plan for them. It will be done in phases. Money will be given to them to rent any accommodation of their choice around their barracks (locations) for two years before any relocation is commenced. It’s not eviction, but relocation. Note, please.”

When asked why the project didn’t take off on the proposed date and why officers were yet to get their notices, Adejobi said: “It doesn’t matter the time we start. It is better for us to start late than to rush into it and subject them to unnecessary hardship. We will start. It is capital intensive, we are making arrangements and we will do this in phases.

 

“Their buildings have been marked, but marking does not mean they are going to demolish them, they only mark to show that the buildings are affected and distressed. So, when it’s time for us to commence, those who are going to be affected will not be evicted, they will be relocated. We did it in Abuja and it worked out, so, it will work in Lagos.

“I read in the news that some officers said they are not sure the police hierarchy will give them back the apartment after the redevelopment. We did it in Kano, which is as big as Lagos in terms of population and they were relocated, and given back the keys when it was completed.”

Police Officers

Appalled by the sorry situations of the barracks, lawmakers in the House of Representatives had recently demanded that the Federal Government auction the barracks across the country, because they have turned to ‘squalor quarters’ despite the billions spent on renovating them.

This is even as the House noted that between 2019 – 2022, over N5 billion was spent by the Federal Government on Police barracks renovations in Nigeria, saying despite all efforts, barracks continue to fail to meet basic needs in their current state of disrepair and lack of maintenance.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the “Urgent Public Importance on the Need to Address the Deplorable Living Conditions of Officers of Nigeria Police Force” moved by Murphy Osaro Omoruyi.

Presenting the motion, Omoruyi informed that in September 2020, the National Assembly passed the Police Reform Bill 2020, which was signed into law by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, on September 16, 2020, which has as one of its core issues to address the living conditions of the nation’s gallant police officers.

The lawmaker noted that the problem of adequate and dignified accommodation for police officers persists and has so far outlived all previous measures.

He expressed worry that police officers and their families live in squalor quarters characterised by large cracks on the wall, bat-infested houses, leaking roofs and dilapidated structures for barracks across the country.

Abandoned Barrack

He argued that the deplorable living condition of the Police officers has dampened their morale and productivity, stressing that if this issue is not urgently addressed, the welfare of officers will continue to deteriorate.

When asked if the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, is keying into the barracks project, the Force spokesman said: “He’s looking into some of the policies he met on the ground, particularly policies that affect the welfare of police personnel across board but let it be on record that welfare of police personnel is paramount to him. One of the agendas he has for the Nigeria Police Force is to reform, standardise and sanitise the police; we can’t ask somebody to stop corruption without giving him what he needs.”

Asked where the money for the project will be gotten from, he said: “It will come from the budget. We are compiling the budget for 2024 and the IGP has given directives to departments to make their proposals. I have submitted everything and mine is being considered. We will still need intervention funds but most of our projects will be budgeted for.

[Guardian]

A Federal High Court has frozen the accounts of the Kano State Government due to its failure to comply with a court order to pay N30 billion in compensation to victims of the Filling Idi Demolition exercise.

The frozen order affects 24 Kano State bank accounts, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account of the state.

The presiding judge, Justice E.A Ekwo, has also directed the Kano State Government to appear before the court on January 18 to provide an explanation regarding the freezing of N30 billion in the affected bank accounts.

 

The funds are intended to be granted to the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners.

[DailyPost]

The National Judicial Council has picked 11 Justices that will fill the vacant positions at the Supreme Court.

The constitution prescribes 21 Justices for the apex court but the court currently has 10 Justices, following the retirement of Justice Musa Dattijo in October.

Last week,  The PUNCH exclusively reported that the NJC screened 22 candidates shortlisted by the Federal  Judicial Service Commission.

However, on Wednesday, the NJC uploaded the names of the successful candidates on its website.

 

Among the shortlisted candidates is Justice Haruna Tsammani from Bauchi State, who chaired the Presidential Election Petition Court that affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential poll.

Also on the list is Justice Moore Adumein, from Bayelsa State; Justice Jummai Sankey (Plateau); Justice Chidiebere Uwa (Abia); Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (Imo);  Justice Obande Ogbuinya; Justice Stephen Adah(Kogi); Justice Habeeb Abiru (Lagos); Justice Jamilu Tukur; Justice Abubakar Umar (Kebbi) and Justice Mohammed Idris( Niger).

The NJC is expected to forward the names to the President for approval before Friday.

Meanwhile, the NJC also recommended the appointment of Justice Mohammed Ahmed Ramat to the Court of Appeal.

Also, Justice Joel Agya and Justice Umar Abubakar were recommended as the Chief Judge of Taraba and Kebbi states, respectively.

Similarly,  Kadi  Mukhtar was recommended for appointment as the Grand Kadi Sharia Court of Appeal in Kebbi State.

Justice A. O. Femi-Segun;  Justice Alfred Yakubu;   and Justice Tajudeen M. Abdulganiyu were recommended to be appointed as Presidents of the Customary Courts of Appeal of Ogun,  Taraba, and Oyo states.

Furthermore, Amaebi Orukari and Akinyemi Ayodele were recommended to be appointed as High Court judges in Bayelsa and Ogun states, respectively.

A statement by the NJC spokesperson,  Adesoji Oye, on Wednesday, said,  “All recommended candidates to the Supreme Court bench would be sworn in after the approval of their recommendation by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and the subsequent confirmation of their appointment by the Senate.

“The various Heads of Court recommended would also be sworn in upon the approval of their appointment by their various state governors and subsequent confirmation of same by their respective state Houses of Assembly.”

[Punch]

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