Category: News

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to ensure that petitions are dealt with speedily to foster integrity within the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, a 1974 Queens College Alumnus and a Life Bencher pledged to do her best and uphold the integrity of the judiciary, the rule of law and defend the Constitution of Nigeria.

She made the vow during her appearance before the Senate on Wednesday for screening and confirmation as the substantial CJN.

“I am known for integrity and discipline, I will ensure zero tolerance for corruption,” Kekere-Ekun assured.

“There is a need to insulate the judiciary and push for better welfare for judicial officers to ensure they perform at their optimal. Appointment of Judicial officers will also be stringently done.”

The Acting CJN also called for improvement in the laws to enhance the nation’s independence while underscoring the restriction in the number of cases presented to the Supreme Court.

She particularly suggested that all pre-election cases should terminate at the Court of Appeal.

Oyo State Government has reviewed the promotion of 1,629 State workers including Nurses who were adversely affected by administrative error during the 2017-2020 promotion exercise.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, after the Executive Council Meeting yesterday, government also approved the prayers of the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, for the reinstatement of 47 civil servants who were wrongfully dismissed from the service during the last administration.

Also, 124 workers who were dismissed in 2012 have equally been pardoned.

The Commissioner said that 823 workers who were dismissed by the previous administration on the ground of fake certificates submission have their dismissal upheld while 180 who were employed at the twilight of the exit of the last administration in 2019 have their termination approved by the Council.

In another development, the Commissioner for Information said that finally ₦25million (Twenty-five million naira) has been approved by the Council as compensation for the Composers of the State Anthem “Asiwaju Ni Wa.”

In approving the compensation, the President of Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the initiative and foresightedness of the wife of the former Governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi.

Additionally, the Composers will be given a parcel of land each, have streets named after them, while the Ministry of Information and Orientation will produce a documentary on the history behind the State anthem.

According to the Commissioner, Asiwaju Ni Wa became the official anthem of the State about a decade ago without any form of compensation for the Composers which made the Council to set up a Committee last year.

Prince Oyelade also said that the Council approved the presentation by the Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, for road markings, kerbs painting and patching on designated roads in Ibadan metropolis through Direct-Labour Intervention adding that the kerbs will be painted in Oyo State colours.

The Executive Council Meeting also approved the following Bills for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly as presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abiodun Aikomo.

They include:

1. The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Bill, 2024;
2. The Oyo State Flood Management Agency Bill, 2024, and
3. The Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill 2024.

According to the Commissioner, these new Bills are expected to have a positive impact on the State’s Healthcare System, Infrastructure, and overall development.

Ogun State Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun has said governors from southern Nigeria are ready to work with their traditional rulers to foster peace, unity, and engender development in the region.

Governor Abiodun made the declaration on Tuesday when he received members of the Technical Committee of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

He said that as custodians of the rich cultural heritage of the region, the traditional rulers serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of tradition, lauding them for playing a vital role in shaping society through ongoing efforts in promoting peace, preserving our cultural heritage, and fostering collaboration among the Southern States of Nigeria.

He said: “As Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and as an administration, I would like to emphasize on behalf of my colleagues that we are committed to fostering an environment where this strong partnership with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council can thrive, where your voices are heard, and where your counsel is considered in the formulation and execution of government policies.

“Your influence extends far beyond ceremonial duties; you are the bridge between the people and the government, the closest to the grassroots, the voice of wisdom, and the defenders of our shared values.

“In times of peace and in moments of challenge, you remain the pillars of stability, unity, and progress for our communities. All our southern states in Ogun State, with our deep history of tradition and culture, understand the importance of integrating these values into governance.”

Abiodun described the southern states as the economic nerve center of the nation. However, he noted the numerous challenges facing the zone, arising from security concerns, infrastructure, out-of-school children, economic development, youth unemployment, and social cohesion, among others.

“These issues require a united approach where government policies are informed by the insights and experiences of those at the grassroots level—insights that you, our royal fathers, are uniquely positioned to provide.

“Your role in conflict resolution and peace-building is invaluable, and the trust and respect you command among the people make you essential partners in ensuring the security and stability of our communities.

“As we continue to face threats to peace, including insecurity and communal clashes, your collaboration with law enforcement and government remains crucial. Moreover, traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture but also stewards of our environment and future. The preservation of our lands, the protection of our natural resources, and the promotion of sustainable development are areas where we must work together,” Governor Abiodun stressed.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the bold steps taken to reposition the nation’s economy, adding that the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastline road would enhance development in the region.

Speaking earlier, the Co-Chairman, King Jaja of Opobo, Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja, said the aim of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council was to foster unity among the people of southern Nigeria as well as work for the betterment of the whole nation.

Dr. Jaja, who underscored the need for understanding among traditional rulers and governors from the southern region to further engender peace and development, called for synergy to promote the culture and traditions of the area as well as a united voice on national issues.

He said: “There is a need for understanding among the traditional rulers and governors of southern Nigeria for peace and development in the region.

“The aim of this council is in furtherance of the unity of Nigeria and for a better understanding of our traditional institutions in southern Nigeria. We are here, first because you are the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, and we cannot visit any other governor in southern Nigeria without calling on you as the chairman.

“The council has been inaugurated to work for the interest of Nigeria and for the understanding of the cultural diversity of the region. We hope that the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council will work out synergy to promote the culture and traditions and have a united voice on national issues,” King Jaja submitted.

He lauded the state government for giving the state a facelift, noting that the state has grown in leaps and bounds in the last five years.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, said the Southern natural rulers were in the state to brainstorm on issues concerning the development of the region and to find solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the area.

Other members of the Technical Committee that visited the governor are: the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Olofin of Isheri, Oba Suleiman Bamgbade; the Elegusi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegusi; Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; Oniru of Iluland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; and the Elemuren of Emuren, Oba Adesegun Alowonle.

Speaking in an interview, another Co-Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, the Obi of Obinugwa, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, said the Council is in the state to touch and discuss issues affecting the region, especially on economic cooperation, relationships, and security.

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has ordered immediate investigation of alleged bribery allegations imputed to some officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye(a.ka.a Bobrisky) in a viral video circulating across the country.

Okuneye, an ex-convict had alleged in the video powered by Martins Vincent Otse( a.k.a VeryDarkMan) that some unnamed officers of the EFCC collected the sum of N15,000,000( Fifteen Million Naira only) from him to drop money laundering charges against him.

In a swift reaction, the EFCC’s boss has constituted a Team of Investigators to critically look into the allegations. To this end, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Otse to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery.

The EFCC wishes to assure the public that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and the result of the findings made public accordingly. The Commission is committed to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration at all times.

A month after the tragic death of popular Akure-based caterer, Debbie Adene, her driver, who was allegedly involved, has been arrested by the police.

The late Adene tragically passed away at her home on Oda Road on July 25, 2024, shortly after celebrating her 54th birthday. Authorities linked her driver and 17-year-old personal assistant, Philip Emmanuel, to the incident.

The driver, who was alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime, had been evading authorities since.

The personal assistant, who had since been arrested and paraded at the headquarters of the State Police Command, admitted to being influenced by the money and gifts given during her birthday celebration, which led to their decision to commit the crime.

Emmanuel has already been remanded at Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

The African Institute for Justices of The Peace AIJP held its 2024 Fellows’ Investiture and International Peace Day Celebration yesterday 21st of September, 2024.

The programme tagged with the theme: “Building A Culture of Peace In Africa: Now Is The Time To Take Action” held at Sultan Bello Hall (Dome), University of Ibadan.

The Registrar of the AIJP, Barrister Ogunnaike Oluseyi, in his welcoming address highlighted the Institute’s main objective bothering on access to justice, peace and conflict resolution in Africa through education, reorientation, training and research.

Barrister Ogunnaike noted that the essence of the celebration of International Peace Day is to reiterate commitment to building a culture of peace in Africa and called on members and fellows of the institute to support the Institute’s humanitarian activities and free training programmes.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Enemaku Idachaba, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan while speaking highlighted the importance of peace in our society and therefore admonished all humans to promote peaceful co-existence wherever they find themselves.

He stressed that peace education is a panacea to arrogance, extremism and obduracy adding, “Yes, peace is possible; and Africans are capable of inventing their own future. Therefore, to transform the economy of war into an economy of generalised development, investments, diversification and education are needed”.

In his words, Barrister Michael Akinbowale JP (Chairman of the Oyo State Justices of the Peace) advised the participants especially the newly inducted members to be ambassador of peace in every aspect of life.

The Registrar, Barrister Ogunnanike, while speaking further on the Investiture said, Africa Peace Ambassadors, comprising 21 Doctoral Fellows, 15 Fellows, and one full member were honoured by the institute. He added that the Institute honoured four people and one member of the Oyo State Justice of the Peace with special recognition awards.

The decoration of Doctoral Fellows and African Peace Ambassadors was thereafter handled by Ambassador (Dr) Akande Babatunde and the newly inducted members were sworn in with presentation of certificates of induction. Some eminent personalities in the society were also honoured with the fellow of the Institute immediately after the swearing in of the new members.

While advising the new inductees. Dr. Akande highlighted importance of being inducted as members of the Institute and pointed out that their membership is a potential that would become their credentials which are very essential to make them influential in the society.

He therefore urged members to restrain from any form of violent resolution amid several challenges confronting the country, making life unerabale for the citizenry.

The programme ended with group photographs and vote of thanks led by Amb (Dr) Abiodun Philip Ajayi, JP.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration is committed to achieving concrete results and driving positive change across sectors, including education and long-term economic stability.

Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, the president emphasised that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.

”I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me.

I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure.

Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?

We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living. We forgot to educate our children. Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn.

We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience.

We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,” he said.

He said: “I am buying fuel for N1100 and I make N20,000 (daily) but I take only N3,000 with me to my house (after work). I am the owner of my car but I am no longer making enough to cater to my children and my wife. The All Progressives Congress (APC) government will not end well. Nigeria is becoming worse and we pray God takes away this set of current leaders.”

Ajibaye blamed the ruling APC government for the hardship faced by Nigerians, saying, “Their government is bringing more suffering. They’re not ashamed, despite many Nigerians cursing them. They should rethink.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke has clarified his position on the raging leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), declaring that he stands by the relevant provisions of the PDP Constitution.

“I stand by the Constitution of our great party which clearly spelt out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.

“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum of which I am an integral part.

“Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party.

Adeleke’s position aligned with the PDP Governors’ Forum alleged plot to remove the acting National Chairman of the Party, Umar Damagun.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for the establishment of a military Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state to help curb criminal activities in that area.

Governor Abiodun made the call on Wednesday when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farooq Mijinyawa, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun noted that the high volume of commercial activities in the eastern part of the state, also comes with criminal activities, hence the need to beef up security in the region.

The governor said a military presence is needed in the area to keep at bay criminals who migrate from neighbouring states to Ogun to cause havoc.

He said: “I think one of the things you can do to help us sustain the peace that we have been enjoying in Ogun State is to think of putting some base, maybe some form of Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state.

“Right now, we are at the center where we have the state capital. We have a presence in Ogun West, but I think because of the level of commercial activities that are beginning to evolve in the eastern flank of the state, particularly with our airport there, you are going to see an exponential increase in business activities.

“Because every now and then, there are issues that want to test our resolve to maintain peace and order, and as you know, as a law enforcement expert, it is the speed with which you respond to these issues that determines how quickly you neutralize them.

“The Brigade Commander has often had to respond with dispatch through OP-MESA to places like Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode when we have issues. In fact, at times, we had to put men to stay there, and Sagamu-Ogijo is where these bad boys are constantly traveling between Ikorodu, Ogijo, Sagamu, and at times have issues with cultists, which sometimes get very bad. We cannot have such news emanating from Ogun, which is the industrial hub of the nation.

“We cannot have news filtering out of the state that will make potential investors uncomfortable, and you know that part of dealing with criminals is to be proactive by discouraging them. When they see your presence, they want to go to places where they can easily perpetrate their crimes.

“I think we can have men of the Nigerian Army there permanently, and we as a state will provide whatever it is that you need to facilitate so that it can happen immediately. If we have something around the Remo axis that will make it easier for the Army to deploy within minutes.”

The governor emphasized that security is vital for economic activities, adding that his administration could not have implemented its vision in a chaotic environment, even as he lauded the Army for playing a critical role in the state’s security apparatus.

He said that although Ogun is one of the most peaceful states in the country, its geographical location has put pressure on the government to provide not only infrastructure but also security to the people at all times.

Abiodun described the new General Officer as a round peg in a round hole, stating that his education, training, and exposure have adequately prepared him for the top military position.

While calling for more cooperation and support for his administration to maintain peace and order, the governor promised to assist the Army and other security agencies in the state to optimally perform their constitutional duties.

Speaking earlier, General Mijinyawa appreciated the governor for his constant support to the Army, especially in the area of welfare for the wives of fallen heroes, annual Army celebrations, and needed logistics.

“I have ordered my officers and men to continue the good work they are doing in the state to ensure that the peace that we have continues to thrive. Let me assure you that we will step up our efforts to ensure improved security in the state,” General Mijinyawa concluded.