Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

Ban Activities Of Eze-Igbo Group In Abuja, Ohanaeze Urges Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been called upon to ban the activities of Eze-Igbos in Abuja

The President of Ohaneze, FCT Chapter, Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Nweze, said anyone who wants to become Eze-Igbo should return to the South-East.

He said the FCT is not Igboland and therefore, cannot have Eze-Igbo.

Barrister Nweze said: “Following the sack of Uche Isaac Egenti, Ibe Nwosu, and others by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Nd‘Iigbo FCT Abuja Chapter for causing crises in the FCT, and subsequent communication of the same to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, we wish to say that Uche Isaac Egenti and his cohorts employed one FCK Obike (one of the erstwhile members of the Executive Committee ostracized with them) to author a phantom impeachment against our president.

“The Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo FCT Abuja Chapter’s General Assembly through the Executive Committee reiterates that Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is not Igboland; therefore, there are no Eze-Igbos in the Federal Capital Territory. People seeking to be Eze/Kings should go back to their home states in the South East and follow the guiding laws in respect of Chieftaincy – Nd‘lgbo cannot build kingdoms within the traditional leaderships of their host communities thereby creating confusion, unwarranted rivalry, and crises in the FCT.

“Henry Ugbaja, Hilary Ukpabi, FCK Obike, and Promise thezie, who are unknown to their respective Presidents General of Abia State and Imo State communities in FCT Abuja, and were ostracized with Uche Isaac Egenti; they cannot speak for Ohanaeze.”

He called, on the unsuspecting members of the public to beware of their activities and added that Ohanaeze Nd‘Igbo FCT Abuja Chapter is a responsible organization that will not under this regime seek for funds from the general public.

He said those parading themselves as Eze- Igbo gathered Igbo people, especially the unemployed or under-employed for which they approach authorities for patronage; from which they receive monies and other benefits for either their personal use or for use to further enslave the unsuspecting vulnerable people.

“They have leutenants whom they also address as Ezes; some of whom are not employed at all and/or are not even known at all by members of their extended families not to talk of their communities in the South East – they have employed this purporting traditional Leadership of Nd’Igbo for fraud and deceit to the detriment of the FCT society at large.

“Sir, those who want to have kingdoms should go home to the South East and become Ezes/Kings if they can; and should stop causing confusion in the city. The Federal Capital Territory is not Igbo villages; and kingdoms do not exist within other kingdoms,” he said.

09/24/2023
Celebrities, Fans Hold Candlelight Procession In Honour Of Mohbad

In a touching display of solidarity and remembrance, several Nigerian celebrities and fans came together for a candlelight procession in honour of the late singer, Mohbad, in Lekki, Lagos.

The event, attended by renowned musicians like Davido, Zlatan, and Falz, along with Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, aimed to pay tribute to the departed artiste.

During the procession, the crowd chanted “Justice for Mohbad,” emphasizing their desire for clarity surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s passing.

Falz and popular on-air personality, Oladotun Kayode, played pivotal roles in coordinating the gathering. Many attendees held placards bearing various messages calling for justice in Mohbad’s case.

The candlelight procession began at the Lekki Phase 1 Gate, proceeding solemnly through the streets until it reached its destination at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island.

The event provided an opportunity for fans, friends, and fellow artists to come together, remember Mohbad’s contributions to the music industry, and seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

Mohbad’s passing, which occurred on September 12 and led to his burial the following day, remains under investigation by the police. The candlelight procession served as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on the music community and the lingering questions surrounding his demise.

09/22/2023
FG Expresses Readiness To Increase Supreme Court Justices

Following the increasing workload as a result of the depleting number of Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has said the Federal Government is prepared and ready to strengthen the Apex Court to attain the required number of Justices as required by the Constitution.

Speaking at the special court session of Justice Amina Adamu Augie’s retirement, Fagbemi said, the Federal Government acknowledges the sacrifices and the working conditions of the current Justices of the Supreme Court and other Judges in Nigeria.

The AGF said, “President Bola Tinubu’s led government shall guarantee excellent conditions of service and renumerations good enough to appreciate the onerous duties of judicial officers at all level.

According to the AGF, “While we appreciate the urgency in reviewing the remuneration of judicial officers which had not been done for over a decade as an integral component of our judicial reforms, we are also appreciative of the greater goal of achieving a true independence for the judiciary which can only be achieved through a comprehensive and sustainable reform process which requires attention and details”.

He said the federal government has commenced a painstaking effort at revisiting and reviewing all necessary instruments towards strengthening the judiciary, rule of law and improving the living conditions of all judicial officers.

While noting that Nigeria’s judiciary has lived up to expectations, Fagbemi said the federal government will support critical reforms that would enhance greater access to Justice, facilitate speedy trials and build confidence in the country’s judicial and legal systems.

The AGF described Justice Amina Augie as an embodiment of a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who made several far-reaching legal and judicial pronouncements, which have continued to generate reviews from legal commentators.

Earlier in his speech, the CJN said, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, “has, largely, made herself a pliable legal personality that has diligently sunk a pool of enduring legal knowledge and experience in all her judicial pronouncements. She has been a formidable ally, an admirable pillar of support and indeed, a jolly good fellow to all of us.

“His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety. Her judgments are not only incisive but equally analytical and rich in content and context. Her robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are fascinating and captivating, too. Her impeccable attention to details in every matter that came before her is alluring and salutary as well.”

The CJN said Justice Amina Augie has variously exhibited rare qualities and tenacity of strength and character to the admiration of her colleagues and admirers, especially when it comes to the administration of justice.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech said, there is no Supreme Court in the world that is over-worked like the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Even at that, the NBA boss said Justices of the court still carry out their judicial duties deligently, he commended the sacrifices of the Supreme Court Justices.

While urging the Justices of the Supreme Court to continue in dispensing justice without fear or favour, Maikyau said the NBA is championing the fight for the upward review of the salaries, allowances and improved working conditions of judicial workers in the country.

09/21/2023
Prioritise Constitution Amendment, Retired Justice Amina Augie Tasks NASS

Retired Justice Amina Adamu Augie of the Supreme Court, on Thursday has called on the 10th National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, amend the Constitution to enhance the functioning of Nigerian Courts.

Justice Augie said that the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led Senate should undertake the necessary constitutional amendments to free the courts and Justices from constraints to enable them fulfil their mandate of upholding the rule of law.

Amina, who had her final bow on Thursday, made the appeal in her speech at a valedictory court session held at the Supreme Court in her honour, having

retired officially from the apex court bench on September 3, 2023, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

“This marks the final instance where my voice will be heard in any Court, and I wish to use this opportunity to directly address the 10th National Assembly, through the Distinguished Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who was once my student at the Law School.

“I had the privilege of teaching him evidence, and I trust that he learned it well.

“Hence, it should be evident to him that swift action is needed from the 10th National Assembly to accomplish what others could not amending the Constitution to enhance the functioning of our Courts in Nigeria.

“It is said that a teacher’s reward is in Heaven, I cannot wait to reach Heaven to receive my reward for teaching him because it is my sincere wish that the Justices coming behind me do not go through what those before them went through.

“Thus, I implore the National Assembly to undertake the necessary constitutional amendments.

“By doing so, this Court and its Justices can be freed from the constraints that impede their ability to fulfill their mandate of upholding the rule of law, justice, and democracy.

“Would I be envious when the existing situation is rectified? Absolutely not. Some individuals are pioneers with the strength, zeal, and passion to blaze new trails and guide those who may lack the inclination or strength to do so”. Justice Augie stated.

Justice Amina Augie was sworn in as Justice of Supreme Court on 7th November, 2016.

She graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

09/21/2023
Nigeria Among World’s Most Litigious Countries, Says CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterated Nigeria’s position as one of the most litigious countries globally on Wednesday. He noted that the judiciary was facing challenging times due to a continuous surge in pending cases across various courts.

To combat this trend, the CJN urged Nigerians to embrace alternative dispute resolution methods, reducing the burden on courts and preserving valuable resources.

Justice Ariwoola made these remarks at the Supreme Court while swearing in nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal. He attributed the rise in litigation to an increase in novel crimes within the country.

Political cases, in particular, have placed significant strain on the judicial system, resulting in growing caseloads for courts across the nation. Justice Ariwoola stressed the need for a shift toward alternative dispute resolution, emphasizing that it was essential to unburden the judiciary and conserve resources.

He encouraged the newly appointed Appeal Court Justices to remain committed to upholding the law and avoiding corruption and temptation. The CJN reminded them that their oaths of office signified a solemn commitment to ethical conduct in their roles as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.

Justice Ariwoola concluded by urging the justices to uphold their integrity and reputation, as they would inevitably encounter high-profile cases and tempting offers that could compromise their moral standing. He emphasized the importance of conducting their affairs within the bounds of the law and the oaths they had taken.

The CJN highlighted the heightened public scrutiny they would face and the need to maintain their commitment to justice and ethics. He reminded them that it was easier to follow the crowd but far more meaningful to stand alone with a clear conscience.

09/20/2023
Kogi Community Petitions IGP Over Alleged Mining License Fraud by Village Head

The Orinono Community Centre in Kogi State has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, accusing him of fraudulent mining license acquisition without the consent of the host community.

In a petition dated September 20, 2023, titled “Petition Against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, The Ejeh Of Olamaboro Local Government, Kogi State, Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, And Luke Usman,” the community demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to the petition, Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, who is not a member of Orinono Community, allegedly forged signatures of some community members to fraudulently obtain a small-scale mining lease without their consent. The lease was granted in his personal name on May 22, 2023.

The Orinono Community’s lawyer, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., stated that attempts to amicably resolve the dispute had failed. The community claims that Simeon has been resorting to threats, including threats of violence and kidnapping, to maintain his authority as the Ejeh of Olamaboro.

The petition highlighted that Olamaboro Local Government Area (LGA) comprises several communities, each with its respective Chiefs (Gagos) and Chiefdoms, pre-dating the creation of the local government and the state itself. Orinono Centre is an ancient community with its own Chief (Gago) and Chiefdom, where coal, a valuable solid mineral, is discovered.

Trouble began when the community discovered on August 4, 2023, that their village stream, the sole source of water, was contaminated due to illegal mining activities by Simeon and his security personnel. The Ministry of Mines was informed, which prompted an investigation and a directive to Simeon to suspend further mining activities, a directive he allegedly ignored. Instead, he continued mining and hired more security personnel, causing security breaches in Orinono Centre.

The community further claimed that the clandestine activities of Simeon and his security personnel have led to crimes within the community, leaving residents in fear of kidnapping, violence, and assault.

The petition also accused specific individuals, including Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, and Luke Usman, of vandalizing properties and destroying farmlands in the community.

The Orinono Community Centre called on the IGP to investigate the alleged criminal activities, ensure justice is served, and safeguard the security and well-being of its members.

09/20/2023
Kano Guber: Tribunal Sacks Gov Yusuf, Declares APC’s Gawuna Winner

*Judges Deliver Judgement Via Zoom

The Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18 election.

Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While Nasir Gawuna, his APC counterpart congratulated him, the party proceeded to court.

On Wednesday, the three-man panel ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return which INEC presented to Governor Yusuf and directed that a certificate of return be issued to Gawuna.

The court deducted 165,663 votes from Gov Yusuf total as invalid votes, stating that the ballot papers (165,663) were not stamped or signed and therefore declared invalid.

Meanwhile, the Tribunal Judges were not physically in court.

Journalists, lawyers, party members and many others were denied access into the court.

Reports had it that the Secretariat had said there would be no live broadcast of the judgment and that the few journalists admitted into the court would not make use of smartphones or cameras.

Top security officials had earlier said that they did not know the whereabouts of the judges and that it was possible that the proceeding would be virtual.

When the proceedings commenced before 10, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, Chairman of the three-member panel, spoke via Zoom.

It was unclear why the judges were not in court, but there have been allegations and counter allegations against the panel.

It was reported that the former Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, had asked the judges to choose between their lives and their work while delivering the judgement.

“People voted for us and some people are attempting to do injustice. We want to tell the judges that we will not accept this. Any judge that is willing to deprive us of our rights will regret it. Whatever will happen, we won’t care…,” he had said during a protest organised by members of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state.

His comment had triggered backlash, leading to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sacking him.

09/20/2023
Gov Sanwo-Olu Sends Delegation To Late Mohbad’s Family

*Pledges To Support His Child’s Upkeep

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent a delegation to visit the family of late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba AKA Mohbad, whilst promising to support his child’s upbringing.

The Governor said this on his X account on Tuesday, where he added that the delegation was led by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and other government officials.

“Today I sent a delegation led by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat @drobafemihamzat, alongside my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende @bolajiogunlende, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso @gbenga_omo, and Special Adviser on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe on a condolence visit to the mother of Ileri Oluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka MOHBAD,” he wrote.

“@drobafemihamzat reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation for Mohbad. I also want to reiterate that we are indeed on top of the situation.

“He also assured the family of our support towards the upbringing and welfare of his son, Liam Imole Aloba. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please, let’s allow the police and DSS do their jobs, and update us as the investigation is ongoing. Let us come together as a community to support one another during this difficult period.”

Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu had mourned the singer and invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the probe into the star’s death.

“I would like to assure everyone that I am not oblivious to the sad passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad). We have been closely working behind the scenes with relevant authorities, and keenly following the ongoing investigations,” he wrote on his X handle Tuesday.

“However, in order to boost the investigations, I have invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.

“I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.”

09/19/2023
Atiku Approaches Supreme Court, Seeks Nullification Of Tribunal Verdict

Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated his legal battle by approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court.

The move comes after the petition court, on September 6, upheld the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku’s Notice of Appeal, consisting of 35 grounds, asserts that the tribunal’s judgment, delivered by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, was marred by serious errors and a miscarriage of justice.

These errors and mis-judgments, according to Atiku’s lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, warrant the Supreme Court’s intervention to rectify the situation.

The Notice of Appeal seeks to have the Supreme Court set aside the entire findings and conclusions of the tribunal, as Atiku believes they do not accurately represent the substance of his petition.

One of the key arguments put forth by the former Vice President is that the Tribunal erred in law by failing to nullify the presidential election conducted on February 25, 2023.

This non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, is alleged to be rooted in INEC’s conduct of the election, which, according to evidence presented to the tribunal, was characterized by grave and gross misrepresentation.

This misrepresentation is deemed contrary to the principles outlined in the Electoral Act 2022 and runs counter to the “doctrine of legitimate expectation.”

Atiku’s appeal to the Supreme Court signals his determination to exhaust all legal avenues available to challenge the tribunal’s judgment and contest the declaration of Tinubu as President by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

09/19/2023
CJN To Swear In 9 New Appeal Court Justices Sept 20

*As Justice Amina Augie Retires

On September 20, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will administer the oath of office to nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal.

This inauguration ceremony will take place at the Main Court auditorium of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as announced on Sunday in a statement by Dr. Festus Akande, the Director of Press and Information for the Supreme Court.

The new Appellate Court Justices include Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun from Kaduna State, Binta Fatima Zubairu from Kaduna State, and Peter Chudi Obiora from Anambra State, among others. Each of these distinguished individuals has a substantial legal background, having served as High Court Judges for several years.

Additionally, it was revealed that Justice Amina Adamu Augie is set to retire from the Supreme Court’s Bench on September 21, 2023.

This follows her attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70 on September 3, 2023. The valedictory court session in her honour, which was originally scheduled for September 3, has been postponed due to the Court’s annual vacation.

Justice Augie, who became a Supreme Court Justice on November 7, 2016, graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

With Justice Augie’s retirement, the Supreme Court will be left with 11 Justices, significantly below the Constitutionally stipulated 22 Justices. This development follows the passing of Justice Centus Chima Nweze of the Supreme Court in July this year.

The current lineup of Justices on the Apex Court bench includes Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, Musa Dattijo, Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun, John Inyang Okoro, Uwani Abba Aji, Garba Lawal, Helen Morenikeji Ogunwumiju, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Tijjani Abubakar, and Emmanuela Akomaye Agim.

09/17/2023