Flowerbud News

Month: February 2024

  • Immigration: FG asks seniors, juniors of new CG to resign

    Immigration: FG asks seniors, juniors of new CG to resign

    Barring any last minute change in plans, the Federal Government will, between Wednesday (today) and Thursday (tomorrow) effect a mass retirement of Senior Officers in the Nigeria Immigration Service.

    The Senior Officers asked to resign are mates and juniors of the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.

     

    The new NIS CG is to assume office on March 1, 2024 following the end of tenure of her predecessor, Caroline Wuraola Adepoju, on February 29, 2024.

    The appointments of both Adepoju and Nandap apparently violate the provisions of the Unified Conditions of Service for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration and Nigerian Prison Services, 2019.

     

    The four paramilitary services are under the Ministry of Interior.

    Chapter 3 of the document, at specifically 3.1.2, under appointments, states: “Appointment of Heads of the Services shall be on recommendation of the Board and approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, from among the servicing officers of not less than Assistant Comptroller/Controller/Commandant General. Such officers shall have not less than eighteen (18) months before retirement..Adepoju was appointed on the eve of her retirement as acting Comptroller General of Immigration on June 1, 2023.

     

    Nandap, an indigene of Ogun State married to a man from Plateau State, also has less than 18 months to retire from the service.

     

    She is due to retire on October 10, 2024, having enlisted in the service in 1989.

     

    The palpable anxiety within the Immigration Service, as learnt, arose not even because of the illegality of Nandap’s appointment as Comptroller General of the Immigration Service in apparent breach of the extant regulation, but because of the grand plan to retire officers at the top rung of the ladder who are Nandap’s juniors by virtue of her year of enlistment: 1989.

     

    The palpable anxiety within the Immigration Service, as learnt, arose not even because of the illegality of Nandap’s appointment as Comptroller General of the Immigration Service in apparent breach of the extant regulation, but because of the grand plan to retire officers at the top rung of the ladder who are Nandap’s juniors by virtue of her year of enlistment: 1989.

     

    Nandap, who was a Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration before her appointment as acting Comptroller General of Immigration effective March 1, was number six on the list of officers and men who were due for retirement in 2024.

     

    She had ahead of her two Deputy Comptrollers General of Immigration who will be expected to retire because they were her seniors.

     

    It was learnt that there was a push to get all the Deputy Comptrollers General of Immigration to retire voluntarily before Nandap assumes office on March 1, 2024.

     

    Sources close to the service said there were five Deputy Comptrollers General of Immigration who were her juniors and whose retirement will be on the same date as her retirement, that is October 10, 2024, save one from the South East, who, as learnt, enlisted in the Immigration Service in 1991, which gives the Officer about three more years in the service.

     

    But it was gathered that they had all been slated for immediate retirement for inexplicable reasons.

     

    There were insinuations of a plot to ease out officers in that position to make it easy for Nandap’s tenure that is due to terminate on October 10, 2024 to be extended by President Bola Tinubu on the recommendation of the Board of Civil Defence.

     

    under the chairmanship of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

     

    This possibility is already being opposed in the Service with a subtle advocacy being sent across to the Presidency to guard against the inherent injustice in the purported plot to effect a blanket retirement of all the Deputy Comptrollers-General of Immigration.

     

    Secretary to the Board of CDCFIB, Jafaru Ahmed, was said to have directed the affected subordinate officers to tender their letter of voluntary retirement.

    But they were said to have refused to do so on Tuesday when they were contacted by the Board Secretary.

     

    Analysts contend that while it is the norm for senior officers to be retired once their subordinates are appointed to head the services in which they serve, the rationale for retiring or planning to retire subordinates of new service chiefs remains largely inexplicable.

     

    Calls put through to the Board Secretary on Wednesday morning to enable him clarify the situation were not responded to as at press time

  • 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu benefits from ATASP water pumps

    5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu benefits from ATASP water pumps

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    No fewer than 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu State have benefited from the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1) water pumps for dry season irrigation farming.

     

    The 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu State within 52 farming clusters (or farming cooperatives) are within the Adani and Omor farming zone.

     

    Presenting the 52 water pumping machines on Wednesday in Enugu, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that the gesture was just the first step of ensuring that Enugu State become the hub of food production in the country.

     

    Ubru said that the Gov. Peter Mbah-led administration had resolved to support farmers and subsidize every effort to ensure food production and quality value-chain addition on farm produce in the state.

     

    “More gestures to ensure you succeed is coming even as we are going to distribute inputs very soon and give real-time guidance and supervision to ensure you get it right.

     

    “We want you to utilize all you have learnt in terms of good agronomy practices from ATASP for you to increase your yield this season as the state government has a target of one million metric tons of rice.

     

    “So, we are looking at you people producing at last five tons per hectare of rice. As, a state that has its own rice brand, we (state government) will off-take all you produce and process.

    “For those producing improved maize variety, our poultry farmers are already waiting to buy any maize produced in the state and the headache of the market for your produce had been taken off you,” he said.

     

    The commissioner assured the farmers that tractors would be rolled out in the state very soon to make their farming easier and they cover more hectures or land mass.

     

    “The state government through the initiative of our amiable governor will be providing you people with tractors that will improve your farming work, make it easier and make expansion highly possible.

    “We have a talk-and-do governor, who have taken the pain to already conclude arrangement of providing tactors to farmers in the state. Our tractors are on the way and will be available very soon,” he said.

    Speaking, Dr Romanus Egba, the Programme Coordinator, ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Staple Crops Implementation Zone, commended the governor for paying the state’s counterpart fund for the programme.

     

    “It is due to the state participating actively in the programme through counterpart fund payment, we are opportune to receive these water pumping machines and other beneficial gestures to come soon.

    “So, ATASP-1 is packaging this dry seasoning farming with about 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu State, who are into rice and maize production. It will be a farmer per hectare of farmland.

     

    “We are also thanking His Excellence, agriculture-friendly Gov. Peter Mbah for putting huge support and subsidy in agriculture, its value-chain and entire food production exercise in the state,” he said.

     

    The programme coordinator also urged the farmers to ensure that they are active in the ATASP WhatsApp group platform to receive vital messages, get clear guidance, interact with other farmers, raise questions and complaints if need be.

     

    “ATASP officials will actively monitor, supervise and guide the farmers though the WhatsApp group and practically visit to farms often. We will support the farmers and their various cluster groups to succeed,” he assured.

     

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Titus Ugwu, thanked ATASP-1, Gov. Mbah and the state Ministry of Agriculture for their overwhelming support to their farming activities.

     

    “As a rice farmer, this solar-powered water pumping machine will give adequate irrigation to my rice farm and definitely lead to increase in yield and better harvest,” Ugwu said.

     

    Another beneficiary, Mrs Eunice Okafor, appreciated ATASP for given genuine support to farmers in terms of agronomy training, providing improved seedlings and inputs as well as this solar-powered water pumping machine.

     

    The water pumps distributed included: 40 solar-powered and 12 petrol-powered easy-to-use water pumping machines. (Flowerbudnews)

  • President Tinubu makes solemn promise to Afenifere to fix Nigeria

    President Tinubu makes solemn promise to Afenifere to fix Nigeria

     

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency, fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life.

    Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasised his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity, Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed in a statement.

    ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

    ”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,” the President affirmed.

    President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

    He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

    “The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

    “I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

    “We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.

    Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.

    “You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.

    Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

    “Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

    NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

     

    NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

    By Adewale Owoade

    Ayomiku Ajibola, a reporter with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has emerged Chairman of the Sport Writers’ Association of Nigeria(SWAN) Oyo State Chapter

    Ajibola emerged chairman in the SWAN election held on Wednesday in Ibadan, having polled 36 votes to defeat his opponent from News Agency of Nigeria, Aderemi Koleosho, who polled 7 votes.

    Ajibola, in his victory speech, said everybody is a winner and hope to collaborate with all in the pursuit of the association’s collective goals.

    He promised to work assiduously to uphold the values and standard of SWAN towards moving the association forward in the state.

    Ajibola said; “ I must acknowledge the incredible work of my fellow candidates. Your commitment to excellence and dedication to the craft of sports journalism have inspired me to continually strive for greatness.

    “I am honored to stand alongside such talented individuals, and I look forward to collaborating with each of you in the pursuit of our collective goals.

    “Together, we will continue to elevate the standards of sports journalism and celebrate the magic of sports with the world.

    Other members of the newly elected executives are Vice-Chairman, Gbenga Olugbodi; Secretary, Boluwaji Ogunmola;
    Assistant Secretary, Annabel Enahoro and Financial Secretar, Olawale Olaniyan.

  • NÀFDAC: Down the Memory Lane, A Glimpse of  Uncommon Achievements and Grace

    NÀFDAC: Down the Memory Lane, A Glimpse of  Uncommon Achievements and Grace

    By Biola Lawal
    (Flowerbudnews):  February 2022 would remain indelible in the history of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NÀFDAC). It was one  of the increasing periods  of uncommon achievements which has characterised the past six years in the life of the Agency under the leadership of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

    It was the historic month  that Prof   Mojisola  Adeyeye inaugurated  a whopping 73 brand new HILUX utility vehicles, saloon cars and staff buses to enhance operational capacity, efficiency and welfare of NAFDAC staffers in one fell swoop.

    20 Toyota Camry 2021 brand for some directors were inaugurated in Abuja, while ten 60- Seater Coaster and Hummer buses were inaugurated  at the Oshodi office complex of the Agency.. Forty-three (43) Hilux vans were inaugurated  at the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Apapa to enhance the enforcement and inspection and the regulatory activities of the Agency, a statement by Sayo Akintola, NÀFDAC Resident  Media Consultant had disclosed then.

    Top management hierarchy of the Agency took turn to eulogise Prof Adeyeye on that day  for taking the bull by the horn to tackle the perennial problem of lack of utility vehicles to do the regulatory job.

    (NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, test-driving one of the 73 Utility vehicles)

    “I have spent over two decades in NAFDAC, and I’ve never seen a thing like this before’’, said the highly elated Mr Emmanuel Nwogu who represented  NÀFDAC  Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Joseph Aina at the unveiling ceremony two years ago.

    Nwogu said with the provision of four Coaster buses and six Toyota Hiace buses for the staff, no member of the staff has any reason to report late to work without appropriate sanctions.

    ‘’We have been buying vehicles. But I’ve never seen this kind of thing in my over two decades in NAFDAC where 43 Hilux, 20 Camry Cars and ten buses would be bought in a day’’, he said.

    Both the Directors of Port Inspection and Investigation and Enforcement Directorates, Prof Samson Adebayo and Barrister Kingsley Ejiofor described Prof Adeyeye as a blessing not only to NAFDAC but Nigeria as a whole.

    They both disclosed that she has brought an uncommon transformation to the Agency. They noted with sincerity that the Agency was nosediving at the time she joined NAFDAC…

    The overall objective of the DG was to energise NÀFDAC efforts to rid the nation of falsified and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome food and cosmetic products, a NÀFDAC staff remarked in an interview with Flowerbudnews on the landmark logistics achievement.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye had stated that the  provision of the vehicles would put a permanent end to the hitherto practice whereby clients would bring their vehicles to ferry agency staff to site for inspection.

    According to her, the inspection exercise is already compromised ab initio when staff of a regulatory body would have to depend on their clients to transport them to the factory to be inspected.

    ‘’Our staff deserve the best. And the welfare of our staff is our priority’’, she said, adding that the four (4) Coaster buses and the six (6) Toyota Hiace buses commissioned in Oshodi would serve as staff buses to make life more comfortable for the workers in their day-to-day commuting to and from the office.

    Prof Adeyeye, who recalled that she met a total debt of N3.2 billion when she resumed as DG about four years ago, said the debt was paid back barely a year after she took over.

    She said she took some excruciating cost-saving measures which earned her a lot of funny appellations by the staff such as ‘’ we can save N1m from this N5m request to buy a vehicle’’ amongst others.

    ‘’The money we saved is the money we use for what we need and not what we want’’, she said, adding that ‘’when we spend money for wants the nation suffers the consequences. Not just the nation now our staff will suffer the consequences.’’

    ‘’That’s why we started saving money despite the fact that I met N3.2 billion debt. And within one year we paid N3.01billion.

    Prof Adeyeye explained that the Agency is going through its World Health Organization WHO audit now, and it’s being judged on seven regulatory functions or a group of activities.

    ‘’There is one big area called regulatory inspection. This includes visiting companies to see whether they are compliant with their Good Manufacturing Practices’’, she said, stressing that ‘’ It’s vehicles that will take our staff there’’.

    According to her, regulatory inspection includes good distribution practice, meaning all the distributors that handle NAFDAC regulated products have to be visited to see where those products are being kept whether they are going to break down before they get to the retailer.

    She recalled how the Agency was able to burst a syndicate that brought 30 containers of Tramadol to the country about three years ago through a tip off by the Presidency.

    She said the Ports Inspection officers of the Agency kept vigil for days at the ports before the consignments worth over N2 trillion were apprehended and contents destroyed. ‘’The containers were labelled for bonded terminals. We wouldn’t have been able to do it. It is vehicles that officers of Inspection Directorate used to keep vigil at these ports’’

    The DG further explained that the officials of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate would make use of the utility vehicles to pursue peddlers of contraband, counterfeited products across the nooks and crannies of the country. ‘’It is not a luxury for us. This is not the end of it. Each state should have at least three Hilux vehicles’’.

    Prof Adeyeye also noted that the new vehicles would be useful for the officials of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate saddled with the responsibility of inspecting food, water and related products to ascertain their wholesomeness for human consumption with clients scattered all over the country.

    ‘’About 70 percent of our activities are field work. It is vehicles that they need. Before I came, companies were sending vehicles to come and inspect them. Who doesn’t know that that is the end of that inspection in terms of integrity?’, she asked rhetorically.

    The ceremony was attended then by Prof Samson Adebayo, Director, Ports Inspection, Barrister Kingsley Ejiofor, Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, Director Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs and Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun, Special Assistant to the DG, during the ceremony. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Nigeria’s Supreme Court: CJN Swears In 11 New Justices

    Nigeria’s Supreme Court: CJN Swears In 11 New Justices

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has administered the oath of office to 11 new justices of the Supreme Court.

     

    The newly sworn-in justices include Jummai Sankey, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, and Moore Adumein.

     

    Others are Obande Ogbuinya, Stephen Adah, Habeeb Abiru, Jamilu Tukur, Abubakar Umar, and Mohammed Idris.

     

    These appointments to the apex court mark the first significant additions since 2020. With the swearing-in of the new justices, the Supreme Court has reached its full complement of 21 members as mandated by the constitution.

     

    During his speech on Monday, the CJN advised the newly sworn-in justices to let their consciences serve as a guiding principle and filter for their actions.

     

    Acknowledging the elevated expectations placed on justices of the highest court in the land, where appellants’ hopes are consistently lofty, Ariwoola cautioned the incoming justices to prepare themselves for potential verbal abuse or criticism from litigants, who may be unsuccessful in their cases.

     

    He said: “There is no way you can please human beings, especially litigants. The easiest way to fail in life is by trying to please everyone. The only deity you can fear is the Almighty God”, he said.

     

    “Once your judgment is in consonance with what God expects from you, and is also in accordance with the constitution, you should consider yourself the happiest and freest person on earth

     

    Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable.

     

    “Any judgment given at this level can only be upturned in heaven.” CJN remarked.

  • Breaking: NLC suspends nationwide protest, extends ultimatum to FG

    Breaking: NLC suspends nationwide protest, extends ultimatum to FG

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its nationwide protests, which were held in different states of the federation earlier on Tuesday.

     

    The Labour, in a communiqué at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, said the objectives of the protest were achieved on the first day of the demonstration.

     

    The communique partly reads, “Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows: to suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.”

     

    that Nigeria has been hit by rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, economic hardship and high cost of living occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, attracting protests in parts of the country.

     

    The Presidency had engaged labour leaders in a last-minute talks on Monday night but the meeting ended in a stalemate as the NLC insisted that the protest was going to hold.

     

    But, the NLC grounded economic activities across the country on Tuesday, with labour leader Joe Ajaero, saying that the protest was about hunger and not just a clamour for a review of the minimum wage.

     

    Ajaero said, “You have to understand it. This protest is about hunger. What of those who are not working? The minimum wage, when will it be completed? When will it be implemented? What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?”

     

    The communiqué further stated, “the highest organ of the NLC suspended street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.

     

    “However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters.

     

    “To reaffirm and extend the 7-days ultimatum by another 7 days which now expires on the 13th day of March, 2024 within which the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of the 2nd day of October, 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest

     

    “To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.”

  • Ramadan: Traders pledge to stabilise price of food items

    Ramadan: Traders pledge to stabilise price of food items

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Arewa Traders Association of Nigeria (ATAN) has pledged to work with all its members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to stabilize price of food items in the holy month of Ramadan.

    The newly appointed FCT Chairman of the association, Alhaji Habib Muhammad-Gajo, made the pledge in his acceptance speech on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gajo, who paid tribute to the founding members of the association, also promised to reinvigorate a new chapter that would be different in outlook and impact.

    He expressed readiness of the association to partner with the FCT Administration and the Federal Government to go after those hoarding food items.

    “This, according to him, will crash and stabilise the price of food items in the nation’s capital and the country at large.”

    Earlier, the National Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Dr Abdulaziz Bature, urged the members to provide the needed leadership in its bid to overcome the critical economic challenges facing the country.

    He also emphasised the need for unity of the traders in the nation’s capital.

    In his remarks, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, urged the new leaders to run an all-inclusive administration.

    “Your hard work, ability to work and loyalty that has given you this appointment that I believe will motivate you to provide effective leadership, which we know you are courageous in seeking the rights of which you are leading.

    “We hope this your short appointment for six months will bring good progress to the people of FCT.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other appointed officials of the association includes Dalhatu Usman-Garo, Secretary; Ayuba Maluri, Treasurer; Shuaibu Abdullahi, Financial Secretary and Abdullahi Adamu as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

    Also elected were Malam Rabiu Muhammad, Organising Secretary, Musa Dikko, Muhammad Tukura and
    Shuaibu Jibrin as members of the exco committee. (NAN)

  • Lawyer drags AGF to Supreme Court over inoperative Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Enforcement Act

    Lawyer drags AGF to Supreme Court over inoperative Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Enforcement Act

     

    Flowerbudnews

    A lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to Supreme Court over alleged failure to promulgate an order to bring Part 1 of the Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Enforcement Act, 1990 into operation since its enactment in 1960 to commence on Feb. 1, 1961.

    Ekpenyong, in his notice of motion for leave to appeal dated and filed Feb.15 at the Supreme Court, listed the AGF as sole respondent.

    In the motion marked: SC/CR/92/2024, the lawyer sought five orders, including an order extending time for him to seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja delivered on May 12, 2022 in appeal number: CA/A/132/2020 between him and the AGF.

    He also sought an order of the court granting leave to him to appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, among others.

    It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal, Abuja had in an appeal number:: CA/A/132/2020, between Ekpenyong and AGF, dismissed the appeal on May 12, 2022.

    It, thereafter, upheld the judgement of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja that the AGF had absolute discretionary powers under Section 3 (1) of the Act to promulgate an order to bring Part 1 of the Act into operation.

    Ekpenyong of Fred-Young & Evans LP had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/755/2017 dated and filed on June 21, 2017, sued the AGF as sole defendant before retired Justice Anwuli Chikere of a FHC in Abuja.

    In the originating summons, the lawyer urged the court to determine whether there is a mandatory legal duty on the AGF under Section 3{1) and 9 of the Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Act, CAP F35, Law of the Federation, 1990 (the 1990 Act) to promulgate an order to bring Part 1 of 1990 Act into operation.

    “Whether there is a mandatory legal duty on the defendant under Section 5 of the Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Act, CAP F35, Laws of the Federation, 1990 (the 1990 Act) to make rules to regulate the procedure for registration of foreign judgments in Nigeria,” among other questions.

    Ekpenyong, therefore, sought an order of mandamus compelling the AGF “to exercise the mandatory legal duty stipulated in Section 3(1) of the 1990 Act to promulgate an order extending the applicability of part 1 of the 1990 Act to judgments of superior courts of foreign countries with substantial reciprocity treatment with Nigeria and deeming the courts stipulated in the order as superior courts in the foreign countries for the purpose of applicability of Part 1 of the 1990 Act.

    “An order for mandamus compelling the defendant to exercise the mandatory legal stipulated in Section 9(2) of the 1990 Act to promulgate an order to bring Part 1 of the 1990 Act into operation and for the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Ordinance, 1958 (the 1958 Ordinance) to cease to have effect in Nigeria,” etc.

    The plaintiff averred that he was a member of international law networks like IR Global, Global Law Experts, Legal Finest and International Credit Network and that evidence had shown that he had sufficient interest in the subject matter contrary to the AGF’s argument.

    He stated that he had suffered some injuries and hardship as a result of the AGF’s failure to promulgate the order.

    In addition, he contended that he had lost business for registration of foreign judgments in Nigeria because of the AGF’s failure to promulgate the order to bring Part 1 of the 1990 Act into operation.

    Ekpenyong said that the promulgation of the order would make foreign businesses to do more businesses with Nigerians and Nigerian companies because they would be able to recover monetary judgments in Nigeria.

    “This will improve international trade and foreign investments. This will also boost the Nigerian economy and the right to livelihood of the plaintiff and Nigerians,” he said.

    Justice Chikere though held that the plaintiff had locus standi to institute the suit contrary to the defendant’s submission, she agreed with the defence arguments on the discretionary power of AGF to promulgate the order only if he was satisfied that there were countries with reciprocal treatment of judgments with Nigeria based on Section 3(1) of the Act.

    She consequently dismissed Ekpenyong’s suit.

    Upon his two grounds of the proposed appeal to the Supreme Court, Ekpenyong said he is desirous of appealing against the concurrent findings in the judgment of both the trial court and Court of Appeal on questions of mixed law and facts.

    According to him, the AGF’s discretion under Section 3 (1) of the 1990 Act is not absolute but subject to judicial review of the courts under Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in order to prevent an abuse of the discretion under the Act.

    He further stated that the courts ought to give a purposive interpretation of Section 3 (1) of the Act and not a literal interpretation which, he argued, has led to absurdity.

    He contends that he has shown that his proposed appeal is an exceptional circumstance and urged the apex court to grant him leave to appeal against the concurrent findings of both the trial court and Court of Appeal on the issue.

    “The grounds of appeal in the proposed notice of appeal contain cogent, recondite, substantial points of law.

    “The applicant has an arguable appeal and the appeal is a public interest litigation which will greatly improve Nigeria’s economy and jurisprudence on the subject matter,” he said.

    Ekpenyong said he filed an application for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s judgment on July 29, 2022 within the statutory three months’ period but the Appeal Court did not hear or grant the application within the stipulated period.

    He said: “The applicant did not file an application for leave to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal at the registry of the Supreme Court soon after the expiration of the statutory three months’ period because he genuinely believed that the Court of Appeal must first hear the application for leave and reject the same before a fresh application can be filed before the Supreme Court.

    No date has been given yet for hearing of Ekpenyong’s application at the Supreme Court. (Flowerbudnews)