Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has assured every Nigerian child of protection of their rights and privileges from all forms of molestation and abuse.

Dr Sani Idris, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, disclosed this while speaking at the Center for Quranic studies, Bayero University, Kano on Sunday.

Idris spoke during the second National Symposium on the Tsangaya system of education with the theme “Let us revive our Tsangaya system of education”.

He said that the era of beggars on Nigeria streets and roads is over, hence, the federal government is doing everything possible to give every child a life of hope, assurance and brighter future.

“Children are the future of every nation and as such, deserve to grow up in a happy, safe, healthy, productive and enabling environment that is conducive for learning and development to enable them to be psychologically and emotionally balanced so as to play strategic roles in years to come,” Idris said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Sagir Abbas, thanked President Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for the upliftment of the lives of Nigerians, particularly children, women and the vulnerable in the society.

Abbas stressed the need for all out of school children to have the basics of life such as clothing, shelter, food and adequate medication.

“Parents and the community must also come together and organise a way of providing for out of school children, rather than leaving them at the mercy of their teachers,” he said.

Abbas said that the children must be stopped from begging on the street, as it is against the tenets of Islam, adding that Tsangaya schools should be sustained by inculcating good morals and giving the children intensive reading culture.

Prof Ahmed Murtala, Director, Centre for Quranic Studies, urged governments at all levels and parents to join hands with northern governments on how best to engage the children in skills acquisitions.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Tsangaya school system was an Islamic-based educational system that existed for several centuries and had produced leaders, scholars, businessmen, and government functionaries, among others.

It has been the source of moral and educational training for Muslim societies in Nigeria. (NAN)

FORMER Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has threatened to sue persons behind an online media, Daily Excessive, over alleged fake report targeted at causing a strained relationship between him and President Bola Tinubu.

The decision to sue the purveyors of the news was made known in a statement signed by Michael Ohiare, the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, and a copy made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday evening.

The online platform was alleged to have published a report quoting the former governor to have said, while in court, that he would reveal to the world how President Tinubu became Nigerian president.

Ohiare said the report was not only misleading, “but a confirmation of how unintelligent some unrelenting detractors of the former governor are.”

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a not only mischievous but absolutely senseless report published by a mushroom blog called Daily Excessive, which attributed fake quotes against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to our principal, the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

“Ordinarily, we would not have even bothered to give this any attention, considering the fact that no informed Nigerian would take such a ridiculous story seriously, especially since court records are public documents.

“This clarification is, however, necessary for the record and for the benefit of social media users who circulate fake news without fact-checking the details.

“The report, which is part of the desperate plot by irresponsible politicians to strain the relationship between our President and former Governor Yahaya Bello is the most laughable twist in their failed bid to execute their bring-him-down-at-all-costs mirage.

“Every Nigerian, who has been following court proceedings, since the former governor submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, knows that trial has not commenced in any of the cases.

“Former Governor Bello has only taken his plea at both courts.

“The court is an open place where proceedings are monitored by journalists and other stakeholders.

“This is the reason no informed Nigerian would even consider opening this report by an “Excessive fake news purveyor” called Daily Excessive.”

He described the persons behind the news as “mischief makers.”

“We, however, wish to stress here that even those that the hatchet job executors are trying to confuse know that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has great respect for the person and office of Mr President and would never make such ridiculous remarks attributed to him against the President.

“Alhaji Yahaya Bello will continue to support the President and his party, the All Progressives Congress, despite the misleading picture his detractors are trying so hard to paint.

“We have alerted security agencies to unveil the identities of those behind the website that was used in circulating this fake report.

”We will ensure that the purveyors of the fake news face the legal consequences of their action,” Ohiare concluded.(NAN)

Realnews Magazine

Allocations as appeal court restores constitutionalism

Sat, Dec 14, 2024

By editor

8 MIN READ

Opinion

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

IT is generally said that the court of law is the last hope of the common man. This proved to be real with the very recent intervention of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, which fundamentally re-established the fact that all hopes are not lost on the increasingly dwindling popularity and the place of the court system in the perception, opinion and respectability of the good people of Nigeria when the Appellate court totally demolished a clearly illegal, unconstitutional and reckless decision of the federal High Court to attempt to deprive the good people of Rivers state of their constitutionally guaranteed allocations from the federation account.

The Court of Appeal’s decision on December 13, 2024, to overturn the Federal High Court’s order halting the release of Rivers State’s federal allocation is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s democracy. The judgment not only upholds the principles of federalism but also reasserts the sanctity of the judiciary as a neutral arbiter in political disputes. This ruling is a reminder of the judiciary’s critical role in ensuring justice and fairness, even amidst the turbulence of political intrigues and power tussles.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling decisively quashed the Federal High Court’s decision, which sought to cripple Rivers State’s governance by halting its statutory allocations. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s judgment, delivered in October 2024, restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing funds to Rivers State on the grounds that the 2024 budget was purportedly invalid.

Led by Justice Hamman Barka, the Appeal Court emphasized that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case. Justice Barka underscored the principles of judicial restraint, stating that issues concerning state appropriations are the exclusive purview of state high courts. This decision affirms the autonomy of state institutions within Nigeria’s federal structure and protects Rivers State’s people from the fallout of politically motivated litigation.

The Appeal Court’s ruling carries profound implications for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. By overturning Justice Abdulmalik’s judgment, the Court has reaffirmed that the judiciary must remain above political manipulations. This judgment reinforces the constitutional principle of federalism by clarifying the separation of powers between state and federal jurisdictions. It ensures that state matters, such as appropriations, are handled within the appropriate legal frameworks.

The initial ruling would have plunged Rivers State into financial and administrative chaos, affecting millions of residents. The Appeal Court’s intervention restores stability, allowing the state government to fulfill its obligations to the people. The implications of this decision resonate beyond Rivers State, highlighting the judiciary’s role as the last line of defense for democratic governance and constitutional order.

The Rivers State saga exposes a worrying trend of judicial complicity in political disputes. Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling, which disregarded established jurisdictional limits, raises serious questions about judicial accountability. It is imperative that the National Judicial Council (NJC) takes decisive steps to address such breaches of judicial ethics and competence.

The NJC, as the primary regulatory body for judicial officers, must intensify its oversight functions. Judges who issue rulings that contravene legal principles or constitutional provisions should face thorough investigations and, where necessary, disciplinary actions. For instance, Justice Abdulmalik’s decision to entertain a case beyond her court’s jurisdiction reflects either a lack of competence or deliberate bias. The NJC should initiate a review of her conduct to determine whether sanctions are warranted.

Regular training and workshops for judges on constitutional law, jurisdictional boundaries, and ethical standards are essential. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs can help judges navigate complex cases without succumbing to political pressures or misinterpreting the law. These programs should emphasize the importance of judicial impartiality and the broader implications of their rulings on democracy and governance.

To expose undue influences on judicial officers, the NJC could establish a confidential whistleblower mechanism. This system would allow concerned parties, including court staff and legal practitioners, to report instances of judicial misconduct or external interference without fear of reprisal.

The NJC should publicize its disciplinary actions against erring judges to deter misconduct and restore public confidence in the judiciary. For instance, if Justice Abdulmalik’s actions are found to have violated judicial ethics, the NJC’s findings and decisions should be made available to the public.

The power struggle in Rivers State highlights the dangers of allowing political disputes to escalate into constitutional crises. Former Governor Wike’s alleged attempts to undermine Fubara’s administration through legal and legislative maneuvers demonstrate the perils of unchecked political ambitions.

The defection of lawmakers, which contributed to the legislative impasse in Rivers State, underscores the need for stronger political party discipline. Parties must establish clear guidelines and consequences for defections to maintain stability and prevent opportunistic alliances that disrupt governance.

Political disputes, such as the Wike-Fubara feud, should be resolved through dialogue and mediation rather than litigation. Civil society organizations and elder statesmen can play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations to prevent political conflicts from escalating.

The Appeal Court’s judgment reiterates the importance of respecting the separation of powers. Political actors must avoid encroaching on the functions of other branches of government, as such actions undermine democratic governance.

The Rivers State case serves as a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It underscores the need for vigilance in protecting the judiciary from becoming a tool for political machinations. The NJC’s proactive engagement in addressing judicial misconduct and ensuring adherence to constitutional principles is essential for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Legal authorities support the Appeal Court’s judgment. In A-G Lagos State v. A-G Federation (2004), the Supreme Court emphasized the autonomy of states within the federal structure, ruling that federal intervention in state matters must be strictly limited. Similarly, in Lakanmi v. A-G Western Nigeria (1971), the court highlighted the dangers of overstepping jurisdictional boundaries, warning against the misuse of judicial power.

The Appeal Court’s decision aligns with these precedents, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a defender of constitutional order and the rule of law. Furthermore, this ruling underscores the necessity of a judiciary that is both independent and adequately resourced. To this end, stakeholders must advocate for the financial autonomy of the judiciary to insulate it from undue pressures and influence.

The judiciary must not only be impartial but also be perceived as such by the public. Transparency in judicial processes, from case management to the delivery of judgments, is key to building trust. The media and civil society must play their part by educating the public on judicial matters, fostering an informed citizenry capable of holding institutions accountable.

The Appeal Court’s ruling is a victory for Rivers State and a triumph for Nigeria’s democracy. It underscores the need for an independent and accountable judiciary, free from political interference. However, this judgment also serves as a wake-up call for the NJC and other stakeholders to address the systemic issues that allow judicial misconduct to persist.

As Nigerians celebrate this landmark decision, it is imperative to remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of democratic institutions. Political actors must prioritize governance over personal ambitions, and the judiciary must steadfastly uphold the principles of justice and equity. Only then can Nigeria’s democracy thrive in the face of challenges, ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.

The broader lessons from the Rivers State case extend to all arms of government. While the judiciary must remain resolute in its independence, the legislative and executive branches must also play their roles responsibly. Politicians must refrain from exploiting legal loopholes to further their agendas, while the legislature should enact laws that strengthen institutional safeguards.

Ultimately, this judgment is a call to action for all Nigerians to uphold democratic values. Civic education campaigns that emphasize the importance of constitutional principles and the rule of law are necessary. Empowering citizens with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities can foster a culture of accountability and transparency across all sectors.

The Rivers State saga is a microcosm of the challenges facing Nigeria’s federal democracy. It underscores the urgency of reforms that prioritize institutional integrity and public trust. As the nation moves forward, the commitment to justice, fairness, and equity must remain unwavering. These principles are the foundation upon which a resilient and prosperous Nigeria can be built.

Now, the good people of Rivers state together with their amiable governor have been reassured that equity, justice and fairness are virtues that are still be upheld by the courts of competent jurisdiction and the Appeal Court’s judgment should be used as a litmus test to subject judges of the federal High Court who provide judicial support to political warlords to the highest scrutiny and sanctioned administratively to serve as deterrent for future misadventures by any of the judges who hibernate with politicians. The court must remain the temple of justice that it is.

***Emmanuel Onwubiko is head of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.

A.I

AROUND 4:30pm of this day, Friday, the 13th of December, 2024, we stepped out of the Correctional Service (prison) in Afao road, Ado Ekiti, where we were with Dele Farotimi.

He speaks calmly but with loud message. He is unambiguous about it, that all he wrote in his book is the truth.

One thing is clear from this visit and hours long talk, that Dele Farotimi knows things that the crowd does not know. He declared too that while he could not control whom Peter Obi would visit in Ekiti, he never sent anyone to Are Afe Babalola and he had warned those who had visited him, including Peter Obi, never to visit anyone to plead for his release.

He wants this matter to travel the natural route. He disowned in categorical terms, any move by anybody to beg anyone on his behalf or as a condition for his release.

He assertively, vibrantly and untiringly posited that if he had added a single lie to his claims in his book, he would lose heavily in this battle. But if his weapon remains all truth, he will have the last laugh.

Those who postulated that Dele Farotimi is reckless in his writings and documentations, should rather demand a fair play and a level play ground so that we could hear the other side. Citizens should be interested to know what he knows as proof.

But Farotimi is kept in prison while his opponents are tooling up in law suits in Ibadan, Abuja and Rivers seeminly poised for a fight and funnily serving all these court processes on a man in his prison cell in Ekiti where he cannot readily make his defence.

A question that should bother all is that this book has been out for some time and WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO FILE ALL THESE LAW SUITS? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL HIS ARREST? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL HIS REMAND? WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TO KEEP HIM OUT OF CIRCULATION AND HIS VOICE CUT OFF BEFORE RAISING THESE DUSTS? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL NOW? •WHY?

Is this how jurisprudence works?

Is this how history works? Has the Jurisprudence developed this way?

A man who is held up in cuffs and in gallows and some of us, in defence of the orthodoxy, are accusing a man in prison of blasphemy instead of demanding for justice for both parties, they are convicting and crucifying Farotimi unheard and at the home city of the Pilate.

This rain rains in torrents but it shall not rain for long. It shall be temporary. Soon things will unravel. The ground will be dry again. The truth will win.

GOV. Alex Otti of Abia says he has approved discriminatory compensation package to incentivise teaching services in public schools located in remote areas of the state.

Otti said this during the December edition of his monthly media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, on Friday night.

He said that the initiative would address the persistent challenge of staffing in hard-to-reach areas.

The governor said that by offering tailored benefits to attract and retain educators, the government would be able to provide access to quality education in rural areas.

He said that plans had been made to recruit more teachers to bridge the staffing gaps in underserved parts of the state.

“What we have done in the last few weeks is to put in place a discriminatory compensation package to encourage people to serve in those areas.

“My understanding is that people received it very well and in the next few weeks we intend to see that it has worked, so that we won’t have any institution or any school that is understaffed,” Otti said.

He further said that the government had made significant improvements in the education sector through the separation of management of basic and secondary education from tertiary education for better oversight.

On infrastructure development, Otti said that several road projects had been completed and inaugurated for public use.

He said that the dualisation of Onuimo to Abia Tower and reconstruction of Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala Road and Umuopara Ring Road had commenced, while more road works would be commissioned before year-end.

He said that through a collaboration between the Federal and Abia Governments the proposed Abia Airport project was upgraded from an airstrip to a full-fledged airport.

According to him, the State Government will provide the land and logistics required for the project.

Speaking on budget and planning, he said that the 2025 proposed budget of N750.2 billion was designed, considering the effects of inflation and exchange rate depreciation.

Otti further said that 82 per cent of the budget was allocated to capital expenditure and 18 per cent to recurrent, while in its breakdown, 20 per cent was given to education and 15 per cent to health.

On healthcare, he said that 200 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) were being rehabilitated to ensure that each ward in the state got at least one functional PHC.

He said that preparations were ongoing with respect to the construction of the state’s Medical Village and updates should be expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Otti also said that the state won a price in the UNICEF Leadership Challenge and commended the Ministry of Health for making the state proud in the competition.

He said that Abia won $400,000, placing second in the South-East and urged the ministry to exercise greater commitment to improve the state’s standing in future competitions.

The governor also spoke on government’s efforts to improve Agriculture, saying that the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company that would invest $120 million for palm production in the Ukwa area, with plans to expand.

He said that the government had reorganised the state’s security architecture to address insecurity and ensure safety during the festive season and beyond.

He said that he had given directives for swift resolution of the minor issues observed in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Otti further said that the government, in line with its desire to improve workers’ welfare, had approved the payment of 13th month salary on or before Dec. 18 to the Abia civil servants. (NAN

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the public to disregard false reports regarding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that Prof. Yakubu is “alive, hale, and hearty.”

Oyekanmi explained that the commission’s attention had been drawn to a fake news story circulating on social media, claiming that Yakubu had died at a London hospital.

“This false narrative first emerged on Monday, December 9.

“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years,” Oyekanmi said.

He further noted that Yakubu had participated in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, and chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12.

“Both events were widely covered by television and reported in major newspapers on Friday, December 13.”

Oyekanmi also pointed out that a similar false story had circulated in 2021, and once again, mischief-makers were spreading the same baseless rumour.

He urged those involved in the spread of such misinformation to consider the impact on individuals and society at large.

The INEC Secretary emphasised that the commission would continue to collaborate with genuine media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and its negative effects on society.(NAN

KADUNA came alive on Friday as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) and other high-profile figures gathered to celebrate the wedding Fatihah of Ibrahim A. Bagudu, son of the minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Amina Tatari Ali.

The ceremony, held at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque, was graced by dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Also present were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong.

The solemnization of the marriage (Nikah) was officiated by the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman Adam, who offered prayers for the couple’s happiness and future. In his sermon, the Imam stressed the significance of love, unity, and faith in building a strong family foundation.

Thousands of well-wishers, including residents and visitors who stayed behind after Friday prayers, joined in celebrating the union, showering the newlyweds with prayers and blessings for a prosperous marital life, according to a release by Ahmed Idris, chief press secretary to Kebbi State governor