Federal High Court Begins Vacation July 23
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has declared the court’s annual vacation for 2024, set to begin on Tuesday, July 23, and conclude on Friday, September 13, 2024. This announcement was made public through a statement released in Abuja by Catherine Christopher, the Assistant Director of Information and ICT at the Federal High Court. The vacation period, established under Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, is a customary practice aimed at providing judges with a well-deserved break to rejuvenate before the commencement of the new legal year. Regular court sessions are scheduled to resume on Monday, September 16, 2024. During the vacation, the judiciary has designated specific judges to handle urgent cases at the three principal divisions of the court located in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. In Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Peter O. Lifu will attend to such urgent matters. Meanwhile, in Lagos, Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeol will be available, and in Port Harcourt, Justice A. T. Mohammed and Justice P. M. Ayua will oversee urgent litigation matters. The Chief Judge emphasized that this arrangement ensures that the judiciary continues to function efficiently, handling cases of extreme urgency even during the vacation period. The public and litigants are advised to approach the designated courts nearest to them for any urgent judicial matters during this time.
10th Senate Passes Anti-Doping Bill
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, June 6, passed the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024.” This legislation, requested by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to prohibit Nigerian athletes’ consumption of performance-enhancing substances both during and after sporting competitions. President Bola Tinubu had requested the Senate to enact the law penultimate week in a letter read on the floor by the deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary. The bill’s passage comes as part of Nigeria’s efforts to align with international sports standards ahead of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in France. In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigeria to domesticate and enforce the international convention against doping in sports. The bill also proposes the establishment of a Nigeria anti-doping centre tasked with implementing Nigeria’s obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. The bill was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Monguno. After thorough consideration, the committee’s recommendations were adopted, and the bill was approved for a third reading following a voice vote led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. This legislative step marks a critical development in Nigeria’s sports governance. It ensures that athletes adhere to fair play and integrity, thereby fostering a clean sporting environment nationally and globally.
Senate Approves 300% Salary Increase For Judicial Officers
The Senate has approved a bill seeking improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial officers at the federal and state levels. Towards this effect, a bill approving 300 per cent, pay raise for this category of judicial officers, scaled the third reading at the senate yesterday. The Senate approved a report presented by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC- Borno North), to the lawmakers. In the report, Senator Monguna said adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint. “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.” he noted. The bill is expected to be assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
Senate Divided Over Proposed Bill to Replace Open Grazing with Ranching in Nigeria
A bill, likely to test the will of the ruling elite to address the lingering farmers/herders’ clash has gone through the second reading in the Senate, despite stiff opposition by some senators from the northern part of the country. The bill seeks to outlaw open grazing in Nigeria, while institute ranching in the states of pastoralists’ origin. Sponsored by Senator Zam Titus Tertenger of the APC representing Benue North West, the bill faced a divided Senate but managed to pass its second reading. Senator Tertenger argued passionately for ranching as the only viable solution to the recurring conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria. He emphasized the urgent need to modernize livestock-keeping practices to ensure the safety and well-being of both the herds and the herders. Citing alarming statistics of lives lost and millions displaced due to these conflicts, Tertenger urged his colleagues to act decisively. Support for the bill came from Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe of APGA (Abia South), Garba Musa Maidoki of the PDP (Kebbi South), and Abba Moro of the PDP (Benue South). However, opposition was strong, with Senators Adamu Aliero of the PDP (Kebbi Central), Suleiman Kawu of the NNPP (Kano South), and Danjuma Goje of the APC (Gombe Central) raising objections. Senator Aliero cited constitutional provisions guaranteeing free movement across states with property, arguing against limiting ranching to pastoralists’ states of origin. Similarly, Senator Kawu deemed the bill incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Efforts to defer the bill were led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau of the APC (Kano North), who advised the sponsor to reconsider its approach. Nevertheless, the bill proceeded to its second reading following a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite the sponsor’s reluctance to withdraw it. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Judiciary and Legal Matters for further scrutiny over the next four weeks.
BREAKING: Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi resumes plenary
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, has returned to Senate plenary sessions after a three-month suspension. The Senate recently ended his suspension, which had started on March 12, 2024, by granting him a pardon and recalling him. Last week, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro put forward a motion for Ningi’s reinstatement, expressing regret on Ningi’s behalf and taking responsibility for his actions. Following appeals from several lawmakers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ningi’s unconditional return to the Senate. Ningi was initially suspended due to a controversial interview in which he alleged discrepancies in the 2024 budget. He claimed that the National Assembly approved N25 trillion, but the Presidency implemented N28.7 trillion.
IGP Speaks On Creation Of State Police
The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adhering to the federal government’s stance on state police. This statement was made during the visit of the Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police, South-West, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, who represented the IGP in Lagos on Monday. This is a modal window.The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. Egbetokun’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the suitability of state police in Nigeria. Previously, on April 22, 2024, he had expressed reservations about the country’s readiness for state-controlled police forces, citing maturity concerns. During the press briefing, DIG Alabi, on behalf of IGP Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism within the force. He urged police officers to adhere strictly to the constitutional guidelines that dictate their operations, focusing on human rights and the responsible use of firearms. “The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to performing its duties responsibly. We must ensure our actions are always within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights,” Alabi stated. In addition to operational directives, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the welfare of the police officers, announcing initiatives aimed at improving their living conditions. This includes partnerships with consultants to facilitate housing for police personnel, enabling them to access their own homes shortly. The IGP also addressed the mental and physical health of the officers, instructing the officer in charge of Police Medical to conduct comprehensive mental and psychological evaluations for the personnel of the Lagos State command. On the topic of inter-agency cooperation, Egbetokun warned against any rivalries with other security bodies, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential for national security. He also called on officers to proactively engage with the youth to educate them on the dangers of cultism, as part of broader efforts to combat this pervasive issue. The meeting concluded with remarks from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who noted the success of recent collaborative crime prevention strategies that have led to a significant reduction in crime rates across Lagos.
Nationwide Strike: kneejerk Reaction to a Serious Governance Challenge
As you read this Nigeria is now under total lockdown, whereby major economic activities in the organized public and private sectors have been completely crippled. Labour has made good its threat to commence an indefinite nationwide strike to protest government insensitivity to its plight and clamour for wage review. This moment has been long coming, taking into account recent federal government economic policies which impacts have been skewed againts the suffering mass of Nigerians. From the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, liberalization of the foreign exchange to the recent hike in electricity tariff and and aborted cybersecurity levy. Most of these reforms are mass focused and have had acute impact on the social and economic wellbeing of poor Nigerians. This has pitched labour unions against the government as organized labour agitate for wage increases and better welfare for their members. But I am one of a few who do not think that the labour is going about its agitations correctly. The protests and strikes so far have been kneejerk reactions that have been largely ineffectual. Put simply, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS CALL FOR NATIONWIDE INDEFINITE STRIKE. My reasons are simple. 1. As already stated, this strike and others before it are largely kneejerk reactions to a fundamental error of policy choice, planning and implementation by government. 2. The strikes are one too many and have a tendency of seeming like one repeating a process and expecting a different outcome. 3. Some are of the opinion that most of the recent strike actions have been about bread and butter issues and nothing about the very important subject of better governance of the society. Here are a few alternatives that labour may want to contemplate if they are desirous of thinking outside the box. 1. Formulate proper critical engagement with the government on sincere cost cutting measures that affect the highest echelons of the public service and governmental agencies. 2. Collaborate with the executive to instigate a downward review of the cost of governance. 3. Encourage the president to prune the size of the cabinet or you partner with the mass public to achieve the same purpose. 4. Let you labour strike not be always about your interests but the wellbeing of the Nigerian masses. These strategies shall assist to endear the labour movement to the Nigerian public and win their confidence and trust. Labour can leverage on such goodwill to escalate activities to achieve desired changes in the political arena.
Nationwide Strike to Go on: Negotiations Between NASS and Labour End in Deadlock
Efforts by the leadership of the National Assembly to mediate between the federal government and Labour unions hit a roadblock as the latter insists on continuing the strike. Despite last-minute discussions, the unions remained adamant in their demand for a ₦494,000 minimum wage while negotiations persist. In a bid to resolve the ongoing impasse between the federal government and Labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly convened a meeting aimed at finding common ground. However, despite extensive deliberations, the parties failed to reach a consensus. Labour unions, represented by their leadership, reiterated their stance that the strike action must continue until their demands are met. Central to their demands is the insistence on a ₦494,000 minimum wage, which they argue is necessary to address the pressing needs of workers across various sectors. Meanwhile, the federal government has expressed its commitment to ongoing negotiations but maintains that any decision regarding the minimum wage must be approached with careful consideration of economic realities and sustainability. The deadlock in negotiations underscores the challenges faced by both parties in finding a balance between addressing the legitimate concerns of workers and ensuring the long-term viability of government policies. As the strike enters its next phase, the impact on essential services and the economy at large is expected to escalate, further underscoring the urgency for a resolution to be reached. With negotiations at an impasse and the strike set to continue, the onus is on both the federal government and Labour unions to redouble their efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution. The welfare of workers and the stability of the economy hang in the balance as stakeholders navigate this challenging period of labor relations.
Indefinite Strike: NASS Makes last Ditch Effort to Avert Strike
In a bid to forestall the impending nationwide indefinite strike by labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly is by now meeting with organized labour in Abuja to avert the strike The meeting, attended by key government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Minister of National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Labour, and the Head of Civil Service, aims to address the deadlock between the Federal Government and labour unions over the issue of a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs. Notable figures present at the meeting include President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, among others. A statement jointly signed by the spokespersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., highlighted the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the announcement by organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024. The National Assembly leadership, represented by President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, recognizing the potential severe repercussions on the populace and economy.
Reps Disown Regional Government Bill
The House of Representatives has disowned a ‘draft bill’ trending online, purportedly for discussion, seeking a return to the regional system of government. Titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, the draft seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” The document which has been trending on social media is said to have been drafted by one Dr Akin Fapohunda, who is neither a lawmaker in the Senate or the House of Representatives; an indication that the said draft legislation is a private bill. The preliminaries of the bill read in part, “Whereas Nigeria, its peoples and government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then military government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of ‘We, the people.’ “Whereas the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People; “Whereas the peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a constitution based on federal/regional system of government. “Whereas the federal and regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the states that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as provinces, divisions and districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance.” Dismissing the draft bill in a telephone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said, “The Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review have confirmed that there is no such bill before them.”