Court Gives Two Kano Judges 48 Hours To Resign
Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court has instructed Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf, judges of Kano State High Court, to step down from their positions as chairmen of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets as well as Political Violence and Missing Persons within 48 hours. The National Judicial Council (NJC), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Attorney General of Kano State, Justices Faruk Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf are defendants in the case. In a ruling on Thursday in a case brought by former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Justice Amobeda stated that the NJC should halt payment of any remuneration, allowances and benefits to the two judges from the consolidated revenue fund if they do not comply with the order. Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had on April 4 inaugurated the two judicial commissions of inquiry under the chairmanship of Justices Adamu and Yusuf to investigate cases of misappropriation of public properties, political violence and cases of missing persons from 2015 to 2023. Justice Amobeda directed that the judges should refrain from carrying out the executive functions assigned to them by the governor in courtrooms designated for adjudicating disputes between individuals and authorities in the state. The judge held that “The combined effects of sections 6, 84, 153(1), 271(2), 272 together with paragraph 21(c) of part 1 of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the 4th and 5th defendants (Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf) are not legally permitted, “while purporting to hold the office of a judge of high court of Kano State, to accept appointments as chairmen of commission of inquiry with quasi-judicial powers equivalent to that of a Magistrate and subject to review by a judge of the High court of Kano State.” The court ruled that the governor lacked the authority to appoint and administer the oath of office for individuals to serve as chairmen of a commission of inquiry, a position designated for commissioners exercising executive powers. The court emphasized that Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman’s ruling, which stated that only the EFCC and the ICPC have the jurisdiction to investigate the former governor, deems it an abuse of power and a violation of judicial integrity for the governor to establish a commission of inquiry to probe the plaintiff’s administration. Nevertheless, the court dismissed the plaintiff’s counsel’s argument that the judges compromised their judicial roles by participating in the judicial commission of inquiry.
Surprise: Governor gifts Corpers N320 million, 600 bags of rice, 20 cows
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has donated 600 bags of rice and 20 cows to the corps members posted to the state. This donation fulfills the pledge Governor Bago made on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch ”B” Stream One orientation course. The Coordinator of the NYSC in Niger State, Olayinka Abdulwahab, confirmed that the items were delivered on Thursday. Additionally, the governor promised N200,000 to each of the 1,600 corps members in this batch, totaling N320 million. According to Bago, this gesture aims to enhance the corps members’ comfort and encourage them to remain in the state after completing their service year. Mr Bago equally promised to sink five boreholes and provide additional toilet facilities at both the male and female hostels. Mrs Abdulwahab noted that she had taken delivery of the 600 bags of rice and 20 cows, adding that the items were received with great elation by both corps members and camp officials. She said the process for the payment of the N200.000 for each of the corps members was ongoing, while the survey for the five boreholes and the toilets had commenced. The coordinator said the donation of the items would help mitigate the challenges faced by corps members during the orientation exercises.
BREAKING: Many feared dead as two-storey building collapses in Anambra market
A building has collapsed at Eke Amawbia Market in Awka, Anambra State, leaving many feared dead. The tragic incident happened at about 12 noon on Thursday, causing panic in the area. Eyewitnesses report that a two-storey shop building suddenly crumbled, burying numerous vegetable traders beneath the debris. As of press time, DAILY POST learnt that one person has been rescued and rushed to Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical attention, but many more are believed to be trapped inside the wreckage. A large contingent of police officers has arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and maintain order. Traders, who witnessed the collapse, blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised. The rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency responders working tirelessly to search for survivors amid the rubble The atmosphere at the market is tense, with onlookers anxiously waiting for news of loved ones feared trapped in the building. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but promised to release a statement soon. As the rescue efforts continue, the death toll remains uncertain, but fears are mounting that the tragedy may have claimed multiple lives. The Amawbia Market, a bustling commercial hub, has been plunged into mourning, with traders and residents struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss. The incident has raised questions about the safety of buildings in the area, sparking concerns about potential risks to occupants.
Governor declares Monday public holiday
The Oyo State Government has declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a work-free day in commemoration of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1446AH. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government acknowledged the significance of Hijrah in the lives of its Muslim residents. “Monday, July 8, 2024, has been declared a work-free day to mark the Hijrah, which signifies Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD,” Oyelade said. The commissioner emphasised that this day is a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community. He called on all residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria. Oyelade urged everyone to reflect on the teachings of Hijrah and to come together in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood. “The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer, and community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in our state and our nation,” he added.
WHO gives first-ever guideline for quitting tobacco
The World Health Organisation has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco cessation interventions, including behavioural support delivered by healthcare providers, digital cessation interventions, and pharmacological treatments in its first guideline on tobacco cessation. The guideline released on Wednesday focuses on helping the more than 750 million tobacco users who want to quit all forms of tobacco. The recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and Heated Tobacco Products. “This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products,” said the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. “It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.” Over 60 per cent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users – more than 750 million people – wish to quit, yet 70 per cent lack access to effective cessation services. This gap exists due to challenges faced by health systems, including resource limitations. “The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction,” said the Director of Health Promotion at WHO, Dr Rüdiger Krech. “These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.” The global health body noted that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions significantly increases quitting success rates. Countries are encouraged to provide these treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments for tobacco cessation. In 2023, WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products against disorders caused by tobacco use to improve global access to recommended tobacco cessation medications. In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT product. WHO recommends behavioural interventions, including brief health worker counselling (30 seconds to three minutes) offered routinely in health-care settings, alongside more intensive behavioural support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users. “Additionally, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programmes can be used as adjuncts or self-management tools. “WHO encourages healthcare providers, policy-makers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement this guideline to promote tobacco cessation and improve the health of millions of people in need worldwide,” it added.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Flooding in Ibeju-Lekki
Residential areas and major roads in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, have been inundated by floods following several hours of heavy rainfall in recent days. The downpour, which persisted for many hours on Wednesday, resulted in significant flooding in residential areas across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding locations such as Epe, Eredo, Bogije, Labora, Abijon, Sangotedo, Awoyaya, and others. Residents attributed the flooding to the blockage of waterways caused by indiscriminate dumping of waste in the localities. Rasheed Ayobami, a resident of Labora, Ibeju-Lekki, described how his house was submerged due to the absence of a functional drainage system at his new residence. “The water flowed into my compound and completely submerged my house. We live in an area without proper drainage, forcing water into our homes and leaving us homeless,” he lamented. Seyi Arowosaye voiced concerns over perennial flooding on the Ibeju-Lekki Expressway, attributing it to blocked drains in the area. “We urge the Ibeju-Lekki local government to clear the drains and implore residents to stop dumping waste in the drainage system to prevent future flooding,” Arowosaye urged. He also called on the Lagos State government to expedite road repairs in Sangotedo. Bola Fadugba highlighted the impact of the flooding in Labora, emphasizing the urgent need for a lasting solution to the recurring flood challenges in the area. “Floods have made my house inhabitable during the rainy season. Many parts of the metropolis are affected. The government must find a lasting solution to this perennial problem,” Fadugba insisted. The flooding also affected key roads such as Abraham Adesanya, Awoyaya, Sangotedo, and Majek, exacerbated by ongoing road rehabilitation works in the locality.
98 Lawyers Shortlisted For SAN Rank -LPPC
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 Lawyers and Professors of Law for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The shortlisted applicants were in two categories of Advocacy and Academia. Among the names shortlisted are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers – Monday Onyekachi Ubani Esq, Kunle Edun Esq, Dr. Rapulu Nduka Esq and Stanley Imo Esq. Also, shortlisted is the chairman of NBA, Bwari Branch, Paul Daudu Esq and notable Abuja-based lawyer, Okey Ajunwa Esq. This was contained in a press statement issued in Abuja by the Secretary of LPPC, Harjo Sarki Bello, on Tuesday night. The statement read: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) by this Notice announces the shortlisting of applicants for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the year 2024. “The shortlisted applicants in the two categories of Advocacy and Academia. “Among shorlisted are Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Esq, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Esq.Johnson Odionu, Esq., Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Esq., Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Esq., Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Esq., Adamu Abubakar, Esq and Charles Oyaole Musa, Esq. “Others are Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, Esq., David Dare Onietan, Esq., Elele Chinatu Casmir, Esq., Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Esq., Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Esq., Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Esq, Moses Kolade Obafemi, Esq, and Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Esq. Baba Fika Dalah, Esq. “Among those in the academia are Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion, Prof. Collins Chijioke Obioma and Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo. “Also, in the list are Prof. Augustine Robert Agom, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan, Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu and Prof. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke.” The LPPC, however, called on the general public to comment on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the shortlisted applicants. “Every complaint(s) must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a Superior Court of Record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and be in twenty (20) copies. “For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process,” LPPC added.
Reps Introduces Bill to Create New State “Etiti” in South-East Nigeria
A bill to amend the 1999 Constitution with the aim to create an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone has successfully passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. Titled “A Bill to alter the 1999 Constitution as amended to create additional state in the South-East geo-political zone called Etiti,” the bill was introduced by Rep. Amobi Ogah (LP-Abia) along with co-sponsors Rep. Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo), Rep. Kama Nkemkama, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu. The proposed Etiti state state shall encompass communities currently part of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. It is planned to comprise 11 Local Government Areas with its administrative headquarters located in Lokpanta. Key amendments sought in the bill include changes to three sections of the 1999 constitution. These amendments aim to replace the reference to “36 states” with “37 states” and to insert the state of Etiti immediately after Enugu in the list of states outlined in the Constitution. Furthermore, the bill proposes reassigning 11 local government areas currently belonging to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states to the new state of Etiti. The local government areas affected by this proposal include Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi (Abia), Orumba North and Orumba South (Anambra), Ivo and Ohaozara (Ebonyi), Aninri, Agwu, and Oji River (Enugu), as well as Okigwe and Onuimo (Imo). The bill is expected to undergo further readings and deliberations in the House of Representatives before potentially being passed into law, pending broader legislative and public scrutiny.
‘We Are In A State Of War’ — Army On Borno Suicide Bombings
The Nigerian Army has declared that the recent bombings in Borno State signify that Nigeria is slipping into a state of war. This was revealed in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Tuesday. He recounted the tragic events that led to multiple deaths in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State over the weekend. Buba detailed the terror attacks, which involved multiple Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIED), commonly known as suicide bombings, all occurring on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The first attack happened around 3:00 PM, when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, detonated an explosive device at a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street. Shortly after, around 5:00 PM, as efforts were underway to stabilize and transport the initial casualties to the hospital, a second female suicide bomber detonated another device on the same street, close to the first explosion site. In response, troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to keep residents indoors and prevent further casualties. However, while enforcing the curfew, a third explosion targeted the troops. “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third woman strapped with an IED vest, killing a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces,” Buba explained. A fourth incident was averted when a suspect was identified early and detonated the bomb prematurely, resulting in only her death. In total, 20 people were killed, and 52 sustained various injuries and are receiving treatment. Buba emphasized that the armed forces regard every life lost, whether civilian or military, as a significant tragedy. “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for society, the community, and the nation,” he said. On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa, and all officers and members of the armed forces, Buba extended condolences to the victims’ families and those needing healing and recovery. He explained that the terrorists’ actions are a response to recent military successes that have weakened their leadership, resources, and influence. “The terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline,” Buba noted. He urged citizens to see through the terrorists’ tactics and remain vigilant and united, supporting the armed forces’ efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful future. “The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short, as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” Buba concluded.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Team Reacts As Court Dismisses IPOB Leader’s Suit Against FG, DSS
The legal counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has rubbished the recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed his client’s case against the federal government. Ejimakor said, contrary to the court’s ruling, the IPOB leader’s legal team had presented a legion of evidence to back their claims. Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the fundamental human rights suit filed by the detained IPOB leader against the Federal Government. Kanu had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Service (DSS) for N1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations. The IPOB leader, in the suit marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, claimed that the DSS and its Director General violated his right to a fair hearing by allegedly preventing his lawyers from having unhindered interactions with him while he was being detained in preparation for his defence in his criminal trial. However, Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment on the suit on Monday, held that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to sustain his claims that his interactions with his lawyers were interfered with. The judge also said there was no evidence that Kanu was denied unhindered access to his lawyers or that the DSS officials had eavesdropped his conversations with his lawyers, which constituted a breach of his right to a fair hearing. Reacting, however, to the court’s ruling, Ejimakor vowed to appeal Justice Omotosho’s ruling. According to him, some of the shreds of evidence presented before the court are even in the public domain. “I am already preparing the notice of appeal. The evidence submitted before the court was legion. Some of it is even in the public domain,” Ejimakor told Daily Post on Tuesday