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Be Steadfast, Unwavering in Dispensing Justice, VP Shettima Tells Judiciary

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Be Steadfast, Unwavering in Dispensing Justice, VP Shettima Tells Judiciary

** Says third arm of govt must never submit to blackmail

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has enjoined the nation’s judiciary to remain steadfast in the face of blackmail, saying as custodians of the law, the third arm of government must shun the temptation of tinkering with justice to serve parochial interest.

Specifically, he reminded the judiciary that it is an essential pillar of Nigeria’s sovereign existence because “a nation is only as accountable, fair, and orderly as the people who make, enforce, and interpret its laws”.

The Vice President, who gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday when he officially declared open the maiden Body of Benchers Annual Lecture and public presentation of the report of the directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, cautioned judges and other legal practitioners against yielding to the temptation of tinkering with the law to serve the selfish interests of those he described as agents of anarchy.

“Laws are not mere technicalities; they are the scaffolding of civilisation. Without laws, there is no order. Without order, there is no society. Every time justice is delayed, every time the law is bent to serve the interests of agents of anarchy, and every time institutions waver in the face of blackmail, we erode the very foundation of our nation. And if that foundation crumbles, no matter how high we have built, everything falls apart,” he stated.

Faulting the notion that justice is the wish of the party with the shrillest voice, an impression he referred to as one of the gravest mistakes being made, VP Shettima acknowledged however that the judiciary has lived up to its duty by discouraging such belief, recalling how the court upheld the mandate entrusted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the face of political blackmail.

“In reality, justice is just as essential to the most voiceless individual. It is the clearest affirmation that a nation is not governed by a mob. That is why we recognise that the mandate entrusted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was affirmed by a judiciary that did not yield to the weight of vested interests—a judiciary that understood that the fate of a nation is too sacred to be intimidated by any party or bartered for compromise,” he said.

Senator Shettima observed that while “the foundation of every great nation is built on the ethical sensitivity of the institutions that uphold justice”, it is such moral requirements that prepare judges “to refuse to bend to divisive sentiments and to stand firm against the currents of expediency.

He continued: “This is why the legal profession carries a burden unlike any other. You, my lords, are not just interpreters of the law; you are custodians of justice. But this role is not without its burdens. The expectations are high, and the temptations are many.

“Yet, I urge you, my lords, to remain steadfast. To borrow the words of the eminent jurist Lord Atkin, “Justice is not a cloistered virtue; it must be allowed to suffer the scrutiny of reasonable men.”

The VP reassured the judiciary of President Tinubu’s resolve to maintain cordiality among the three arms of government, adding that the President “has demonstrated that the best way for our tripartite system of government to function is when we do not treat one another as enemies, but as allies dedicated to the republican virtues of the nation and the advancement of our democracy.”

Applauding the Body of Benchers for the launch of its Law Report which, according to him, is a reflection of the “collective commitment to legal scholarship, the preservation of precedent, and the continuous refinement of” the nation’s legal system, Vice President Shettima urged “all legal practitioners to remain true to the ideals of honesty and fairness.

“The legacy we build today will outlive our titles, our offices, and even our ambitions. May we never be remembered as a generation that saw the light of justice dim and did nothing to keep it ablaze,” he added.

In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the Body of Benchers for their foresight and dedication in initiating the annual lecture.

Emphasising ethical practice within the legal profession, the CJN observed that the sanctity of the profession in Nigeria rests solely on the shoulders of the body, even as she expressed hope that the body would rise to the occasion.

She said, “The forum is not only a testament to the progressive evolution of the body but a much-needed platform for intellectual engagement for practical and introspective reflection on the role of the body of benchers within the legal profession.

“It is gratifying to note that this annual event was conceived to serve multiple purposes including illuminating the workings of the body of benchers both nationally and internationally to foster greater understanding of its critical role in legal practice and professional discipline.”

In his keynote address titled, “Half-a-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria,” former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said the annual lecture of the Body of Benchers is a golden moment to start a new journey for the Nigerian Legal system by demonstrating that there are internal self-correcting mechanisms that ensure that the dispensation of justice is speedy, credible and reliable.

He emphasised the significance of character formation and self-discipline in maintaining dignity in the legal profession in Nigeria, urging the Body of Benchers to rise to the occasion, open itself up for criticisms and rescue the profession from unethical conduct in the interest of the country’s development.

In a goodwill message, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, paid glowing tributes to legal luminaries across the county, recounting his personal experience in Ondo State, which he said has strengthened his resolve and confidence in the rule of law in Nigeria and the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

He encouraged stakeholders in the legal profession to see their roles as custodians of justice, which must be evolving to meet the modern era, especially as they carry immense responsibilities of preserving the integrity of the legal profession.

On her part, the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stressed the important role played by the Body of Benchers in the advancement of the legal profession and in shaping the direction of practice and upholding the rule of law in the country.

She said the legal landscape in Nigeria and beyond is continuously evolving and requires all stakeholders to keep pace with the changes by addressing observable challenges, especially in the enforcement of the code of practice and maintaining the highest level of integrity.

Speaking on the significance of the Body of Benchers Annual Lecture, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), said aside from providing a platform for introspection on changes in society, especially those occasioned by technological innovation and expanding boundaries of human rights and its enforcement, the annual lecture would contribute immensely to finding solutions to contemporary challenges affecting the foundation of the legal profession in Nigeria and beyond.

He also urged stakeholders to particularly reflect on the declining quality of lawyers being produced in the country, which according to him, is impacting negatively on the profession and sparking debates as to whether a law degree should be a second degree in the university programme.

There were goodwill messages from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam-Osigwe, and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Mary Peter- Odili, among others.

The high point of the event was the public presentation of the report of the directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee by the Vice President.

Be Steadfast, Unwavering in Dispensing Justice, VP Shettima Tells Judiciary

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Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

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Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the state is an undisputed stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remains loyal to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor made the assertion on Monday during flag-off of the APC Northeast e-registration workshop in Maiduguri.

The occasion, which brought together national party leadership, state executives, local government chairmen, and members of the national and state assemblies, was convened to ensure the party’s membership e-registration exercise as part of the digital reform process.

Governor Zulum, addressing the gathering, said, “I want to assure you that the Government of Borno State under my leadership will provide the desired support to ensure the success of the APC membership e-registration exercise in the north east.”

“Our party members in other states governed by other political parties will be supported to get captured.”

Zulum further stated, “Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind, Borno State is 100% for the APC. Our loyalty to the party and its leadership is absolute,” Governor Zulum declared.

“Let us be frank and remember our recent history. Before the APC came to power, Borno State was on its knees. Our local governments were under siege, our economy was shattered, and our people were living in fear.”

“But look at where we are today. The narrative is shifting, and this shift is due to the relentless efforts and massive support from the APC-led federal government.”

“From the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, we received unprecedented support in our fight against terrorism. We witnessed the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has played a crucial role in rebuilding our communities and infrastructure.”

“Now, under our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this support has not wavered; it has been strengthened. The President has shown a deep commitment to the final restoration of peace in Borno and the entire North-East. The Federal Government is actively collaborating with our administration to ensure the safe resettlement of our people and the rebuilding of their livelihoods.”

“The evidence is clear for all to see. The APC government at the federal level has been a true partner in our journey from the storm to normalcy. For the first time, our son became the Vice President of Nigeria under the APC.”

“I wish to reiterate my call to the good people of Borno State to join me in supporting the re-election of President Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections. Let us begin to build that momentum now. Let us work together to ensure his visionary leadership continues to guide our nation forward,” Zulum said.

Borno belong to APC, Zulum affirms party supremacy, says we are for Tinubu

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Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

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Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

By: Zagazola Makama

The newly coronated Hausa Monarch of Makurdi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Rayanu Sangami, has died after a brief illness.

According to the sources, Alhaji Sangami died on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State.

His remains were conveyed to Makurdi the same day and buried at about 11:20 a.m. according to Islamic rites.

The late monarch was coronated as the Sarkin Hausawa of Makurdi on Sept. 20, 2025.

Newly coronated Hausa monarch of Makurdi dies after brief illness

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MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

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MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

…Says Action, Genocide Against the Poor

By: Michael Mike

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOT!ON) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alleged ongoing state-sponsored brutality and unlawful demolition of homes in Oworonsoki, Lagos.

The organisation, in a statement on Monday signed by Hauwa Mustapha and Chris Isiguzo, Convener and Co-Convener respectively, said reports confirmed that in the early hours of Sunday, armed policemen and hired thugs invaded the community, teargassed residents, and destroyed homes in defiance of a subsisting court injunction, adding that this brazen contempt for the rule of law, and disregard for human life and dignity, marks yet another dark chapter in the Lagos State Government’s deliberate war against the poor.

The statement read: “This is more disheartening against the fact that the world bank in October 2025 declared Nigeria to be home to 139 million people living in extreme poverty in its report.

One would have thought that the Nigerian government are collectively working hard to lift people out of poverty, unfortunately, the Lagos state government has allowed private interest to override public interest in complete defiance to an existing court order.”

It reminded that: “Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nation Convention on Human Rights. According to United Nation’s definition, forced evictions is the permanent or temporary removal against their will of individuals, families and/or communities from the homes and/or land which they occupy, without the provision of, and access to, appropriate forms of legal or other protection.

“And article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states that the States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent.

“At the time of this press statement, over 7,000 housing units have already been lost in the Oworonsoki community- a home to the middle class and poorest office poor in Lagos state, with families, pregnant women, children, and the elderly rendered homeless overnight. This is the height of abuse of human rights, cruel treatment of the poor and brazen disregard for the rule of law.

“We want to state clearly that it is irresponsible for the Lagos State government to discard these structures as “illegal structures.” These are people’s lives, built over decades of labour, community, and love. To tear them down without dialogue, compensation, or relocation is not urban development. The Lagos State government is carrying out a social cleansing and a genocide against poor people.

“The government’s actions violate not only the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which makes the welfare of the citizens, including their housing welfare, the responsibility of the government, but also violate the basic principles of humanity and justice. When the state becomes the destroyer of homes rather than their protector, it ceases to be legitimate in the eyes of the people, and utterly useless.

We, therefore, demand an immediate cessation of all demolition activities involving the houses of the Nigerian people in Oworonshoki and across Lagos State, and across Nigeria, immediately. We demand full compliance with the court injunction issued by Justice A.G. Balogun, and an independent investigation into the involvement of armed police and hired thugs in the attack on residents.

“We demand a commensurate compensation and emergency housing for all displaced families, and a public apology and accountability from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Task Force leadership.

“MOT!ON stands with the displaced residents of Oworonshokiand every Nigerian community facing the tyranny of forced evictions and state violence. The struggle for transformation begins in the defense of ordinary lives against the machinery of greed and impunity.

“If the government insists on destroying homes under the cover of “development,” the people must insist on building a country where justice, not bulldozers, shapes our cities. We demand that the government stop the demolitions now. Stop the violence now. Return the people’s homes now!”

MOTiON is a collective force of Nigerians from mass democratic organisations, workers’ organisations, pro-democracy movements, movements for social justice, women groups, citizens groups, NGOs, academia, students and youth groups, and climate action groups. We are a movement of movements channeling shared anger, frustration and aspirations of Nigerians into purposeful action. Through concerted, strategic effort, we are engaging in citizens’ actions to address and overcome the root causes of Nigeria’s current state: elite capture, ineffective leadership, institutional corruption, insecurity, and the pervasive culture of impunity.

MOTION Condemns Demolition of Homes in Oworonsoki

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