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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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Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

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Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men reportedly went on a rampage in Edo State, attacking a security post at the National Party and destroying several properties in retaliation for the death of a local hunter, Timi Jimoh.

The body of the deceased hunter, Jimoh, was found with a single barrel gun nearby and signs of violence and burns on his body.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when a group of armed individuals, believed to be Ijaw youths from Inikorogha, launched a violent attack on a security post near Okomu National Park.

The group, armed with dangerous weapons, destroyed various properties, including houses, mattresses, doors, windows, plantain crops, and a water tank. This act of destruction came in response to the death of Jimoh, who was found dead on March 29, 2025, with visible signs of violence on his body.

The security outfit was targeted by the attackers in a bid for revenge. Despite the chaos, the armed group fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.

A Police sources said that the authorities have yet to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death, and investigations are ongoing.

According to him, the property destruction has been documented and investigations are underway to track down those responsible.

Armed Men Go on Rampage in Edo, Attack National Park Security Post and Destroy Property Following Hunter’s Death

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National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima

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National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another - VP Shettima

National Unity, Peaceful Coexistence Must Be Our Gift To One Another – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.

The Vice President also called on everyone to support the administration’s ongoing economic reforms, assuring that short-term difficulties would yield long-term benefits for the country.

Speaking on Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during a luncheon with Borno State elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, the Vice President, who spoke through the member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, said there was a need for continued harmony among citizens.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this Eid-El-Fitr. I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians. Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit,” he said.

The Vice President, who arrived in his home state on Sunday evening, urged Nigerians to continue embodying the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.

“Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation,” he said.

VP Shettima enjoined the citizens of Borno State and Nigerians in general to always maintain traits of humility and communal living in line with the teachings of the Holy books, values he described as foundational to national progress.

Also speaking, Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, prayed for lasting peace in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to rally round President Tinubu as the father of the nation, stressing that the President needs the prayers and support of Nigerians, as he implements the good policies he has for the improvement of the economy and overall development of Nigeria.

The Senator urged his constituents to imbibe the attributes of Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying, “His Excellency the Vice President is an epitome of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, integrity, perseverance and above all courage.

“So, I will like my constituents and indeed people of Borno State and Nigerians at large to emulate his virtues. He is a leader and we are proud of his achievements.”

The lawmaker thanked the Vice President for hosting his schoolmates and elders of Borno State in his usual magnanimity and demonstration of love.

“In his usual show of love every festive period, the Vice President extends hands of fellowship to all and sundry from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to Borno Central District and by extension the entire state” he said.

Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,Senator Abubakar Kyari, commended the Vice President for his show of love, especially to the needy, despite his tight schedule.

“When he is in Abuja, his schedule is overwhelming, yet he always finds time for his people. Seeing the joyful faces of his classmates, elders, and other guests at this event is a testament to his character,” Kyari noted.
The Agric Minister said the Vice President’s humility has endeared him to his people, adding that he is a man of good character and extreme humility.

Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Elders Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s hospitality and assured him of continued prayers for success in his duties.

Among the dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, and several of VP Shettima’s former classmates and neighbours in Maiduguri.
End

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SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

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SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

By: Our Reporter

The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.

This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.

The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.

Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.

His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.

In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.

He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.

The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.

Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.

He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.

In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.

He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.

The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state

In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.

He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.

SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar

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