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National Justice Summit: Tinubu demands performance, challenge Judiciary to take the leadp

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2024

National Justice Summit: Tinubu demands performance, challenge Judiciary to take the lead

* As leaders seek system that provides justice for all
…Akpabio wants ruling in interlocutory appeals reserved till conclusion of suit
…. curbing of misuse of exparte order

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian leaders on Wednesday has called for the enthronement of an effective justice sector that would guarantee quality and speedy dispensation of justice in the country.

Leaders who spoke at the opening of a two-day National Summit on Justice include President Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and representatives of the European Union, United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and others.

The event is been organized in collaboration with the European Union funded RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA.

Declaring the summit open, Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima, reiterated his committed to ensuring that the justice system in Nigeria is not just working but meets the aspiration of the people.

He said to that effect his administration upon coming on board has been working hand in hand with the Judiciary to uproot identified challenges in the sector.

While stating that the key challenge is how to address the claim that the justice sector is not responsive, he appealed to leaders of other arms of government to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

According to him, immediately he assumed office, he moved to harmonize the retirement age of judicial officers and made the welfare of the Judiciary a priority.

Besides stating that the funding for the Judiciary was double by a 100%, the president disclosed that he recently approved a substantial improvement in the salaries of judges, which is pending at the National Assembly.

The president, who observed that the Judiciary has recorded some commendable achievements especially with the Child Rights Act and reform in the Correctional service, however emphasized the need for an effective justice system that would provide justice for all.

He specifically charged leaders in the justice sector to seek for new directions and “find solutions to problems facing the sector”.

He also challenged participants at the summit to come up with policies that serve the needs of all citizens both now and in the future, adding that there must be a concerted effort towards improving public trust in the sector.

While demanded performance from the sector, so as to provide a fair and just system for all, he assured that he will not interfere with the Judiciary, adding that he will continue to work with the bar and bench in ensuring Nigerians enjoy the dividend of democracy.

Also speaking, Akpabio observed that the summit is not just a forum for discussion but a call to action, adding that expert’s recommendations must be translated into effective policies that will address not only current inefficiencies but also future challenges.

“I will not be telling the truth if I say that we at the National Assembly are not aware of the delays and backlogs plaguing our courts, which not only deny timely justice but undermine faith in our judicial system”, he said.

According to him these delays harm society’s most vulnerable and create an environment where justice is seen as inaccessible and inefficient.

The Senate President subsequently called for urgent reform in the approach of interlocutory appeals in civil cases. “Currently, these appeals often cause unnecessary delays, prolonging litigation and burdening our courts. As was done in the criminal jurisprudence during the enactment of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, we propose that all appeals in civil cases should be taken only after the conclusion of the substantive case.

“This change will accelerate judicial processes, reduce backlog, and ensure that litigations are not unduly prolonged by intermediate appeals”, he added.

Another area Akpabio also claimed requires urgent reform is the need for obtaining the Attorney General’s consent before executing judgments. He observed that the requirement often acts as a bottleneck, delaying justice and undermining the autonomy of the judicial system.

To that extent the legislators are proposing a replacement of the requirement for the Attorney General’s consent with a mandatory notification system.

He said, “Upon receiving a judgment against the government, the relevant authorities will notify the Attorney General immediately in writing.

Following the notification, the Attorney General will have a specified period, say 30 days, to respond. The response could involve initiating an appeal or settling the matter directly. This timeline ensures prompt action and prevents undue delays in justice delivery.

“If there is no response from the Attorney General within this period, the judgment will be executed automatically. This measure is crucial to prevent stalling and ensure that judgments are respected and enforced in a timely manner. In cases where the judgment comes from a final court, the option to appeal is not available.

“Therefore, the Attorney General’s response would be primarily directed towards settlement. This approach ensures that the government acts responsibly as a litigant and respects the decisions of our highest court in the land”.

He claimed that reforms like this foster trust in the justice system and improve the overall efficiency of legal proceedings involving the government.

Another area he sought reform is the misuse of ex parte orders in political cases by judges. He said to curb it, it is imperative that the National Judicial Council (NJC) exercises stringent oversight and met out decisive punishment for judges who are found to abuse their authority in this manner.

“We further propose that the NJC establish clear and detailed standards governing the issuance of ex parte orders, accompanied by a defined set of sanctions for violations. These sanctions should be severe enough to serve as a deterrent against future abuses

“We recommend that the NJC should conduct regular audits and reviews of ex parte orders issued by judges to ensure compliance with established standards. This proactive approach will help in identifying patterns of abuse early and in administering corrective measures promptly.

“In addition to punitive measures, we also emphasize the importance of ongoing training and education for judges on the ethical and responsible use of judicial discretion in issuing ex parte orders”, he added.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria,CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, lamented that justice is still a far reality for most Nigerians, and has therefore called for a critical look at the legal framework with a view of making necessary reforms.

Meanwhile, Ariwoola urged that the judiciary must leverage on technological innovation in order to address issues of corruption, inefficiency, and undue influence.

The CJN said that the judiciary under his watch, has recorded a significant milestone.

Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the justice sector under his watch will continue to push for mutuality in the formation and implementation of the national policy on justice.

According to him, the policy seeks to improve mechanisms for fair and speedy dispensation of justice; detention and correctional services; restorative justice; alternative dispute resolution (ADR) — developing Nigeria into an arbitration hub on the continent; commerce and economic activities; compliance with treaty obligations; synergy and cooperation across the justice sector; and independence of the judiciary; among others.

“Regarding the emphasis on strengthening the independence and welfare of the judiciary, it is to be recalled that one of the cardinal items on the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration is to drive judicial reforms to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth and investment, facilitated by the rule of law, and to address the challenges militating against judicial development in our country..

“One key theme that has been added to the National Policy on Justice is Justice for Children. This is in line with our commitments under various inter national, regional and national instruments on protection of children consistent with the guiding principles on the best interest and welfare of the child. The idea is to adopt deliberate and strategic interventions for dealing with children in contact with the law” he added.

Also speaking, National Programme Manager, RoLAC II, International IDEA, Danladi Plang, observed that quality reform would attract the much needed Foreign Direct Investment to grow the economy.

According to him investors would not want to come to a country where their money would be tied down. “When you go to litigation they ask somebody to pay money into the court until the case is determined. We have cases that have gone up to 10 years. No investor would want to come to a country like that.

“So improving the efficiency of the justice system is important not only for commercial cases but also for criminals, we have seen many people detained for a very long time because their case has not been heard”.

National Justice Summit: Tinubu demands performance, challenge Judiciary to take the lead

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VP Shettima: Hajiya Sutura Shagari Will Be Remembered For Her Selflessness, Compassion

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima: Hajiya Sutura Shagari Will Be Remembered For Her Selflessness, Compassion

Leads FG delegation on condolence visit to the late former president’s family in Sokoto

By: Michael Mike

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described the passing of Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President Shehu Shagari as a huge loss to Nigeria, saying she will be remembered for her life of compassionate and selfless service to her community and the nation at large.

Senator Shettima spoke on Sunday when he led the Federal Government delegation to condole with the Shagari family over the demise of the matriarch of the Shagari family in their residence in Sokoto State.

Announcing the death of the last surviving wife of the former President, a statement signed by the eldest son of the former President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari, had noted that the late Hajiya Sutura died at about 3pm on Monday, November 10, 2025, after a prolonged illness at the age of 79.

Commiserating with the Shagari family in Sokoto, the Vice President who said he was in the state at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prayed for the repose of Hajiya Sutura’s soul, as well as comfort for the family and the Sultanate.

“We are here at the instance of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to condole with the government and people of Sokoto State, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and the immediate family of our late President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, over the sad event of the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajia Sutura Aliyu Usman Shagari,” he stated.

Vice President Shettima also prayed Almighty Allah to reward the departed with Aljannah Firdaus, as well as the fortitude for the immediate family, Sokoto State and the entire nation to bear the loss.

“May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family and the good people of Sokoto and the nation as a whole, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he prayed.

Earlier, the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, thanked the Vice President for the show of love and concern about not only the Shagari family but the entire Sokoto State.

“The visit is a gesture which speaks volumes for having you in our midst today. Distinguished audience, you may recall that the Vice President has been here almost, I can say, four times since the inception of our administration. This is a show of love and the concern.

“We thank you most sincerely; we thank you for your coming. We pray Allah to give you sound health, and to give you courage to continue the good work you are doing for this great country,” the Governor told VP Shettima.

Also, leader of the Shagari family and District Head of Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari (rtd), thanked the Vice President for leading the Federal Government’s delegation to condole with the family.

He said it was a great honour having the Federal Government’s delegation sent by President Tinubu to condole with the Shagari family in their moment of grief, even as he also thanked the state Governor for taking care of the Shagari family.

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Works, Senator Bello Mohammed Goronyo; former Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Mohammed Adoke, and former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, among other senior government officials.

VP Shettima: Hajiya Sutura Shagari Will Be Remembered For Her Selflessness, Compassion

News

Duke of Edinburgh Visits Nigeria to Host Series of Events, Meets Tinubu

Published

14 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Duke of Edinburgh Visits Nigeria to Host Series of Events, Meets Tinubu

By: Michael Mike

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is expected in the country to host a series of events in Lagos, Nigeria from 17 – 23 November 2025 to champion the expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award across the world.

He is also expected to meet President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, and get involved in some other activities at the nation’s capital.

According to a statement on Sunday, Prince Edward, as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, will convene almost 200 young people from more than 50 countries over the week, alongside hundreds of leaders delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award globally, policymakers, and representatives from global youth movements.

Young people will take part in an intensive three-day youth leadership programme, before taking part in the International Award’s triennial Forum focused on expanding access to the Award globally.

Last year almost 1.2 million young people in more than 130 countries took part in the Award. While young people in the UK make up around half of all participants, Kenya has the second-highest number of young people involved in the Award. In Nigeria – where this week’s events are taking place – participation has surged by 37% in the past year, reflecting increasing interest across West Africa.

On the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award turning 70 next year, new analysis about the global impact of the Award shows that the social value generated by young people completing the Award in the last year has exceeded £1 billion for the first time. The social value is calculated through a robust methodology developed by PWC quantifying the impact of volunteering, improved mental and physical health, and social cohesion.

The Award has gained increasing momentum in recent years, as the likes of the World Bank, World Economic Forum and International Labor Organisation have placed strong emphasis on skills developed beyond the classroom, such as teamwork, communication skills, resilience and problem-solving.

Over the course of the week the Duke of Edinburgh will meet the President of Nigeria in Abuja, convene senior ministers and international development agencies in Lagos to foster deeper collaboration on non-formal education and take part in major events hosted by the Governor of Lagos and the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos.

Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award worldwide, Mr. Martin Houghton-Brown, commented that: “More and more young people across the world are taking on the challenge of the Award, and embracing learning outside the classroom. Through smartphones and AI, young people can access the world’s knowledge in seconds fingertips, but the Award is providing a fresh challenge and helping young people develop the skills that give them the ‘human edge’. From team work to creativity, determination to flexibility, the Award is helping young people across the world become World Ready. Our gathering here in Lagos is focused on significantly increasing opportunities for young people in every country to take on the Award’s challenge and opportunity.”

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award exemplifies the potential of Nigeria’s young people, and that is important because Nigeria’s success matters deeply to the UK. As partners, we share a commitment to empower the next generation, create jobs, and unlock economic potential. We applaud Nigeria’s bold reforms and are optimistic that these plans will remove constraints on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit and help move Nigeria forward. The UK stands ready to work together to drive growth, stability, and prosperity for the benefit of both our countries.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education, empowering young people to develop skills, resilience, and a spirit of service. It is delivered through schools, youth organisations, and community groups worldwide.

Founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, the Award has grown from a UK-based initiative into the world’s most widely recognised youth achievement framework delivered in more than 130 countries and territories, with 1.2 million participants annually. The Award equips young people aged 14 to 24 with essential skills for life and work, including confidence, empathy, teamwork, resilience and leadership, through experiential learning beyond the classroom.

As the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award approaches its 70th anniversary, more than 1,500 young people begin their Award journey every day, engaging in activities from environmental restoration and volunteering to skills development and adventurous journeys.

Duke of Edinburgh Visits Nigeria to Host Series of Events, Meets Tinubu

News

Border Governance: NIS, IOM Strengthen Collaboration

Published

14 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Border Governance: NIS, IOM Strengthen Collaboration

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of its efforts at enhancing border management, has reinforced its collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The collaboration aims to strengthen institutional cooperation for effective migration management and border governance in Nigeria.

At a meeting, held in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Strategic Collaboration for Effective Migration Management and Border Governance.” NIS Zonal Coordinator, ACG Echefulam Anugwa, hailed the partnership as a model for government–international organisation collaboration, commending IOM for its continued support.

Goodwill messages from donor agencies, including the British High Commission, German Consulate, and Dutch Consulate highlighted the importance of leveraging the partnership for improved border governance.

In her keynote address, NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap noted that the engagement offered a strategic opportunity to review NIS–IOM cooperation and chart a roadmap for deeper collaboration towards modernized, technology-driven border management.

She acknowledged IOM’s contribution to institutional reforms, operational capacity enhancement, and policy development, including the National Border Management Strategy.

IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, on his part, commended NIS for its visionary leadership, citing its regional reference status in digital border governance through systems such as MIDAS, e-Border solutions, and enhanced identity management.

He emphasized that the engagement would help identify operational gaps, capacity needs, and areas for impactful interventions in the next phase of NIS–IOM partnership.

The two-day engagement includes high-level presentations and technical sessions, aimed at producing actionable recommendations and a joint roadmap to guide future NIS–IOM collaborations.

The initiative is expected to bolster Nigeria’s leadership in migration management and border governance in West and Central Africa.

During the engagement the two organisations, NIS and IOM issued a communique identifying their key priority areas.

The actionable deliveries on the key priority areas include: Policy & Legislation; Institutional & Capacity Development; Infrastructure Development & Equipment; Migration Management; Border Governance and Legal Identity Solution

Border Governance: NIS, IOM Strengthen Collaboration