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

Published

9 months 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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Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze as the new Head of Service.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment takes effect from March 3, 2025. Dr. Ghuluze succeeds Barrister Malam Fannami, who has retired from service.

Governor Zulum tasked Dr. Ghuluze to leverage his experience to enhance professionalism, discipline, and commitment within the state’s civil service.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ghuluze served as the Permanent Secretary, Administration.

A seasoned administrator and a surgeon, he has held several key positions, including Medical Director at the State Specialist Hospital.

In 2018, he was appointed Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, and in 2020, he became a Permanent Secretary, serving in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

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NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

By: Michael Mike

As part of efforts to equip communities in the Niger Delta with knowledge and skills neccessary for conflict resolution in the region, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a training programme for elders and leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people.

The ongoing five-day training programme which is taking place at Lekki Grand View Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is to empower participants to contribute to nation building through strengthening collaboration for positive impact.

On Monday 3rd February, the training was for the Exco of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) led by President General Worldwide Olorogun, Barrister Ese Game Owe.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented by a senior members of the Board, stressed the importance of training for the elders, saying the idea is to enhance inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmonious growth and development.

Ogbe stated that the idea of the training is to ensure understanding of the leaders to the significance of ethnic coorporation in societal development in the region which mainly produces the oil that is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

According to him, the aim is to engage the leaders on continous engagement for effective societal development.

In his welcome, the facilitator, the Chairman of Excellon Consults Limited and Cervice Energy Services Limited, Chief Bernard Okumagba said, “One of the key functions of the (NCDMB) is to engage in capacity building interventions that would deepen indigenous capabilities. This Leadership Training Programme for the Leadership of our elders and youths of the various ethnic groups is in furtherance of the NCDMB mandate and crucial for promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

“By empowering the Leadership of our elders and youths, the NCDMB under the leadership of Executive Secretary and CEO Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe aims to integrate oil-producing communities into the oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional collaboration and maximizing Nigerian participation.

“This training is also vital for developing indigenous capabilities through human capital development, infrastructure, and local supplier growth.

“The key objectives of the training programme include equipping the Leadership of our Elders and Youths categories with effective leadership, management and decision-making skills; Increase awareness and understanding of NCDMB’s initiatives and policies; and Strengthen relationships between the Leaders, NCDMB, and other stakeholders,” Okumagba stated.

He added that in the next five days, participants will be taken through topics which will include Developing Leadership Competencies, Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, Stakeholders’ Engagements for Societal Development, Strategies for Continuous Leadership and Development, Strategic Collaboration for positive impact.

Others include, Inter-ethnic Cooperation and Co-existence for Harmony, Growth and Development, Financial Management for Business Success amongst others.

The training Programme is being delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

News

Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

…Over 300 Lawyers sensitized on professional conduct

By: Michael Mike

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) with the support of the European Union are working together with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to get Nigeria off the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms.

Nigeria has already been designated as one of the high risk areas of money laundering and terrorism financing.

the Anti-corruption Programme Manager of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC-Phase II) of International IDEA, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, at a two-day sensitization event on the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners in Abuja, said the main essence of this workshop is to get lawyers on board to get Nigeria off the grey list of the Global Financial Action Task Force.

According to him, the taskforce is the global body that monitors financial transactions and the financial risks inherent in different jurisdictions.

He said: “The last evaluations of Nigeria’s risk clearly says Nigeria is one of the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms which underscores the challenges Nigeria is currently facing today and therefore, they’ve made a handful of recommendations necessary to get Nigeria out of that high level vulnerability to this risks.

“While those risks subsists and Nigeria remains on this grey list, there would be very limited confidence in Nigeria, being able to participate with other global countries that mean well. That’s why you will be surprised, when you want to use your debit card on an international website, it is not recognised.

“Other jurisdictions don’t honour our financial instruments because they think working with us exposes them to the same risks of money laundering, terrorism financing amd all that you see with kidnapping and proliferation of small arms.”

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, said the ability of lawyers to adhere to the highest ethical standards in giving services to the people is very important.

He said even if it’s one lawyer that runs foul of our Rules of Professional Conduct, it worries us.

“While we may not achieve 100 percent compliance level, we want to instill confidence in the public that we are interested in ensuring that members of the public adhere to the highest standard.

“”We will also ensure that those who violate their Rules of Professional Conduct are brought to book because that’s the only way we can show the society that we have the capacity and the willingness to weed out those who give us a bad name”.

The Head of Programme, RoLAC II, International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang, at the event said the importance of seeking to increase transparency and accountability of anti-corruption systems and reforms cannot be overemphasised as it is regarded as fundamental to sustaining a democratic system of government.

Plang who was represented by the State Project Coordinator, Abia State, RoLAC II
Mr Peter Omenka, said the democratic system of governance comprises a network of interdependent actors and the performance of each actor is affected by the performance of others.

He stated: “Within the system, the legal practitioners are recognised to generally work to support progressive ideals whereby lawyers are expected to be sensitive and create a process to which democracy can flourish.

“It is relatively fair to acknowledge the unique role that lawyers’ play in the protection of rule of law within a limited sphere.

“The legal profession is often regarded as a catalyst for progressive reforms within the legal and societal frameworks of a nation. Legal professionals serve as the architects of the legal system, playing a pivotal role in refining and sustaining the democratic structures of governance. “

The Head of Programme further stated that the ” issues such as misrepresentation of facts, fraud, exploitation of legal loopholes, deceit, and intimidation have marred the integrity of the profession. These unethical practices pose a significant threat to the legal system and must be addressed before they undermine its foundation. In Nigeria, instances of professional misconduct frequently go unchallenged, suggesting a more widespread prevalence of such behavior.”

“Over the years, there has been an increasing societal focus on the ethical conduct of legal professionals, emphasizing the protection of individuals, clients, the courts, fellow practitioners, and the legal profession itself.”

According to him, the “ growing concern underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in law. In response to this, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Chairman of the General Council of the Bar undertook a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2007), aiming to address global malpractice concerns and to ensure that the conduct of legal professionals reflects the highest ethical standards.

“Every society influences its ethical disciplinary culture and ensuring fairness and consistency in a disciplinary procedure promotes a progressive societal value for the public. It fosters positive cultures, encourages a fair and transparent approach to societal goals that promotes confidence and trust. What remains unenforceable and has limited the discipline of erring lawyers is the disciplinary procedure and this gap within the legal community remains a major challenge for the noble profession.”

Earlier, the Communications Officer, International IDEA, Mukhtar Suleiman
in a media advisory, said the two-day national sensitization event, scheduled to take place in Abuja, will serve as a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, with participants from all 130 NBA branches, including branch chairpersons and leaders of the Young Lawyers’ Forum.
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Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing