News
NBA, EU to Provide Free Legal Services to Ikorodu Residents
NBA, EU to Provide Free Legal Services to Ikorodu Residents
By: Michael Mike
To ensure that Nigerians have access to legal services regardless of their financial or social status, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), is supporting the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in providing free legal advice and services to residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
As part of a sensitisation walk to commemorate this year’s Independence Day on October 1st, the NBA Ikorodu branch is partnering with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) to raise awareness about human rights issues, particularly those related to domestic violence, child rights, disability rights, and general human rights provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The EU, through its Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, implemented by IIDEA, is ensuring that volunteer lawyers from both the public and private sectors can provide these free legal aid services. The initiative also aims to protect citizens’ rights while advocating for good governance, accountability, and a corrupt-free government structure.
Speaking about the sensitisation walk, Bayo Akinlade, Convener of the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN), explained that, aside from participating in the walk, volunteer lawyers visited police detention facilities in the Ikorodu community, and spoke with inmates, offering free legal services to those in need.
He said, “Nigeria is 64, and because access to justice remains out of reach for most Nigerians, we as legal practitioners in Ikorodu believe that education and enlightenment are fundamental tools to help people understand how to access justice. In giving back to the community, we sought support from the European Union through IIDEA to deliver this service.”
“We also visited suspects who had been arrested by the police for various reasons. We will be providing them with free legal services to secure their bail or ensure that they are arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction within the constitutional time frames.”
Akinlade described the initiative as a “great opportunity” to provide free legal services, especially to those in the lowest levels of society who cannot afford professional legal advice.
“It is very important that lawyers have support to undertake this kind of walk. I am glad that the EU and IIDEA have stepped in.”
Speaking about the initiative, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, State Project Coordinator, RoLAC, said, “RoLAC is dedicated to making justice accessible to the most vulnerable in society, including women, children, juveniles, persons with disabilities, and victims of sexual and gender-based violence. We strive to ensure that every individual can seek and receive justice without barriers.
“Today, we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to remove legal and institutional barriers that prevent vulnerable groups from accessing justice, ensuring they have equal opportunities to be heard and protected.”
According to Olawumi Adeola, Chairperson of the NBA, Ikorodu branch, “For six years now, we have been involved in promoting the rights of the vulnerable and less privileged in the society. We move from one community to another, and carry out outreaches in market places to ensure that we sensitise the public on their rights, and also lead them on how they can achieve justice, rather than taking justice into their own hands.
“In situations where we feel that their case requires an immediate intervention, we refer them to our committees in the branch. We have the legal aid committee and the committee on domestic violence, child rights, and persons with disabilities. They sit on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week in our High Court. We ensure that we see those matters to a logical conclusion.”
Speaking about the impact that the support from the European Union has on their outreach to residents of Ikorodu, Adeola added, “The partnership with the European Union has helped us to reach out to a broader base. Sometimes, we do what we can with our limited resources. Therefore, partnership with an organisation like the European Union helps us to be able to cover a larger part of the society, and this is what we hope that we will be able to continue to do.”
Iyabo Akingbade, State Coordinator, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, explained that her organisation, which is an establishment set up by the Federal Government, provides free legal aid services and grants access to justice to the vulnerable people. “This programme is actually important for us to render our services in line with the mandate of the Council to the vulnerable people; to educate them on their rights, to educate them on the dangers of domestic violence, to educate them on the dangers dangers of trafficking in person, to let them know the rights of children, and to help suspects in police custody to gain their freedom.
“That is why we are partnering with this programme today to ensure that the rights of vulnerable people, whether as suspects or victims of domestic violence, are protected, and if they need free legal services for anything, even beyond legal advice, if it is something that involves filing a matter in court or defending them in court, we are ready to provide free legal services,” she said.
A landlord and beneficiary of the initiative, Taiwo Abiola, said, “I am very happy with this initiative because it has enlightened me on how to apply the rule of law to seek and get justice for myself. I currently have an issue with one of my tenants who has refused to leave my property after I have given him a notice of eviction because he has refused to pay his rent for a long period of time.
“Today, a lawyer has advised that I should not take the law into my own hands but report the case to the court to get justice. I also urge other landlords like myself to always follow the line of the law and not take laws into their own hands.”
NBA, EU to Provide Free Legal Services to Ikorodu Residents
News
Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump
Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump
…Describes US President Imperialist
By: Michael Mike
Cuban Government has condemned the reintroduction by US President Donald Trump of tough economic warfare measures against Cuba, stating that it “proves the aggressiveness of US imperialism against the sovereignty, peace and welfare of the Cuban people.”
A statement by the Cuban Revolutionary Government read: “US President Donald Trump lashes out against Cuba from day one and without pretext. The decision to reinstate the tough economic warfare measures against Cuba, which his predecessor removed just days before, proves the aggressiveness of US imperialism against the sovereignty, peace and welfare of the Cuban people. These measures comprise the inclusion of our country, once again, in the arbitrary list of States that allegedly sponsor terrorism, a designation that shows an absolute disregard for the truth.
“This is no surprise. The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of January 14 already warned: “that the government of that country could reverse in the future the measures adopted today, as has happened on other occasions and as a sign of the lack of legitimacy, ethics, consistency and reason in its conduct against Cuba”. It also affirmed that “U.S. politicians do not usually stop to find honest justification…” That is how they run their government in that country.”
The statement added that: “Trump has construed his coming to power as the coronation of an emperor. His ambition comprises, just to begin with, the conquest of Canada, the usurpation of Greenland, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and stripping the Panamanians of their canal. The hegemonic Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny, which were enforced with blood and fire in Latin America and the Caribbean, are the driving force of the new government team.
“Those groups and politicians, who have made aggression against Cuba a way of life, profited for decades from the anti-Cuban business and today share the heady intoxication of the new president, are associated with him. They all bear a heavy responsibility in the difficult economic situation of the country and in the increase of the migratory flow from Cuba to the United States.
“This new act of aggression by the US government against the Cuban people shows, once again, the true, cruel and merciless purpose of these and so many other measures of siege and asphyxiation against Cuba for sake of dominating it. It constitutes a reaction of impotence given their inability to bend our will and the respect, sympathy and support that the Revolution commands among the peoples of the world.”
The statement lamented that: “The tightening of the economic blockade and the new aggressive measures will continue to weigh, with very harmful effects, on our economy, the standard of living, the potential for development and the legitimate dreams of justice and well-being of the Cuban people, as has been the case in recent years.”
The statement however assured that: “They will not deflect us from the Socialist course, from our determination to recover the economy, promote the widest possible solidarity, creativity, talent, spirit of work, and defend freedom, independence, sovereignty and the privilege of building a future without foreign interference as an ironclad stronghold.”
“The Cuban people appreciate the numerous expressions of support and solidarity received from all over the world, from governments, Cubans living abroad, parliaments, political, religious and social organisations, and political leaders from the United States and other countries.
No one should be mistaken. The Cuban people expressed itself with clear determination and force during the December 20 march. The conviction that CUBA WILL OVERCOME is what prevails here,” the statement further added.
Cuba Condemns Reintroduction of Sanction by Trump
News
MAJOR GENERAL OYINLOLA TAKES COMMAND AS 43RD GOC 3 DIVISION
MAJOR GENERAL OYINLOLA TAKES COMMAND AS 43RD GOC 3 DIVISION
…Urges Holistic Approach to Combat Crime in Plateau State
A significant milestone was achieved at the Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army as Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola officially assumed command as the 43rd General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division. The ceremonial transition, which took place at the GOC’s Conference Room in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, on Thursday 23 January 2025, featured senior military officials, Brigade Commanders, and dignitaries from various sectors, underscoring the importance of this leadership change in the region’s complex security landscape.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing GOC, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed Major General Oyinlola and highlighted the intricate nature of security challenges in Plateau State. “The security situation here is both complex and dynamic; it demands a multi-faceted strategy that includes both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” he stated. General Abubakar emphasized the necessity of not only engaging in combat operations against criminality and banditry but also mediating conflicts arising between agricultural communities, such as farmers and herders. “The operations in this region are inherently people-centric,” he remarked, expressing confidence in Major General Oyinlola’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
Major General Abubakar took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM, for the trust placed in him during his tenure and acknowledged the invaluable support received from the government and security agencies in Plateau State. “Your collaboration has been instrumental in our efforts to ensure safety and security in the region. I urge you all to extend the same level of support to my successor,” he implored, reinforcing the importance of unity among security stakeholders.
In turn, Major General Oyinlola lauded his predecessor for his dedication and commitment to peace in Plateau State. “I intend to build upon the solid foundation laid by Major General Abubakar. The standards will not only be maintained but indeed improved upon,” he asserted, calling for an enhanced collaborative effort among all security stakeholders in the state to achieve lasting peace. By stressing the importance of unity and shared objectives, the new GOC signaled his intent to foster an inclusive approach to addressing security issues.
The transition ceremony was marked by several symbolic events, including the signing of handing and taking over notes, the presentation of the 3 Division insignia of command to the outgoing GOC, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion. The ceremonial quarter guard drills added to the significance of this historic event, which is expected to set the tone for the new leadership era under Major General Oyinlola.
The need for a holistic approach to combat the pervasive threats of criminal activity and insecurity in Plateau State has never been more pressing. As communities grapple with the realities of banditry and inter-communal conflicts, the call for innovative strategies and enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders becomes paramount. Major General Oyinlola’s commitment to picking up from where his predecessor left off sets a hopeful tone for the region.
The leadership transition at the 3 Division Nigerian Army represents not only a change in command but also a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in Plateau State.
MAJOR GENERAL OYINLOLA TAKES COMMAND AS 43RD GOC 3 DIVISION
Military
BREAKING – Gov Mutfwang’ Announces demise of LT Gen J T Useni, commiserates with Family
BREAKING – Gov Mutfwang’ Announces demise of LT Gen J T Useni, commiserates with Family
By: Our Reporter
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
The distinguished elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.
In a statement in Jos signed by , Governor Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public affairs ,the Governor described the passing of General Useni as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape. He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.
Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.
After retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation. He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Governor commended General Useni’s life of selfless service, noting his profound contributions to the military, politics, and his community. He emphasized that the General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Governor Mutfwang said.
He prayed that God grants the family, Plateau State, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. He also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
BREAKING – Gov Mutfwang’ Announces demise of LT Gen J T Useni, commiserates with Family
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