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S-Court justice faults composition of panel that heard Atiku, Obi’s appeals

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2023

Everydaynewsngr

ABUJA–There appears to be a crack at the Supreme Court, barely 24 hours after it validated the election of President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

A retiring justice of the court, Musa Dattijo Muhammad, who reportedly pulled out from the seven-man panel that dismissed all the appeals that sought to remove President Tinubu from office, has accused the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, of abusing the powers of his office.

Justice Muhammad, who spent 47 years in active judicial service, bowed out of the apex court bench on Friday, having clocked the 70 years mandatory retirement age.

He used the opportunity of a valedictory session that was organised in his honour by the Supreme Court, to address what he observed as rots in the judiciary that have continued to affect the justice delivery system in the country.

“Through the years, I rose to become the second most senior justice of the country’s apex court and Deputy Chairperson of the National Judicial Council.

“Considering the number of years I have spent in judicial service and the position I have attained by the grace of the Almighty, I feel obligated to continue the struggle for reforms for a better Judiciary and would be leaning on the earlier submissions of those who had exited before me,” Justice Muhammad stated before he descended on the CJN.

He maintained that the judiciary, as presently structured, gave so much power to the CJN who he said usually take decisions without consulting other justices.

“As presently structured, the CJN is Chairman of the NJC which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges, he is equally Chair of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) that appoints Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“In my considered opinion, the oversight functions of these bodies should not rest on an individual alone. A person with absolute powers, it is said, corrupts easily and absolutely.

“As Chair of NJC, FJSC, NJI and LPPC, appointments as council, board and commitment members are at his pleasure. He neither confers with fellow justices nor seek their counsel or input on any matter related to these bodies. He has both the final and the only say.

“The CJN has power to appoint 80 percent of members of the council and 60 percent of members of FJSC. The same applies to NJI and LPPC.

“Such enormous powers are effortlessly abused. This needs to change. Continued denial of the existence of this threatening anomaly weakens effective judicial oversight in the country,” he added.

On the current composition of the bench of the apex court, Justice Muhammad alleged that the refusal to fill the vacant slot of South East on the apex court bench, was deliberate, blaming it on “absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN.”

He further stressed that with his retirement, the North Central zone which he represented, would no longer have a Justice on the Supreme Court bench.

“My lord Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko JSC who also represented the zone retired on 23rd of May, 2022. It has been a year and five months now. There has not been any replacement.

“With the passing of my lord, Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze, JSC on 29th July 2023, the South East no longer has any presence at the Supreme Court. My lord, Hon. Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta JSV died on 7th March 2021. There has not been any appointment in his stead for the South East.

“As it stands, only four geo-political regions- the South-West, South-South, North-West and North-East are represented in the Supreme Court.

“While the South-South and North-East have two serving justices, the North-West and South-West are fully represented with three each.

“Appropriate steps could have been taken since to fill outstanding vacancies in the apex court. Why have these steps not been timeously taken?

“It is evident that the decision not to fill the vacancies in the court is deliberate. It is all about the absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN and the responsible exercise of same,” the retiring jurist added.

On the issue of membership of the panel that heard the presidential election appeals by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, Justice Muhammad, said:

“To ensure justice and transparency in presidential appeals from the lower court, all geo-political zones are required to participate in the hearing.

“It is therefore dangerous for democracy and equity for two entire regions to be left out in the decisions that will affect the generality of Nigerians.

“This is not what our laws envisage. Although it can be posited that no one expected the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Nweze JSC, yet, it has been two years and seven months since previous justice from South-East died and no appointment was made.”

On funding and independence of the Judiciary, the retiring justice bemoaned that though the budgetary allocation for the Judiciary increased from 70billion that it was in 2015 to 165billion presently, “Justices and officers welfare and the quality of service the judiciary render have continued to decline.”

“It may interest one to know that the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court earns more than the Justices. While she earns N1.2m per month, justices take home N751, 000 in a month.

“The CJN on his part takes home N400, 000 plus. The salary of a Justice, curiously, drops rather than increases when he gets the added responsibility of being a CJN.

“That the unjust and embarrassing salary difference between the justices and the Chief Registrar still abides remains intriguing to say the least.”

He noted that it was owing to allegations of corruption and perversion of justice, that informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to order the invasion of homes and arrest of some judges in 2016.

“Not done, in 2019 the government accosted, arrested and arraigned the incumbent Chief Justice before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged underhand conduct.

“With his retirement apparently negotiated, he was eventually left off the hook.

“In 2022, a letter signed by all other justices of the Supreme Court, including the current Chief Justice, the aggrieved protested against the shabby treatment meted to them by the head of court and the Chief Registrar.

“In the event, his lordship Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad disengaged ostensibly on grounds of ill-health.

“My lords, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that the judiciary I am exiting from is far from the one I voluntarily joined and desired to serve and be identified with. The institution has become something else,” Justice Muhammad lamented.

Meanwhile, earlier in the ceremony, the CJN, in his speech, paid glowing tribute to the retiring jurist who he described as a “quintessential Judicial icon with dazzling qualities and alluring stature.”

“His Lordship is one judicial officer that could be blunt, even to a fault; and is never known to be afraid to say things the way they are; and also never shies away from calling a spade by its name, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” the CJN stated.

He decried that with Justice Muhammad’s exit, the apex court bench has further depleted to 10.

News

SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity

Published

5 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.

The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.

This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.

Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.

He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.

According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.

Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.

“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.

“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.

“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.

“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.

Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.

“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.

Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.

He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.

He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.

A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.

Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.

Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.

They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.

“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.

“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.

“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.

Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.

News

Poor Lighting, Sanitation Frustrate Work At First Niger Bridge

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.

Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.

However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.

The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.

Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.

Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.

He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”

The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.

Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.

He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.

Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.

According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.

He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.

The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.

He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.

“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.

News

Dangote Reveals He Bought First Private Jet at 22

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.

News

Niger Delta Chamber Breaks Silence on Alleged Summit Trademark Dispute

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.

NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.

The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.

More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.

While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.

NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity

It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.

NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law

We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.

NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.

The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.

Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)

News

Commissioner Dies Suddenly at Abuja Hospital

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.

Late Abang

“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.