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Chief Judge of Niger warn lawyers against frivolous petitions against judicial officers
Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Minna Branch have been told to desist from filling frivolous petition against judicial officers, the chief judge of Niger State Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has warned.
She said all petitions must be accompanied by verifying affidavits as the implication according to the chief Judge will amount to prosecution for perjury.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the Minna Branch of the NBA annual law week held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, Justice Halima Ibrahim, noted that there is a consensus that the issue of corruption cannot be wished away.
She stated that the success of the administration of Justice system rests substantially on the independence of the Judiciary stating that it is topical issue and in the front burner of our national discourse.
She noted corruption allegations abound, whether real or infringement imagination of those making the allegations stressing the needs be a resolve to zero tolerance for corruption which may rear its ugly head in any form or manner.
She called on the forum to counsel participants on the need to key in to the effort adding that “corruption as we all know is not limited to illegal exchange of money for underserved favour.
“The failure of counsel to see to the prosecution of cases of his client with diligence and honesty”
The chief Judge admonished members of the Bar to ensure that in the course of prosecuting cases, they should strickly adhere to the etiquette and decorum expected from members of the legal profession.
She pointed out that the Bar has been supportive of the bench requesting for the sustainability of the cooperation noting that there has not been a history of animosity ” and I must commend the bar and its leadership for their supportive role”.
“Our interaction has been candid and sincere. We are looking forward to the bar and bench fora in March, this year and others in the subsequent quarters.
“Let me also remind the members of the Bar of the existence of the Multi-door Court house and small claims court in the state.” she asserted.
The Judiciary according to the chief Judge is making conscious efforts to provide a conducive environment for the administration of Justice in the state despite paucity of funds disclosing that at the Judicial Service Commission level “we have not abdicated from our responsibility of discipline erring Judicial officers and Judiciary staff.
Earlier the chairman, Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Mohammed Abdulkadir Waziri described the Judiciary as the life-wire of democracy noting that it is unfortunate that Judiciary is on trial as it has been accused of exclusively working for the high and mighty in the society
According to the NBA Chairman, while judicial corruption is an impediment to the administration of justice in Nigeria, it is unfair to allege that the judiciary only works for the rich stating that there are many instances where powerful and influential people have been convicted in the courts for various offenses and some are still serving jail terms.
He noted that in all democracies worldwide, access to Justice is available to all, but it is entirely free more so he added administration of justice is all about proof of allegations by cogent evidence as the court is not a father Christmas that will hastily hand litigants their claims
He pointed out that litigants, especially claimants, have a responsibility of proving their cases to entitle them to reliefs sought insisting that this makes litigation to be technical and often necessitates engaging the service of lawyer with attendant financial expenses.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Senator Basheer Lado, for redefining the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, stating that, for the first time in a long while, the office is fully meeting its expectations.
Speaking during his visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters accompanied by distinguished senators, Akpabio described the visit as a significant step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.
He praised the Special Adviser and his team for maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the President and Senate, and also, ensuring a seamless flow of information. He further emphasized that the office is now more result-oriented.
Additionally, he acknowledged the office’s diligent efforts in tracking all Bills passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, underscoring its critical role in legislative efficiency.
Expressing his satisfaction, Akpabio noted that he and the Senate delegation were proud of the office’s achievements and looked forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout the administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Senator Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Akpabio.
In his remarks, Senator Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He lauded Akpabio for his unwavering dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.
Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.
The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and
Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state .
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.
He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.
He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.
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