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Wike extols Ariwola as CJN bows out
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has described the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as a man of integrity, wisdom with an unwavering dedication to the rule of law.
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Barr. Wike said this at the public presentation of Ariwoola’s autobiography, titled “Judging with Justice”, in Abuja on Thursday, August 22, 2024 where he delivered a goodwill message.
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The Minister stressed that the legacy of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was one that will be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history, adding that the journey of the Hon Justice from the bar to the bench, and ultimately to the apex court as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, was a story of perseverance, brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to the pursuit of justice.
He said, “This moment is not just a celebration of a book, but the celebration of a life lived in the service of justice, fairness, and equity. It is a testament to the extraordinary journey of a man who has not only interpreted the law but has also shaped its practice in Nigeria in ways that will resonate for generations to come.
“Over the years, he has rendered judgments that have not only affirmed the rule of law but have also safeguarded the principles of democracy and human rights in Nigeria”.
“The Hon Justice’s journey as in this autobiography is one of dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the principles that define our legal system.
“In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, the judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and ensuring that justice prevail. The role of the Chief Justice is not just to interpret the law but to uphold the integrity of the judiciary to ensure that the scale of justice remains balance”.
While acknowledging the immense contributions the outgoing CJN has made to the judiciary and to the nation as a whole, Barr. Wike said Ariwoola is a man that has shaped legal thoughts in the country.
These contributions, he said, include spearheading the upward review of judges renumeration by 300 per cent. A move, he added, is aimed at ensuring the independence of the nation’s judiciary.
He said, “Chief Justice Ariwoola has significantly impacted the judiciary through his tireless efforts to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judges. His leadership was instrumental in the recent 300 per cent increase in judges’ salary. A landmark achievement that reflects his commitment at ensuring that the judiciary remains independent, resourceful and motivated.
“Furthermore, Chief Justice Ariwoola has tirelessly contributed to the provision of housing facilities to judges across various levels of the judiciary, including the recently approved residents for court of appeal justices, federal high court and FCT Courts”.
Barr Wike added that the title of Justice Ariwoola’s autobiography, “Judging with Justice,” was a fitting encapsulation of the jurist’s judicial philosophy, saying that the book was not just a source of knowledge but an inspiration and a reminder of the critical role the judiciary plays in the life of our nation’ justice system.
Present at the event which was Chaired by former Head of State, Gen, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was Vice President Kashim Shetima, who said the CJN’s long and inspiring career was a testament to reward for hardwork, dedication and selfless service to the nation and humanity.
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Echocho begins three-day training and empowerment of youths in agriculture across Ankpa Federal Constituency [Pictorials]
The training and empowerment of youths in Agriculture in Ankpa Federal Constituency commenced on Wednesday at the conference hall of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees.
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The exercise which was facilitated by the Senator representing Kogi East, Distinguished Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho), would see to the training of youths from Ankpa Federal Constituency .
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The programme designed for beneficiaries from Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro local governments aims to equip youths with essentials agricultural knowledge while providing them with capital and seedlings, facilitated by Sen Isah Jibrin (Echocho).
Declaring the training and empowerment open, Senator Isah who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aid, Alhaji Danlami Garba, called on the youths to be committed to the training in order to be self-employed.
He said, the youths should leverage on peace prevailing in Kogi East to get back to agriculture in order to sustain food security in line with the Federal Government’s agricultural policy, adding that the best form of security for any nation is food security.
According to him, the training of youths was part of his constituency projects targeted at youths because of their strength and passion for self development, stressing that the nation stand to benefit by redirecting their focus to self employment through agriculture, assuring that the training will be extended to other Federal Constituencies in few weeks.
He said: “As you undergo a three-day training, it’s an opportunity for you to delve into agricultural enterprise productively, leveraging on various government agricultural initiatives.
“Of course, Kogi East has rich history of agriculture that ocassioned the famous Afor Gam Gam, Ikanekpo in Ankpa, Bagana, Aja Abejukolo, Anyigba, Ejule, Aja Itobe, Oguma in Bassa and other markets which were highly patronised by people from adjoining States.
“It’s our collective resolve that the district would be returned to the good old days through agriculture, economic and empowerment that ensures that our youths are mobilised to farms in the forthcoming season.
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Anambra guber: Group purchases APC Nomination Form for Ozigbo
Another governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections.
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A group, Valiant Movement purchased the N50 million forms on his behalf in the party headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
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The Movement described Ozigbo as a leader whose vision, integrity, and deep-rooted connection with the people, embody the true aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
In a statement signed by the leader of the movement, Chief Teddy Ezeike, the reason for purchasing the forms for Ozigbo is to demonstrate its resolve to ensure that transformational leadership is entrenched in Anambra State this year.
According to them, “It is a rallying cry from the streets of Onitsha to the fields of Ayamelum, from the marketplaces of Nnewi to the hills of Aguata—a call for a leader who understands our struggles, shares our dreams, and possesses the competence, character, and compassion to chart a new course for Anambra.
“Valentine is the people’s choice — a rare bridge between the grassroots and the elite, between tradition and innovation, between the Anambra of today and the Anambra of our dreams.
“A multiple-award winning global CEO, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable philantropists, an international sports promoter, and an icon for youth development and excellence, Valentine’s record speaks for itself: a corporate business leader who has demonstrated excellence, a political force who has inspired millions, and a statesman whose commitment to good governance has never wavered.
“Ozigbo is a shining beacon of hope and progress in a time when Anambra yearns for true leadership and our decision to present this form to Valentine Ozigbo is an affirmation that we will no longer accept mediocrity in leadership, that we will not settle for politics as usual, that we will not allow Anambra to be governed by anything less than the best.
“We are making a statement that we deserve more, that Ndi Anambra deserve a leader who listens, understands, and delivers, that the era of empty promises and broken systems must come to an end.
“We call on all members of the All Progressives Party (APC) and lovers of democracy, all believers in progress, and all Ndi Anambra who dream of a state that works for all to rise, unite, and join us in this mission.
“The Valiant Movement has made its choice, and we urge every son and daughter of Anambra to stand with us, to stand with Valentine Ozigbo, and to stand for a future that is bold, visionary, and unstoppable”.
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June 1993 election annulment was ‘Nigerian coup, not Igbo coup’ – Senator Kalu faults IBB’s claims
Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election which wws won by the late business mogul, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was a Nigerian coup and not an Igbo coup, as former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) recently portrayed.
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Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu said, it was an action carried out by the Military and not Igbo, thereby faulting the narrative in IBB’s book.
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“I don’t need IBB’s revelation to know that Igbos were unjustly blamed for what happened. The coup was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military. Some people failed to do their job, and unfortunately, Igbos have had to bear the brunt. That is not fair.”
The former Governor of Abia State criticised the boo,, who he said, it wasn’t detailed in naming g those who were responsible for the annulment, hence, he wanted a second edition of the book with names of those behind the annulment for Nigerians to know.
“I’m waiting for the second edition of IBB’s book because the first one did not fully capture the realities of what happened, especially concerning Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who was unfairly called names after the annulment,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Kalu reaffirmed his respect for Babangida.
“You all know that Babangida is my master, and I will be visiting him very soon to discuss this matter. Nigerians deserve to know the names of those truly responsible for stopping the election. Not just General Sani Abacha—there were others. I was there, so I know what happened.
“IBB should name them in the second edition of his book so Nigerians can understand the full picture. People think Babangida may have omitted or altered some facts, and the truth needs to be known.”
Kalu also acknowledged that Babangida admitted that Moshood Abiola won the election, emphasizing that this should be officially recognized.
“There is no doubt that Abiola won. I believe his picture should be placed alongside those of past presidents. Even though he wasn’t sworn in, he deserves that honor.
“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize him posthumously and swear him in. That way, his family can receive the rights and recognition given to former presidents’ families. It would be a significant step toward healing the wounds of that period.”
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