News
NJC hammers corrupt judges *Sacks Imo CJ, axes Ekwo, appeal court judge
Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Cout Abuja, was among the judges hit by the hammer of the National Judicial Council (NJC) for various infractions announced on Wednesday by the highest body for the appointment, reward and punishment of judges in Nigeria.
Theophilus Nzeukwu, hitherto Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of Imo State, was also hammered in the most far-reaching action by the body in recent years, as he was not only removed from the position, the highest judicial office in the state, but handed down a query for accepting the position in the first place.
The NJC which had 2014, recommended the compulsory retirement of Chukwuemeka Chikeka, former CJ of the state with effect from October 27, 2021, over age falsification, had frowned at the bypassing of seniority in the choice Nzeukwu as replacement.
The agency which had particularly faulted Hope Uzodimma, hours after inaugurating the disgraced ACJ, on April 3, via a statement on April 4 rejecting the appointment, had directed him to appoint the most senior judge in the high court’s hierarchy as the acting chief judge in conformity with section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The development, conveyed via a statement signed by Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, spokesman, conveying details of its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30, also saw the agency firing Nzeukwu a query to show cause within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for accepting the appointment.
The NJC also directed V.U. Okorie, the President of the Imo state customary court of appeal, to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for recommending Nzeukwu’s appointment while serving as interim chairman of the Imo state Judicial Service Commission.
Apart from Ekwo, known for handling some high-profile cases, who was axed for one year without pay, placed on a watch list for five years, and barred from elevation for five years, the council also suspended three serving judicial officers, including Jane E. Inyang, a justice of the Court of Appeal, for one year, over abuse of his office by issuing inappropriate ex parte orders for the sale of Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at the interlocutory stage of the case.
The statement, read: “The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023, at the Federal High Court, Uyo Judicial Division, before his elevation to Court of Appeal.
“Furthermore, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has also been placed on suspension for one year without pay. His Lordship was also placed on a watch-list for five years and barred from elevation for five years,” the statement read in part.
“The complaints against Justice Ekwo arose from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties. His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties. Subsequently, His Lordship proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants. Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The NJC also suspended Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, for a period of one year without pay for judicial misconduct in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“It also placed him on the watch-list for three years within which period he would be barred from elevation. Justice Baffa was found liable for an act of judicial misconduct in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, the Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC, wherein he granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties, and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in adjudication of the case.
“The council issued a warning letter to Justice Hon. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of Federal High Court, Lagos Division in a petition filed by one Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza in Suit No. FHC/CS/2021 between Chief Adesanya Musediku against Assistant General of Police, Onikan, Zone 2.
“It also considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which contained a total number of 43 petitions. Nine committees were empanelled for further investigation of 11, while 29 petitions against judges were dismissed for lacking in merit.
“The council at the meeting finally resolved that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to superior courts of records would be published for information and comments by the public.”
From the seat of the Presidency, came what indicates a clear and open support for the camp in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) fighting David Mark, National Secretary and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, respectively.
The signal came from Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu, who practically threw his weight behind Leke Abejide, one of the arrowheads wedging the war that could see the main opposition party in Nigeria not presenting a candidate for next year’s presidential election.
Against the backdrop of allegations that Aso Rock has been fuelling the various crises in the major political parties, Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, all but clearly stoked the fire by egging the Kogi lawmaker on to launch a fiercer onslaught against the Mark leadership.
Urging Abejide, who had sworn that he would do everything to ensure Tinubu’s re-election not to leave the ADC, through which he won his election to the National Assembly in 2023, but to stay back and fight rather than exiting the party, the ex-Speaker praised him for his resilience so far.
Abejide, who on his own, has thrown his weight behind Nafiu Bala, former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, now laying claims to Mark’s position was one of those sacked at the convention organised by the Mark group last week.
But Gbajabiamila, who used the Kogi lawmaker’s birthday celebration on Monday to announce his support publicly, while hailing his political trajectory and resilience, including winning his election under the ADC – a relatively less-fancied platform in 2023.
His words: “For a man to contest in a place like Kogi, under a relatively unknown party, and win back-to-back elections, it tells you who that man is. You did not only secure re-election but also helped expand the party’s influence by bringing in other candidates. You’re a committed party man and a fighter.
“My charge to you is to stay in that same party. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party. Do not abandon them. We like what you are doing. Hold on to your party. Do not abandon it. Continue what you are doing. Win your election there. Nobody can take your party away from you.”
After the hammer from the Mark group, alongside Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma, over the allegation of anti-party activities, Abejide dismissed his sack as null and void, coming from a “suya convention.”
President Bola Tinubu and others interested in the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have to cough out a whopping N100million as fee for the nomination form of the ruling party.
This is coming as the party released details of its scheduled presidential primary election billed for May 15 and 16, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Sulaiman Argungu, National Organising Secretary, who released the details of the activities of the party ahead of the nomination for the 2027 polls on its official X handle, including the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, appeals, and primary elections across all elective positions, said informed that the forms go on sale from April 25 to May 2, while the submission deadline was fixed for May 4.
The statement said screening of aspirants would commence on May 6 and end on May 8, with the publication of results slated for May 11 and appeals scheduled for May 12 to 13.
The primaries for the House of Representatives will be held on May 18, the Senate on May 20, State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and the governorship on May 23.
The party pegged the total cost of forms for presidential aspirants at ₦100 million, comprising ₦30 million for the expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.
Governorship aspirants are to pay ₦50 million, while fees for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly vary.
“Female aspirants, youth and physically challenged aspirants are to pay for the expression of interest and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fees for each position,” it added.
In the statement, the APC said the timetable was issued in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party reaffirmed its commitment to conducting “credible and transparent primary elections” to strengthen internal democracy.
As of the time for filing this report, no member of the APC has formally declared interest in contesting the presidency.
Some APC leaders and key affiliations of the party have, however, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election.
Although Tinubu has not publicly or officially declared his intention to run for a second term, he had last week dismissed the speculation that he was scared of the opposition ahead of the elections.
“The safety of our citizens rests on our shoulders. You must remain resolute and go after these criminals until they are eliminated. We must make Nigeria safe at all cost,” were the words with which Olufemi Oluyede Chief of Defence Staff, read the riot act for the umpteenth time against insurgents terrorising many parts of Nigeria.
Against the backdrop of renewed attacks in parts of the country days after the killing of Oseni Omoh Braimah a Brigadier General and I.A. Muhammed, a Colonel, each commanding troops in Borno State, one of the hotbeds of the nearly two decades onslaught in separate outbreaks, the CDS told troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify ongoing operations against the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North-West region, stressing the need to ensure security across the country.
At an operational visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), in Gusau, Zamfara State, the military boss who said the visit was aimed at assessing operational readiness, addressing challenges confronting troops, and boosting morale in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and security in the region, commended their resilience, courage, and sacrifices in defence of the nation.
Urging the troops to remain disciplined, professional, and relentless in the fight against banditry and terrorism, the CDS, whose encounter was conveyed by Samaila Uba, a Major General and spokesman, at the Defence headquarters was said to have assured the troops of continued support in the areas of welfare, training, and provision of necessary operational equipment to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
Uba, Director of Defence Information, quoted his boss as reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining pressure on criminal groups until lasting peace is restored across the North West and the entire nation, acknowledging the importance of air support in ongoing operations.
The Defence Chief, while noting that efforts were underway to enhance operational capabilities through additional platforms and improved coordination across theatres of operations, was said to have paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, appreciating him for his continued support of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the military.
ADC: Fight, scatter them! *Presidency goads Kogi lawmaker on Mark’s leadership
Presidency: Tinubu, others to pay N100million for APC nominations
Enough! Pursue, overtake, wipe out! *CDS gives new orders against terrorists
-
News4 weeks agoGovernor weeps, as terrorists kill soldiers, police in night ambush
-
Columns2 weeks agoSeun Okinbaloye saga: How does Tinubu survive if Wike resigns?
-
Columns6 days agoAbike Dabiri: Did Obi raise a monster or you’re drunk on Tinubu’s poisoned chalice?
-
News1 week agoStop using Latin phrases, make clear, unambiguous orders – NBA tells courts
-
News4 weeks agoBREAKING: Bloody day in Ibadan! *Trailer loses control, crushes residents!
-
News2 weeks agoNafiu Gombe: Yes, I have sponsors! *I can’t fight ADC big men alone!
-
Columns1 week agoCentus Nweze (JSC): Death of legal purist, irony of Nigerian judiciary
-
Columns2 days agoBe the hero that saved Nigeria! Open letter to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar