society
The CJN’s Removal: The Lamps Are Going Out All Over Nigeria – Opinion
Cephas Kadiri
Let me start by quoting the classic philosopher Aristotle- “It is more proper that law should govern than any one of the citizens”. Plato on the other hand saw the defence of the Rule of Law as the best possible political order.
The above corroborates the certitude that the notion of the efficiency, competence, and supremacy of the law has been known for aeon years.
Following wicked King John’s penchant for bringing disrepute, ignominy and his constant disregard of the rights of the English people, the barons eventually succeeded in creating that single document capable of checking the powers of the tyrant leader; thus was born “The Great Charter” on the 15th of June, 1215.
Since the birth of the Magna Carter, Judicial systems all over the world have been fortified and toughened by the authority and influence of law in society, especially when the law is viewed as a constraint on individual and institutional behavior.
In 1789, In his two Treatises on Government, John Locke disclosed that the impending danger inherently laden in consolidating the three organs of state in the hands of one, might be cataclysmic.
Now to the draconian antics of the Muhammadu Buhari led federal Government.
Throughout the year 2018, on various instances, we witnessed the Buhari led federal government make intrepid attempts to hijack the Legislative arm of Government.
We saw desperate attempts to change the leadership of both houses via the back door; what many will term a “legislative coup”.
We saw federal government sponsored lawmakers desecrate the hallowed chambers.
We witnessed the president’s seceret police lay siege to the National assembly complex, we have seen the president go after vociferous legislators for mustering the effrontery to speak out against the Govenrment. We even witnessed the National chairman of the president’s party publicly offer salvation and freedom from prosecution to corrupt politicians once they joined the ruling APC.
With the legislature failing to cave in, the Buhari led federal government has shifted its focus to the judiciary.
On countless occasions, having flagrantly violated orders of various trial courts, the retired general has constantly shown little regard for the rule of law.
The position of the law regarding the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria remains clear; wherein removal could be interpreted as replaced, suspended, fired or whatever choice of word you so prefer.
Section 292 (Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999).
“A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances;
(a) in the case of –
“Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate.”
(ii) Chief Judge of a State, Grand Kadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal or President of a Customary Court of Appeal of a State, by the Governor acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the State, Praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct;
(b) in any case, other than those to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies, by the President or, as the case may be, the Governor acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council that the judicial officer be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.”
The president and his handlers have not exploited a constitutional lacuna as they claim, but have simply gone against the rules; however since this is not the first, i am far from shocked.
Muhammadu Buhari’s despotic tendencies are very well known. With his tacit admission to compromising the integrity of the independent national electoral commission, and now in a despairing attempt to manipulate the results of the coming elections, he has gone ahead to contravene our constitution and to debase the Judiciary by unconstitutionally desecrating the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
This is a wake up call to all lovers of democracy and liberty. There is a shadow of gloom cast over Nigeria’s democratic process. These signs are ominous, the future is bleak!
I close by paraphrasing British wartime foreign Secretary “Sir Edward Grey”. “The lamps are going out all over Nigeria, we may never see them lit again in our time”.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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