society

The CJN’s Removal: The Lamps Are Going Out All Over Nigeria – Opinion

Published

7 years ago

January 27, 2019

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”.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.