Politics
Constitution Review: some judicial amendment proposals lack utilitarian values – JB Daudu
Constitution Review: Some judicial amendment proposals lack utilitarian values – JB Daudu
Constitution
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), JB Daudu, says some of the judicial proposals submitted to the National Assembly for review lack utilitarian values.
Daudu made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
“One of these proposals is the judicial resignation and succession protocol that regulates resignation procedures for Justices and Judges to avoid abrupt and destabilizing departures.
“This is a typical example of institutional idleness.
“How can these transfer mechanisms be observed in the event of sudden death, resignation as a result of grave illness, or even sudden resignation as a result of compelling personal reasons?
“Such eventualities and their after effect cannot be regulated upon,’’ the learned silk added.
He argued that the proponents of this amendment lose sight of the fact that these courts are courts of record, and that it is not the Chief Judge or any other Head of Court that is the record keeper.
“Indeed, the records are kept by the chief registrar and his coterie of registrars and clerks, who are civil servants and are permanent features in the establishment’’.
He said that another wild goose chase proposal is that there should be mandatory National Judicial Council (NJC) investigations before the removal of heads of court.
“It is thought that there is a problem with the provisions of Section 292(1)(a)(i) &(ii) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which forbids the removal of judicial officers, especially heads of court, by Governors and Houses of Assembly without recourse first and foremost to NJC investigation.
“This proposal, it is thought, will institutionalize fair hearing rights, ensure due process, and insulate judicial officers from arbitrary removal’’.
He noted that the proposal is the most curious of the proposed amendments as it does not introduce any new position to the state of affairs.
“This is because Section 292(1)(a)(i) & (iì) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) already requires the input of the NJC before a head of court can be removed.
“The solution to acts of executive recklessness and lawlessness of attempts by governors to use their puppet houses of assembly to remove sitting chief judges is not because the present constitution does not forbid it.
“It is because of the attitudinal disposition of some governors to power. We will always have people who, in their drunkenness, will interpret the Constitution in ways and manners that suit their ego or political calculations.
“Consequently, amending the constitution in the manner suggested will not serve any useful purpose,’’ he added.
On the suggestion that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should have an input in the removal of Judges, Daudu submitted that the proposal is a non-starter.
“It has already failed. This is because the only amendment needed is to allow the five members nominated by the NBA to participate in matters relating to the discipline of Judges.
“I have for years advocated for the removal of the provision in the constitution that limits lawyers from participating in the removal of judicial officers.“
He also frowned on any hindrances to judicial continuity and stability.
The proposal in this regard seeks to empower newly elevated judges to conclude part-heard criminal matters rather than starting afresh, thereby saving judicial time and avoiding injustice.
The proposal ignores the practical realities and the injustice associated with a judge who has left the services of a court and has taken the oath of office of another court hierarchy to return to the court from which he had been elevated.
“It is submitted that no amount of constitutional amendment will cure that abnormality and aberration.
“It is better to defer the swearing in of an appointed or promoted judge until he has completed all his part-heard matters than to cause such a judicial personnel to return to a court that he has exited from.
“No one seems to consider the psyche of all the parties concerned, no matter how it is couched’’.
He said that a constitution is a very serious document that should lay out the basic and indeed, fundamental rules for the governance of the country.
“It is not a factory manual on work and safety regulations. Our legislators should accord the constitution more seriousness than they are presently doing,’’ he said.
Politics
Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development
Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat.
Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the Community Protection Guards, alongside the reconstruction of the Safe School in Anka, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure.
During the commissioning event, Governor Lawal highlighted that these projects are a fulfillment of commitments made during his campaign, aimed at transforming the local landscape by improving infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, bolstering public service efficiency, and enhancing the capacities of security agencies. He called for a collective effort from the community to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities, underscoring the shared responsibility in preserving public assets.
Governor Lawal shared that similar projects have also been inaugurated in Tsafe, with plans for upcoming projects in Kaura Namoda, Moriki, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi, all expected to be completed and inaugurated by the year’s end. This ambitious timeline reflects the administration’s urgency in addressing the development needs of various regions within the state.
In his remarks, the governor urged residents and local traditional institutions to collaborate closely in maintaining the newly commissioned structures and supporting the overarching objectives of his administration. “I stand here in Anka today to honor our commitments to the people of Anka Local Government and all of Zamfara State. The official opening of the new palace for the ‘Sarkin Zamfaran Anka’ and the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs is a significant milestone that wraps up today’s agenda,” he stated.
Governor Lawal emphasized the strategic importance of the Anka–Abbare Road, describing it as a critical artery that will not only enhance access to remote areas but also stimulate economic activities and generate multiplier effects throughout the local economy. He articulated the necessity of providing a conducive work environment for civil servants, affirming that the new local government secretariat and dedicated offices will significantly contribute to strengthening law and order within the state.
“Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. Our focused initiatives are oriented towards fostering a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students. I am also proud to announce the completion and commissioning of the reconstructed SAFE School Anka today,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education.
The governor further noted that the commissioning of the Emir’s Palace serves to restore the historical prominence of traditional institutions, which he regards as pivotal custodians of the region’s culture and heritage. He underlined the administration’s awareness of the invaluable role that these institutions play in fostering the state’s growth and emphasized the necessity of aligning development projects with cultural values.
In conclusion, the governor mentioned that after the successful commissioning in Anka and Tsafe, future projects in Kaura Namoda and Moriki will follow suit, while those in Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi remain on track for completion and official commissioning before the year concludes.
news
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has extended its warm congratulations to His Excellency, Mallam Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, following his recent appointment as a Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This felicitation was formally conveyed in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and disseminated to the press.
The statement highlighted that the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI, His Excellency General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received the news of the appointment with great pride but without surprise. According to the statement, General Musa expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s proven capability and salient leadership qualities, affirming that the Governor is eminently equipped to deliver on every task entrusted to him.
The Grand Patron further extended profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognising and finding Governor Uba Sani worthy of this critical national assignment. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, was made by the President in his capacity as the leader of the APC, citing the Governor’s exceptional organisational abilities and strategic acumen.
In his new role, Governor Sani is tasked with working in close collaboration with the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the party hierarchy, including the National Chairman of the APC. His primary mandate is to ensure harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across all levels of the party’s mobilization and engagement architecture, a vital function for advancing the political agenda.
Demonstrating its commitment to national service and effective governance, the GCGMSI, under the direct directive of its Grand Patron, General Musa, has officially mobilised its formidable structure. The Initiative has pledged the full deployment of its extensive network, seasoned personnel, and robust operational framework to assist and support Governor Uba Sani in the successful execution of his new responsibilities.
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative, renowned for its disciplined organisation, widespread grassroots penetration, and capacity for large-scale civic mobilisation, stands ready as a pivotal force. This move underscores the GCGMSI’s pivotal role as a key support system for national development initiatives and its unwavering dedication to fostering unity and progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Politics
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Says PDP Will Retain Power
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Says PDP Will Retain Power
…..Tasks PMS To Remain United, Peaceful
A leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged the people of Oyo State to remain steadfast, saying they will continue to enjoy good governance because the PDP will produce the next governor in the 2027 general elections.
Ajadi, who made this known while addressing transport unions under the Park Management System (PMS) at their headquarters, New Garage, Ibadan, on Tuesday, urged the park managers to remain united and maintain the love and peace currently prevalent among them.
According to him, “My advice to the Park Managers and the commercial drivers in Oyo State is that they should continue the love and peaceful attitudes. They should remain united. They should not ‘scattelegs’.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you, remain steadfast. Let me assure you that our party, the PDP, will produce the next governor come 2027,” Ajadi said.
He said he came to the PMS headquarters to meet with transporters and park managers to inform them of his aspiration to serve the people of Oyo State as governor come 2027.
“Today I joined my people, the park managers in Oyo State, to familiarize myself with them and inform them of my intention to serve the people of Oyo State as the next governor by the Grace of God.”
On the plans for the transporters, Ajadi said he first wants to change the look of the City Cabs, which will be done in collaboration with the Park Management System.
He also plans to increase the number of Mass Transit buses and make them available in all locations of the State.
He said the Mass Transit buses will operate in partnership with the Park Managers.
Ajadi, who commended Governor Makinde on the newly established bus terminals in the State, said his government will ensure adequate usage of the facilities.age of the facilities.
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