society
IN THE FACE OF MOUNTING THREATS TO JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE, COURT OF APPEAL VERDICT IS A HOLLOW RITE OF PASSAGE
Access to Justice Media Advisory
Introduction
On May 10th 2019, the Court of Appeal struck out appeals against the ex-parte Orders of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (“Tribunal”) suspending (former) Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen from office.President Muhammadu Buhari had, on the strength of the Order of the Tribunal suspended Justice Onnoghen from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria and appointed Hon. Justice Tanko Mohammed as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In the unanimous judgment of the Court of Appeal (Coram:Justice Stephen Adah, Justice Tinuade Akinmolade-Wilson and Justice Peter Ige), the Court dismissed three of the four appeals of Justice Onnoghen on the grounds that the substantive matters from which they arose had been concluded as the Code of Conduct Tribunal had convicted Justice Walter Onnoghen of the allegations against him already on April 18th 2019. The fourth appeal was struck out for lack of competence.
The Court of Appeal however found that the ex parte order granted by the Tribunal on 23rd January 2019 had breached Justice Onnoghen’s right to fair hearing becausethe order was obtained in a manner “shrouded in secrecy and clandestine maneuvre”. The verdict of the Court of Appeal comes three months after the panel reserved judgment on the appeals filed by Justice Walter Onnoghenin connection with his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Had the decision of the Court of Appeal been delivered sooner, at a time when it could have mattered, it would have represented a timely intervention required, at that time, to meet the exigencies of the situation in the Tribunal; it could have halted the travesty and charade that was being played out by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, under the guise of a trial. Today, the judgment of the Court of Appeal faulting the obnoxious ex-parte Order suspending Justice Onnoghen, as well as denouncing the Tribunal’s disregard of the Orders issued against it by other courts halting its proceedings, has little else to it besides academic value. The judgements, are, therefore, not much other than hollow rites of passage. The Court of Appeal’s moralizations on the conduct of the Code of Conduct Tribunal at this time, therefore, are of too little value because they were too late. Though the Court of Appeal has reasoned that the appeal by Justice Onnoghen has been rendered moot given the conclusion of proceedings against him by the Tribunal, it was not as much the appeal as it was the Appellate Court that had rendered itself moot, out of reckoning, out of service and out of reach.
The decision of the Court of Appeal to reserve its judgments for such length of time that saw theproceedings of the Code of Conduct Tribunal wind up is unfortunate. Whatever the Court of Appeal’s views were on the conduct of Justice Walter Onnoghen, what was at stake was well beyond the scope of Justice Onnoghen’scircumstance. What is at stake is the ideology of the court’s role in preserving constitutional democracy and the rights of citizens. That role is clearly much broader, and deeper than the complexion of a single case. It implicates the rights of ordinary citizens who have to seek the court’s intervention in preventing some irreparable harm to them. The courts have often said that they are the last bastions of hope for citizens, the guardians of the Constitution, the wedge that stands between oppression and liberty. The example set by the Court of Appeal in Justice Onnoghen’scase is diametrically different to the role and duty courts have, and the expectations citizens have of the courts.
As things stand today, the judiciary is laboring under serious threats to its independence, coming mostly from the executive arm of government, both at the centre and in the States, witnessed by what has been going on in the Kogi State Judiciary in the case of the latter. This ought to be a time when courts would rise up, and defend Nigeria’s hard-won constitutional democracy with valour and defiance. But our courts are drawing a blank, and making citizens fear for their ability and readiness to protect them and the rule of law in a country beset by so many problems of governance. If tyranny persists in Nigeria, it is because courts are, in the main, failing the Nigerian people.
Joseph OttehDaniel AloayeIgiekhumhe
Convener Programme Officer
NASRE: Building A Safety Net For Nigeria’s Journalists
At a time when Nigeria’s media industry is strained by economic uncertainty, job instability, and shrinking newsroom resources, the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) is redefining professional solidarity. More than a network of editors, it is emerging as a critical support system for journalists navigating an increasingly precarious landscape.
Founded on the principles of welfare, solidarity, and professional growth, NASRE has positioned itself as a responsive and forward-looking body within the media ecosystem. While many professional associations remain focused on advocacy and training, NASRE distinguishes itself by combining these roles with direct and practical support for journalists and their families.
At the core of its mission is a clear proposition that no journalist should be abandoned in times of need. Through financial assistance, targeted outreach, and sustained engagement, the association has supported members facing hardship, as well as widows and families of deceased practitioners. These largely understated interventions have steadily earned NASRE credibility and respect across the industry.
The organisation’s approach reflects a keen awareness of the pressures confronting media professionals, including irregular pay, job insecurity, and limited institutional backing. In such an environment, NASRE’s welfare initiatives are not merely charitable, they are essential.
Beyond welfare, the association is investing in professional resilience. Through collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing platforms, it is equipping editors and practitioners to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital media space, where adaptability is no longer optional.
Headquartered in Lagos, NASRE continues to broaden its reach, attracting a growing membership united by the need for a more responsive and supportive professional community. Its expansion signals a shift in expectations within the industry, away from symbolic affiliations towards institutions that deliver measurable value.
For many observers, NASRE represents a necessary evolution, a professional body anchored not just in ideals, but in impact. By combining empathy with structure, it offers a model of what media associations can become in challenging times.
As the industry continues to evolve, organisations like NASRE may prove indispensable. In a profession devoted to telling society’s stories, it is ensuring that the storytellers themselves are not left behind.
Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today welcomed Mrs. Mutiat Disu, wife of the Inspector General of Police, at the State House in Abuja.
During the meeting, the First Lady encouraged Mrs. Disu to continue championing the welfare and wellbeing of police officers’ families, especially through impactful support for their wives.
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs. Mutiat Disu shared her excitement about partnering with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting that she is ready to leverage its programs to empower police officers’ wives across the country.
Mrs. Disu, who also serves as the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), described the meeting as insightful and inspiring. She emphasized her commitment to using RHI platforms to improve healthcare, welfare, and economic empowerment for POWA members nationwide.
“The purpose of this visit is to tap into her wealth of experience and explore how POWA can benefit from her programs,” she said.
She added that her engagement with the First Lady has already provided valuable direction, especially in areas of social intervention and healthcare support for police families.
“I’m ready to work closely with Mama to ensure our women benefit fully, especially since RHI focuses on uplifting women, and POWA is largely made up of women.”
Mrs. Disu assumed leadership of POWA following the appointment of Tunji Disu as Inspector General of Police on February 24, 2026, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun.
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.
The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.
According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.
Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.
With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news4 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
celebrity radar - gossips2 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.