Politics
Oladejo Lamikanra, SAN, Sketches Policy Framework For President Tinubu On Effective Justice System
Oladejo Lamikanra, SAN, Sketches Policy Framework For President Tinubu On Effective Justice System
Given what many have described as broken criminal justice system in Nigeria, Oladejo Lamikanra, a leading Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has offered useful insights on effective justice system to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who assumed office as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023.
Our reporters caught up with the legal eagle on the steps of Court of Appeal, Abuja.
Coming at a critical stage in the socio-economic and political fortunes of the most populous black country on earth, Oladejo Lamikanra is persuaded to offer suggestions to the Tinubu led administration in the interest of national growth, prosperity and confidence building.
He posits that the criminal justice system is, perhaps, the most important tool for the promotion of law and order in any functional society. He views effective justice system as a veritable tool for social engineering and rejuvenation.
To Lamikanra, an effective criminal justice system is one of the key pillars upon which the concept of the rule of law is built adding that it serves as a functional mechanism to redress grievances and bring violators of social norms to justice.
The SAN stressed that unless and until the courts system are equipped for efficient justice delivery and judges motivated and encouraged to perform at optimal level of output, the pursuit of encouraging business environment for investors would be difficult to achieve.
“Just last week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu actively participated in a ‘Global Financing Pact,’ summit in France hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. He met and encouraged Nigerians and other investors to look at the direction of Nigeria under his watch for investment and enterprise. That is a good step. And that also informs the reasons I am persuaded to offer these sketches policy framework for effective justice system in a manner that would encourage citizens’ confidence and investors’ interests. Nigeria stands to harvest bountifully from those negotiations once our justice system is further strengthened,” Lamikanra stated.
He added that the current operational modes of correctional institutions should be reviewed to correct and reintegrate back into society and not to criminalise and incubate criminals.
The criminal Bar practitioners in Nigeria, according to Lamikanra, needs to conduct some reorientations as to how they could assist our courts to do better rather than being clogs in the wheel of speedy dispensation of justice.
“Our Police and law enforcement personnel could actually be collective force for good – if well motivated, educated and re-oriented to invest more in the Nigerian State and in our core values as a nation,” Lamikanra advised.
Significantly, the learned silk emphasises the roles of families and right parenting.
According to him, a cohesive nations invariably starts with a cohesive and functional family units across all cultures and tribe, pointing out that it is the Latinate tool for crime prevention and control.
With this conviction, the legal expert is of the view that for the Tinubu led federal government to succeed, the former Lagos State governor must re work the criminal justice system policy document which would reflect Nigeria’s unique social and diverse cultural orientations as well as define the institutional objective of the system in coherent and practical terms.
He noted that the administration should consider a framework for effective relationship between the components of the criminal justice system.
Notably, Lamikanra identifies near absence of case management strategy, overloaded and congested dockets, frivolous and useless actions that serve no purpose than to Easter the time of court and wear out judges, congest prisons, delay litigation and deteriorate standards of legal education in Nigeria.
He noted that a combination of these fundamental flaws and defects manifest at every processing point on the entire criminal justice system line that do not serve the current needs of the country.
In addition, Lamikanra explained that indiscriminate transfer of Police prosecutors could be partly responsible for incomplete investigations and delays to on going trials because of consequential and frequent adjournments.
He particularly pointed out what he describes as crippling, outdated and counterproductive style of policing, Correctional Services that has basically become warehouses for inhumane treatment of fellow human beings who could be reformed and reoriented to be useful to themselves and the society
Lamikanra advised Tinubu to ensure that necessary policies and legislation that facilitate fair trial are initiated and properly put in place. He emphasized that to restore investors and international community’s confidence, Tinubu needs to completely erase delays and other numerous defects in the country’s Criminal Justice system.
The Senior Advocate further pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was signed into law in 2015 by former president Goodluck Jonathan to, among other things, reform the administration of criminal justice in federal courts across the country, needs to be strengthened through effective implementation and clause adjustments where necessary, adding that how well a country manages its criminal justice system affects its overall performance on the governance index.
“A country that gets its criminal justice system right has effectively addressed a quarter of its governance concerns because of the centrality of the criminal justice system to law, order and stability,” Lamikanra said .
He called for increased funding of the police and other prosecuting agencies and urged Tinubu to encourage compensatory and reconciliatory procedures in the criminal process adding that it would reduce the trial load in the court system and promote speed and efficiency.
Speaking on court, Lamikanra emphasized that the court system is the second most important component in a triangulated relationship of the criminal justice system involving laws, courts and enforcement agencies.
“It therefore becomes compelling to deploy adequate funding to courts,” he said.
Only recently, Oladejo Lamikanra, the experienced and highly respected SAN of the prestigious law firm-Creeks & Shield, Solicitors- led the argument that made a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to deliver a landmark judgment confirming the authority of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to collect the one percent Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) levy from every contract awarded in the Nigerian oil and gas upstream transaction as mandated under section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Before then, Lamikanra led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP counsel in the Abdullahi Liman’s judgment which settled all the contending issues concerning the PDP arising from the dissolution of the Ali Modu Sheriff-led national working committee and validating the convention that produced the caretaker committee , among other legal land marks.
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.
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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.
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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