The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, says the Nigerian judiciary, especially in the matters concerning the last presidential election, has put itself in a serious ridicule.

In his message at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka during a eucharistic celebration to mark the beginning of 2023/2024 Legal year, Bishop Ezeokafor regretted that while many countries are developing because they give primacy to the rule of law and faithful enforcement of the law; regardless of who is involved, the reverse is the case in Nigeria, blaming it on few bad eggs that are holding the noble profession hostage.
Bishop Ezeokafor’s message reads:
“My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, I welcome you to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka. We have gathered here to commend the New Legal Year into the hands of God. Putting God first matters a lot especially in our society where many institutions, including the judiciary are wobbling between a step forward and thousands of steps backward.
Time to reflect
We are in a time in the history of our nation where the words of Pope John XXIII resound: “the right ordering of human society presupposes the right ordering of man’s conscience with God, who is Himself the source of all justice, truth and love” (Mater et Magistra no. 215). Events in the very recent past in the Nigerian Judiciary, worst at her highest level, the Supreme Court in the matters concerning the Presidential Election, have put the Nigerian Judiciary to serious ridicule. It has been the accepted and hallowed belief that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Today that firm belief seems to have been completely the opposite in many minds. The judiciary has been presented and seen as the ‘lost hope’ of the common man. Many developed countries progress because primacy is given to the rule of law and the faithful enforcement of laws without respecting persons or titles. The judiciary is supposed to checkmate the excesses of the Executive arm of government. But in Nigeria the reverse seems to be the case and positive progress is constantly eluding us.
As a clergy, a bishop in the Catholic Church, I am aware that a failing of one of the priests can tarnish and make nonsense of the efforts of many who are making honest effort to live out their calling. The level of the offence can even make others feel very ashamed to identify with the group and be so identified. There is no doubt that a good number of the members of the judiciary are men and women of integrity but the misdemeanor of one person can make a mess of a noble profession like yours.
It is therefore not a question of the man at the pulpit to deliver a beautiful homily, talk to us, we should rather reflect seriously on the harm the Nigerian Judiciary, worst still at the highest level, has done to the Nigerian society.
Let us therefore take some minutes to make sober reflection and talk to ourselves in the privacy of our minds. Nigeria has become an object of ridicule before the entire world because few persons in the judiciary are holding your noble profession hostage. The positive change must come from you individually and collectively.
Reacting, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, assured that members of the judiciary will continue to make efforts to take back the slogan that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and indeed all men of good will.
He said that Nigeria will be gone any day the judiciary is regarded as no longer the last hope of the common man.
Present at the celebration include Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, and Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha

The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa-Ibom State Command, has organized “Inmate’s rehabilitation and empowerment programme” for inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom S notate, aimed at reducing their chances of getting back to crime upon release from detention.

At the event, inmates with minor offenses received skill acquisition training, get trade test certifications, have their fines paid, and were empowered with starter packs and cash to set up their businesses upon release.

Also at the event that had as its theme, “Imprisonment for correction: a call for rehabilitation and empowerment of inmates for a better society”, National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Study Centre for inmates was flagged off, and in recognition of the importance of digital literacy skills in today’s world, the foundation set up a mini ICT Lab for the center to enable interested inmates acquire degrees and necessary digital skills for self-improvement.

Speaking at the event that featured exhibition items produced by the inmates, as well as choral rendition, Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon, and the Comptroller of the Akwa-Ibom State Command of NCS, Julius Ezugwu, appreciated the Obijackson Foundation for their humanitarian services, and pledged to do their parts in sustaining capacity building of inmates.

In her remark on behalf of the Obijackson Foundation, the Executive Director, Barrister Mrs Nnenna Obiejesi, said the group believes that to achieve its aim of building, empowering and transforming communities, a holistic approach is needed in the planning intervention programmes.

She noted that re-integrating the inmates back into society with skills and start-up items will reduce their chances of getting back to crime and make their lives and that of their families better, describing it as resounding impact.

Elaborating on the importance of partnerships in making an impact on the society, Mrs Obiejesi called on all stakeholders to do their bits.

At the event attended by representatives from the Army, DSS, NSCDC, NIS, Fire service, FRSC, partnering NGOs, NBA, and other well-wishers, the Obijackson Foundation was presented with a humanitarian service award.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha

Ahead of the eleventh November gubernatorial election in Imo State, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government, BDFCG, has advised Imolites not to be discouraged by the experiences of past elections, but to come out in massive numbers and vote for good governance, and defend their vote.

It urged Imolites to unite behind a candidate who demonstrates clear commitment to the welfare, freedom, peace and justice for the people.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Pro-Biafran group, Prosper Odinga, BDFCG advised voters in the state to look beyond empty promises and scrutinize the track record, integrity and dedication of those seeking to represent them, noting that their vote this time is the remaining instrument for sovereign rights; as the Nigerian constitution is being trampled upon.

The group described the upcoming election as a call to action, a call for a new Imo State within the Biafra space, and an internal referendum that will test the resolve of the people to take control of their political space.

The press statement reads:

“IMOLITES” IN BIAFRIA: DEFEND YOUR SOVEREIGN RIGHTS BY VOTING EN MASSE IN THE NOV 11 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION – BDFCG

1. The Biafra De Facto Customary Government calls on citizens to come out in massive numbers during the upcoming elections and vote for good governance. Unite behind a candidate who demonstrates a clear commitment to the welfare, freedom, peace, and justice for our people. Look beyond empty promises and scrutinize the track record, integrity, and dedication of those seeking to represent you. Your vote this time is the remaining instrument for your sovereign rights as the Nigerian Constitution is being trampled upon.

2. In light of the pressing security and economic challenges, and above all, the abuse of our sovereign rights, we, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG), as a matter of urgency and deep commitment to the well-being of our people, remind Imolites that Nov 11 is a ‘decisive’ day for a new dawn in their state of affairs, and it all depends on our coming out to vote en masse and being ready to defend our votes. Do not wait to be told to ‘go to court.’ This is a call to action, a call for a new Imo State within the Biafra space, and an internal referendum that will test the resolve of the people to take control of their political space.

3. Ndi Imo must be vigilant in their determination to elect a candidate who is dedicated to the principles of the BDFCG, which include good governance, security, fairness, justice, freedom, and progress. We believe that this election presents an opportunity for our citizens to elect a Governor who will strive to safeguard our people against all forms of oppression, violence, and marginalization.

4. The time has come for the indigenous Imo people to take a stand and assemble their votes for a candidate who possesses a clear vision to liberate and secure Imo state against the vicious attacks, rampages, and other forms of violent crimes that have plagued communities in the state. Our people must work together to give power to the right person, someone who is genuinely committed to the development of Imo state and to curbing the crimes and criminalities that grip us under the current leadership.

5. Biafra ‘Imolites’ deserve a government that prioritizes your safety and well-being. We cannot afford to remain complacent while our communities suffer from the consequences of ineffective policies and a lack of decisive action. It is time for change, and that change starts with each and every one of us by our commitments and exercising our democratic rights at the polling stations on Nov 11.

6. ‘Experience must be the best teacher’ for the Nov 11 Imo Gubernatorial Election. Justice and freedom are never given on a platter of gold. We must be vigilant as this is a call to democratic action. In the midst of INEC IREV complexities and multifaceted collation centers, all polling units and wards must be diligently guarded and protected.

7. The BDFCG recognizes the power of the people in shaping the future of Biafraland in general. This is why we insist that Ndi Imo must unite behind a candidate who embodies the ideals of justice, freedom, and progress. Together, we can bring about a new era of governance that uplifts the lives of Biafran people and ensures a brighter future for generations to come.

8. Raise your voices in unison, mobilize your communities, and ensure that your votes count. Don’t be discouraged by the violent experiences of past elections and resolve to overwhelm the wicked politicians with your votes and ensure you defend your votes. The very moment we are organized, the wicked political class will learn civility, in contrast to selfish stealing and accumulation of public funds. Together, we can bring an end to the reign of bad governance in Biafraland and usher in an era of progress and security.

Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +19173465419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com

For his alleged roles in truncating the demand for justice by a victim and his Anambra community, a concerned citizen, Emmanuel O. Azowue, has chided a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and founder of a Church, Dr. Joseph Nwadike.

Reacting to an interview reportedly granted by Dr. Nwadike, Azowue said “I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own”.

Details of the opinion piece below 👇

RE – I WAS DENIED PROMOTION FOR RESISTING BAD THINGS – DR. JOSEPH NWADIKE

While we can never stop complaining of how bad the Nigeria administrative justice have become, including the criminal activities perpetuated by men of the Nigeria Police, the interview granted by a senior police personnel, Dr. Joseph Nwadike, a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer and prosecutor working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and also a founder of a church, I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own, who claims to be a man of God and have always stood on the side of truth and justice throughout his dealings and activities as a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

In trying to debunk the claims and position held by Dr. Joseph Nwadike of the Nigeria Police Force, I will be making reverence to just one particular case that has passed through his desk where he allowed or supported wittingly or otherwise for justice to be perverted just because of the huge amount that has been paid to him to look the other way or to persuade a victim of injustice as to yield to the demand of an oppressor as a means of achieving peace when he in all consciousness knows that what he was asking for would to truncate of the demand for justice by the victim and his community.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike must be reminded that a case against one Chief Pius Nweke was brought before him as a prosecutor in the office of the Inspector General of Police which was sponsored by a money bag from Ukpo community, Prince Arthur Eze against Chief Pius Nweke. He gladly owned up to the latter’s request that he knows that he was pursuing a course of justice but advised the latter to yield to the unholy and irrational demands of the former as a means of achieving peace in the matter. Yet, he claimed to be an objective prosecutor of the Nigeria Police Force and a man of God when his actions and deeds clearly suggests otherwise.

Maybe, Dr. Joseph Nwadike may need to be reminded that when the case between Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Pius Nweke came to his desk which was bothering of the land dispute between Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) and Chief Pius Nweke’s community (Abba), he advised Chief Pius Nweke to close his eyes and go to sleep while allowing Prince Arthur Eze to take possession of the ancestral land of Chief Pius Nweke’s community. He had further advised Chief Pius Nweke to discontinue with the legal tussle between his community (Abba) and that of Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) as the surest way of achieving lasting peace and enabling Prince Arthur Eze’s community, Ukpo to take possession of a land that is still under dispute before the court, thereby suggesting that justice cannot be gotten through the Nigeria Police Force and the courts in the land. What Dr. Joseph Nwadike is suggesting is that there are people who are untouchable and above the law, and who must be appeased even when what they are doing is wrong, and should be treated as demi-gods in order to have their inordinate desires to be granted at all cost. Unfortunately, this is what the Nigerian society has become and men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike will continue to pontificate and support evil just because anything seems to go in our present lawless society.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike cannot continue to deceive Nigerians that he is an Evangelist of the gospel of Christ who always acts in the course of justice when he willingly handed over Chief Pius Nweke’s framed up unlawful possession of illegal firearm case to a private legal practitioner to prosecute the case in court. He cannot also claim not to be aware that the trumped up case of illegal possession of firearm against Chief Pius Nweke was used a cover up against the latter as a means to intimidate him from continually standing against Prince Arthur Eze’s quest to silence the people of Abba community and to freely take over the possession of the ancestral land of the people of Abba community.

Men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are the real bad eggs in the Nigeria Police establishment who are always in the habit of mortgaging the course of justice to the highest bidder. He has succeeded in deceiving innocent Nigerian citizens into believing that he is a man of honour and integrity and a God fearing man when in truth he is the real devil behind the scene. And until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are thrown out from the Nigeria Police formation, achieving sanity in the system will be almost impossible. Until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are exposed to the world of his devilish and heartless activities in concert with his benefactor, Prince Arthur Eze, achieving justice through the Nigeria Police will remain a herculean task.

Dr. Joseph Nwadike willingly made himself a willing tool in the hand of an oppressor and land grabber. He has allowed himself to be consumed by his lust for illicit wealth as to pervert a crystal clear course of justice, the consequences of his actions and deeds will be his greatest undoing, and on the day of reckoning, he will definitely reap the fruit of his labour.

Azowue O. Emmanuel
(Pen of the gods)