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