This video is an evidence…
It is also a question of what is to become of Nigerians soon.
Watch and drop your comment.
Atiku/Obi: We Saw Hell Yesterday In Onitsha.
Breaking News:Northern Youths Forum Endorses Prof Moghalu For President
The Northern States Christian Youths Forum for Peace and Equity expresses support for Professor Kingsley Moghalu, Presidential candidate of Youth Progressives Party.
A NORTHERN youth group, the Northern States Christian Youths Forum for Peace and Equity has endorsed Professor Kingsley Moghalu, presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, ahead of the 2019 general election, saying Moghalu remains the most qualified presidential candidate.
A letter dated January 15, 2019, titled “Letter of Endorsement”, signed by Paul Adamu, national president of the group, and presented yesterday to Moghalu at his campaign office, described him as “a consummate grassroots personality, God-fearing man with courage and stamina that steamed from a trained mind.”
Adamu said there is no candidate more qualified to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019 than Kingsley Moghalu, whose experience, sound orientation and fierce commitment to democratic ideals puts him head and shoulders above the rest.
He also said they have strategized on how to deliver the votes of millions of Christian youths from the three northern geo-political zones to YPP, stating that aggressive sensitization was already ongoing, according to a statement signed by Jide Akintunde, spokesman, YPP Campaign Council.
BVI Channel 1 online can confirm that Prof Kingsley Moghalu of YPP is becoming stronger by the day and may throw some surprises mostly from Northern and Western axis of the Country.He is seen by many Political Analysts as Third Force.
Queen Madu reporting for BVI Channel 1 Online
Anambra Central,Senatorial Zone:Obumneke Okafor Storms Awka North
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Obumneke Ejimnkeonye Okafor of Anambra central took his senatorial campaign to the grassroots. The People of Awka North LGA communities trooped out to receive the man who promised to sponsor referendum bill for Regional Government in the senate.People of Awka North were so happy to welcome the youngest Senator of our time and promised to massively vote for National Conscience Party (NCP) in Anambra central senatorial election. Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbene, Isu Aniocha, Mgbakwu, Achalla.
Obumneke Okafor was born on 12th July, 1975 from Enugwu-Ukwu. Obumneke had a brief Nursery education (Nta Akara) in Osili village Enugwu Ukwu in 1982 and later relocated to Onitsha where he started Primary education in Patrick Okolo Memorial Primary School Onitsha in same year. He finished his Primary education in New Bethel Primary School Onitsha and proceeded to Onitsha High School Onitsha for Secondary Education. From his early age (while in Primary and Secondary Schools), Obumneke dedicated his life to God. He served as Altar Knight (Mass Servant) for about a decade in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Onitsha (under the tutelage of late Monsignor Obiukwu) and in the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha (under the tutelage of late Arch Bishop Stephen Ezeanya, Monsignor Oteh who later became
Bishop of Isele ukwu Dioceses, Arch Bishop Albert Kanene Obiefuna, Rev Father John Uzuakupundu (Ofu Obi) and a host of other priests).
Obumneke got admitted in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in 1997 where graduated with BSc. in Computer Science in 2001. After his graduation, he did NYSC in Ekiti state where he served from August
2002 to August 2003. It was during his service year that he met Mr. Ayo Fayose (the young governor of Ekiti state) and took the decision of leading his state at early age when he still has strength and undiminished intelligence that are required for the job.
After his NYSC, Obumneke saw a business opportunity in Ekiti state and decided to stay in the state and help it grow in information technology. In the year 2002, browsing in Cyber Cafe was being done only in Ekiti state capital, Ado Ekiti. Obum approached NITEL in a couple of semiurban cities of the state and requested for lines which can be used for dialup connectivity. The requests were rejected after
several attempts were made to get it approved. Had they been approved, he would have setup Cyber Cafes which would later be upgraded to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). He relocated to Awka, Anambra state with same idea, but was frustrated by unavailability of power (electricity).
In 2004, Obumneke Ejimnkeonye Okafor was employed as Switch Engineer by Active Communication Limited. Active Communication Limited was a private telecoms company in Opebi, Ikeja Lagos. He left Active Communication Limited and started freelance business in telecommunication. He was in partnership with his younger brother.
He left the business in care of his younger brother and joined Spring Bank PLC in 2008 where he was made the Regional Coordinator of Information Technology in Abuja and North. He was also the Manager of Disaster Recovery (DR) Site of the bank which was in Abuja. When DR Site of the bank was relocated to Lagos in 2011, Obum was transferred to Lagos to continue managing the site due to his excellent services. Extra job of Unix Systems Administration was added to his duties in the bank’s head office. He was with Spring Bank Ltd when it became Enterprise Bank Limited.
From Enterprise Bank Limited, he moved to Fidelity Bank PLC. While he was in Fidelity Bank PLC, telecoms started asking for his services. Both Glo and MTN had the opportunity to hire him for his experienced services, but Globacom became the lucky one. He retired voluntarily from paid job on 28/02/2018 and is currently doing personal business. While working from 2004 till 2018, Obumneke never forgot his call to serve God and humanity. He was a member of St. Paul’s Chior and Young Christian Movement (YCM) in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ojota, Lagos. Also, he was a member of executives in both groups and represented both them in Laity Council and Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). He represented the parish Laity Council in Deanery and Diocesan activities. In Abuja, he joined St Cecilia’s Chior of St Kevins Catholic Church, Jukwoyi. He still sings with the choir any time he goes to Abuja. People are not surprised by Obumneke’s transparency
in his dealings because he is filled with Godly principles. Obumneke is a big investor. He started Stack Investment Ltd with six other men of like minds. He, also, does personal investment in landed property and that his current major business. Obum is happily married and is blessed with a lovely wife and wonderful kids. He is a good family man.
In his professional career, Obum attended many local trainings and a couple of international trainings. He also has many professional certifications. Some of the trainings and certifications are listed below.
1. ONTAP 6 Administration Training in London, UK (2011)
2. IBM AIX 7 Administration Training in London, UK (2013)
Professional Certifications: 1. Solaris 10 Systems Administration l
2. Solaris 10 Systems Administration II
Queen Reporting for BVI Channel 1 online
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{Video} EXPOSED!!! This Is What Britain Don’t Want Nigerians To See – Tony Nnadi Reveals
BRITAIN IS EVIL!!!
If you are in a hurry don’t watch…
No Nigerian Is Permited To See This
We Broke Into British Archives To Get This Document.
Tony Nnadi breaks into British archives to get the deepest secret file, after watching this video, you wil cry.
BREAKING: Appeal Court refuses to stop Onnoghen’s trial at CCT
The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, on Wednesday, refused to stay proceedings in the trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The Court refused to grant the application for Stay of Proceedings brought by Justice Onnoghen on the grounds that section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA), 2015 does not allow a Stay of Proceedings in a criminal matter.
That the tribunal being a quasi criminal court is governed by the provisions of ACJA, 2015, and its proceedings in a criminal matter cannot be stayed.
SOURCE :SUN
BREAKING!!! Confusion At Today NJC Meeting
BREAKING!!! Confusion At NJC Meeting Over Who Presides, Justice Bode Rhodes Walked Out
The emergency meeting of NJC did not kick start on a smooth note on Tuesday, January 29 (today) morning as there was confusion over who should preside over the meeting.
The meeting was called via a message sent on Sunday, January 27 by the National Judicial Council (NJC) director of information, Soji Oye, who apologised for the short notice.
It was to start at 10am inside the National Judicial Council (NJC) conference room.
As formerly reported by our Reporter, neither the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen nor acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, the man appointed to act in his position, will attend the National Judicial Council (NJC) meeting which was called to resolve the leadership crisis in the judicial arm.
Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who is currently the third most senior justice at the supreme court, is not a member of NJC but was invited by the secretary, Ahmad Gambo Saleh.
Rhodes-Vivour was immediately ushered out politely when he entered the conference room.
In the absence of both Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Onnoghen and acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, the council is expected to elect a chairman pro tempore to preside over the meeting, Igbere Tv reports.
More details coming soon…
Source:Igberetv
Resign or get Impeached- Lagos State Assembly to Gov. Ambode
The frosty relationship between Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the House of Assembly has worsened as the lawmakers, at yesterday’s plenary, threatened to impeach him over allegations of gross misconduct.
The decision was reached after a committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Sanni Eshinlokun, submitted a report on the probe of various allegations bordering on financial misappropriation against the governor.
At the plenary, over 20 lawmakers took turns to accuse the governor of infractions and violation of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, for spending from the 2019 budget which they say he is yet to lay before the House.
Against the backdrop of the decision of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, to deny Ambode a second term ticket, last year, there have been fears that there might be clandestine plot to impeach the governor.
Regardless, the Assembly constituted the Eshinlokun committee to probe the governor’s 2018 expenditure.
Thereafter, the Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General, Budget and Planning Commissioner as well as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice were summoned to appear before the probe panel.
While submitting the report of the panel, at yesterday’s plenary, the deputy speaker said his panel found Ambode and his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, guilty of the allegations against them and, as such, should either resign or be impeached.
In his report, Eshinlokun said the Accountant General told the panel that they were given the go-ahead to spend up to 25 percent of the 2019 budget; before the approval in the new year.
He said that they would have to make a recourse to the House if they wanted to spend up to N200 million.
Eshilokun said: “Our committee pointed out to the commissioners that the governor ought to lay the 2019 budget before December 31, 2018, but that so far, the budget is yet to be laid till date. We asked them to bring out the law that allows them to spend up to 20 percent of the budget of the preceding year. They could not bring out such law and we said what they did was wrong. We discovered that people have started receiving alerts and this has grave implication for the Executive.
“It was our finding that for the smooth running of government, there must be strict adherence to the constitution and it must not be violated. We decided to bring the report before the House, for us to take action.”
A member of Eshilokun’s committee, Gbolahan Yishawu, revealed that there were some specific expenditure in the budget that ought to have been approved by the chamber, over which funds were expended.
“We had issues of virement and monies being spent without approval. We had cases of items that were not budgeted for being carried out. It shows the executive re-write the budget at will. A breach of the constitution and gross misconduct are being committed here and the punishment is clear. We should begin an impeachment process if the executive does not retrace its steps,” Yishawu said.
Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, suported the impeachment call, and added that the commissioners, whose appointments were confirmed by the House, and are working with the governor, should also face the music.
“There are three arms of government of which the executive is one. Our government is still running and not shut down. What we want to do is to ensure that the infractions from one arm of government does not affect another. It is clear that the budget has not been presented before the House. We should let the public know that we do not have the budget before the House.
“Three suggestions we made, that the commissioners, working with the governor should have vote-of-no confidence passed on them. They have failed in their responsibilities.
“The next is for the governor to resign or we begin an impeachment process against him. We can communicate to him to reign them in or, failure to do that is for us to start collecting signatures of lawmakers so that we can be seen to have done our job.”
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said it is important to give the governor fair hearing over the budget issue and summoned him to appear and defend his actions.
“The commisioners, who ought to have advised the governor did not do so…We must give them fair hearing; to come and explain what happened. We want to call on the governor, to come within a week, and explain himself; along with his commissioners.
“We can start gathering signatures for impeachment. But, for now, let us exercise patience and wait till another time,” Obasa said.
A reliable source told Daily Sun that Adebule may also be impeached. Asked what her offence was, the source, who is a lawmaker replied: “She is an accomplice and must go.”
A prominent APC leader in the state, who declined to be named, however, said the lawmakers are only dancing to the tune of a prominent godfather; to arrive at a pre-determined goal of impeaching Ambode before the elections begin.
“The lawmakers have deliberately refused to consider the 2019 budget sent to them since last year because they don’t want the governor to continue his landmark projects that dot every part of the state. By so doing, they will set the people against him and cripple him financially. They have virtually achieved all that and now they are going for the kill; the last lap of the agenda and that is to impeach him. Unfortunately, the deputy governor has been caught in the plot”, the source added.
Another party source, who was privy to the developmen, said Adebule is being listed for impeachment to pave the way for Obasa to have a smooth ride to become governor.“If they succeed to impeach only Ambode, the constitution states that his deputy will automatically become governor but to avert that and pave the way for Obasa, they have chosen to impeach both the governor and his deputy,” the source added.
sun
Breaking :Lawyers Boycott Courts Over Onnoghen, Senate sues FG
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Pro-CJN protests hold in Abuja, Enugu, Abeokuta
• ‘Suspension order was forged’
• Trial suspended, Atiku laments drift to anarchy, tyranny
• Buhari’s action is legal, presidency insists
• I haven’t resigned, says embattled justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) rose from its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, calling on its members nationwide to boycott all courts for two days. The action billed to begin today is a protest against the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement at the end of the meeting reads in part: “NEC resolved that members should boycott all courts for the next two days starting from 29th to 31st of January, 2019.”
The meeting ratified the constitution of a three-man committee (which may be expanded) made up of former Presidents Wole Olanipekun (SAN), A. B. Mahmood (SAN) and President Paul Usoro (SAN) to interface on the issue.
The committee adopted and ratified all actions and statements earlier issued by the NBA president on the prosecution and suspension of the CJN.
The body yesterday summoned an emergency meeting of all its executive members following the suspension of Onnoghen.
In a statement it issued at the weekend, the NBA decried Buhari’s “outright disrespect for the constitution” in the suspension of Justice Onnoghen.
The embattled Onnoghen yesterday described rumour of his purported resignation as fake news.
A statement issued by his media aide, Awassam Bassey, said the fake news was being circulated by mischief makers.
“Mischief makers are still circulating this fake news. Once again, no truth in it whatsoever. The Hon CJN, Hon Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has not resigned,” Bassey said.
The NBA met as the Senate took President Buhari to the Supreme Court for “illegally” suspending Onnoghen.
The upper legislative chamber is seeking the interpretation of the apex court “on whether President Buhari acted within the provision of the constitution in his suspension of the CJN or whether the action of the president does amount to usurpation of the powers of the Senate as provided for in Section 292 of the constitution.”
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, yesterday, explained that an emergency sitting of the Senate tomorrow was no longer required since the rules of the upper legislative chamber are against debating matters pending before the courts. Thus, the previous adjournment of the Senate till February 19, 2019 stays.
Also yesterday, lawyers, human rights activists, students and others across the country protested against the suspension of the CJN, describing the action as unconstitutional.
In Abuja, members of the National Interest Defenders (NID), Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (LDD) and other human rights groups, who jointly protested, converged at he headquarters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to demand, among other things, that the association rise in defence of democracy.
They also urged justices and judges across the country to shut down courts in solidarity with the CJN.
Addressing the protesters, the convener of the NID, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that President Buhari relied on and used a forged and fictitious tribunal order to suspend Justice Onnoghen.
“Nigerians will recall that the petition served on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) against the CJN was received by the bureau on January 9. The purported tribunal order which the president claimed he relied on was also dated the same January 9. The motion on notice seeking the same prayers as the purported motion ex parte was dated January 10, the charge filed was dated January 10 while the statement of the CJN in answer to the petition was dated January 11,” he stated.
Ugochinyere observed that “from the above dates, it appeared that upon receipt of the petition, the first action of the bureau was to file a motion ex parte, asking Onnoghen to vacate office for Justice Tanko Mohammed to be sworn in even before the commencement of an investigation into the matter, before the CJN was approached to make a statement and even before charges were filed against him.”
By this, the group accused Buhari of violating the constitution which he swore to uphold.
“This is an act that amounts to gross misconduct and it must certainly warrant his removal from office. The National Assembly should as a matter of urgency, national importance and patriotism, commence without any delay the process of impeaching President Buhari.
“We also call on the NBA and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to decide whether the impunity should be allowed to stand. The NJC and NBA must order the shutdown of the courts until the illegal suspension of the CJN is lifted and the impostor CJN, Justice Tanko Mohammed made to vacate the office.
“The NJC must expel Justice Mohammed from the Bench for accepting an illegal appointment in violation of the constitution and the NJC rules of engagement.
“The NBA must direct lawyers to boycott the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) presided over by Danladi Umar until disciplinary action is served on Umar for issuing a fake order that paved the way for impunity.”
The protesters urged the National Assembly to commence action for the removal from office of Umar, “who, having criminal charges against him, still sits in office and dumped Nigeria in a state of constitutional hiatus.”
The protest was disrupted by another group of people in support of President Buhari’s action.
In Enugu, residents of the south east zone yesterday took to the streets to protest against Onnoghen’s suspension.
The placard-carrying protesters, under the aegis of Coalition of Southeast Voters’ Voice, marched to Enugu Government House, state and federal high courts as well as the House of Assembly. They called on the National Assembly to immediately convene and consider a motion for the impeachment of President Buhari whom they alleged had acted contrary to the oath he swore to uphold, by the suspension of Onnoghen.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards carried by the protesters, who wore black attires, read: “Coalition of Southeast voters call for immediate impeachment of President Buhari”, “Osinbajo has failed as a judicial officer”, “Southeast governors, stop romancing with a tyrant”, “ Muhammed Tanko should resign now’, and “Stop desecrating our judiciary.”
The coordinator of the protesters, Mr. Sunday Umeha, said they were “worried over the latest episode in the series of undemocratic and constitutional recklessness that has become the hallmark of the Buhari’s administration.”
He stated that though they had found that it had become difficult for the Buhari administration to conform to minimum standards of civil rule, given how it had allegedly undermined democratic governance, they never knew “it would extend its brigandage to the hallowed temple of justice to whom we owe the preservation of our hard-fought democracy.”
The group, which said that it was not defending the suspended CJN, argued that the country “is a constitutional democracy where every action of government must be done according to law, otherwise it will be null and void abinitio.”
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, condemned the move against Onnoghen, calling on Nigerians to be more vigilant against further breaches of the constitution by the Federal Government.
At the popular Shehu Yardua Centre in Abuja, Atiku reviewed the mood of the nation regarding the challenges faced by democracy and accused the presidency of taking undemocratic actions.
He commended Nigerians and the international community for rising against the attack on democracy.
“How we react to this challenge in the following days will determine the fate of our democracy, which has been brought to great peril by this needless crisis engineered by a government that is unwilling to subject its conducts to the requirements of our constitution.
“I need to state that this latest action by General Muhammadu Buhari falls squarely within the pattern of executive lawlessness that has now been firmly turned into statecraft by the APC government,” he noted.
According to Atiku, “The serial disregard of court orders, and consequent violation of constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens confirm beyond all doubt that General Buhari and his government would rather obey their own whims and operate by separate rules outside the well-established constitutional order and the rule of law. It scarcely requires emphasis that this behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator.”
He said although corruption should be fought to a standstill, the process and procedures as laid down in the constitution must be strictly complied with.
“Without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution” he declared.
“As a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny.”
He drew attention to the continuous disregard for key democrat institutions in the country.
“We are all witnesses to how this government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy. However, with this attack on the judiciary, General Buhari has set a new precedent in our democracy that has no equivalence in our history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship. This cannot be allowed to stand.”
He warned the president against any further step against the constitution and democracy, pointing out that “such actions that may push us further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis could derail the electoral process.”
On its part, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the suspension of Onnoghen, calling for his immediate re-instatement in “order for rule of law to prevail in the country.”
The students made their position known during a protest march to the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre, Abeokuta, yesterday.
Their spokesman, Azeez Adéyemí told journalists after their demonstration that the move against Onnoghen was a total affront to the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
“Unilaterally and in flagrant violation of the constitution, he also swore in Tanko Muhammed as the acting CJN. By this act, the President has precipitated needless confusion in the polity, a shocking action that will aggravate tension ahead of the general elections in February and March.
“We frown on the way Buhari defended his action by citing an order from the CCT directing Onnoghen’s suspension. His action is akin to a coup – a judicial coup in this case. In a subtle way, the president has suspended an integral part of the judiciary arm of government.”
Some of the placards the students carried bore inscriptions like “Suspension of CJN by Buhari is Satanic and Demonic”, “NANS demands that Buhari should apologize to Nigerians on CJN Saga”, “Buhari go home, you are not fit”, “Buhari, the suspension of CJN has the hands of Jacob, voice of Esau”.
But the Federal Government has dismissed criticisms trailing the suspension of Onnoghen, insisting that the president followed the law by not contacting the NJC before taking the action.
The government also argued that the CCT acted within its powers in ordering the removal of the CJN.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who briefed journalists yesterday in Abuja said the suspension of Justice Onnoghen was a consequence of his breach of the code of conduct for public officers and had nothing to do with the forthcoming elections, neither did it signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny as some had insinuated.
He insisted that the action of President Buhari was in compliance with the order of the CCT which directed the suspension of the CJN pending the determination of the cases against him at the tribunal and several fora relating to his alleged breach of the law.
To Mohammed, Justice Onnoghen has been given the opportunity of fair hearing, but “e has been abusing his position and the judicial process by filing frivolous applications and even dodging service of processes.”
The minister argued that Justice Onnoghen himself had in various judgments, upheld the provisions of the law concerning the CCT, adding that in one particular judgement he delivered on July 12, 2013, Onnoghen held that the CCT had exclusive jurisdiction to deal with all violations contravening any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“Let me put this in a layman’s language: All breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers must be handled by the CCT. Pure and simple. In other words, Justice Onnoghen’s judgement held that the provisions expressly ousted the powers of ordinary regular courts in respect of such violations.
“As for those who argued that the CCT is wrong in ordering Justice Onnoghen’s suspension, are they aware that Justice Onnoghen himself disagreed with them? The judgement, which was delivered at the Supreme Court with suit number ‘SC.279/2012’ before Justices Onnoghen and others, also held that the provisions of the law are clearly unambiguous.”
Meanwhile, the CCT has adjourned indefinitely the trial of Onnoghen.The adjournment was made pending the decision of the Court of Appeal in a case brought before the court by Onnoghen.
The two-man panel of the tribunal led by Umar, said the adjournment was in compliance with the Court of Appeal order made on January 24, which put the trial on hold till Wednesday January 30, when it would rule on the motion on notice pending before it.
Besides, the NJC will today hold an emergency meeting over the suspension of the CJN.
The meeting, which was previously scheduled for 10:00 a.m. yesterday, will hold today in Abuja. It was learnt that neither Onnoghen, whose suspension has become a subject of controversy, nor Ibrahim Muhammad, the acting CJN, will be allowed to preside over the meeting.
– GuardianLawyers boycott courts over Onnoghen, Senate sues FG
• Pro-CJN protests hold in Abuja, Enugu, Abeokuta
• ‘Suspension order was forged’
• Trial suspended, Atiku laments drift to anarchy, tyranny
• Buhari’s action is legal, presidency insists
• I haven’t resigned, says embattled justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) rose from its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, calling on its members nationwide to boycott all courts for two days. The action billed to begin today is a protest against the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement at the end of the meeting reads in part: “NEC resolved that members should boycott all courts for the next two days starting from 29th to 31st of January, 2019.”
The meeting ratified the constitution of a three-man committee (which may be expanded) made up of former Presidents Wole Olanipekun (SAN), A. B. Mahmood (SAN) and President Paul Usoro (SAN) to interface on the issue.
The committee adopted and ratified all actions and statements earlier issued by the NBA president on the prosecution and suspension of the CJN.
The body yesterday summoned an emergency meeting of all its executive members following the suspension of Onnoghen.
In a statement it issued at the weekend, the NBA decried Buhari’s “outright disrespect for the constitution” in the suspension of Justice Onnoghen.
The embattled Onnoghen yesterday described rumour of his purported resignation as fake news.
A statement issued by his media aide, Awassam Bassey, said the fake news was being circulated by mischief makers.
“Mischief makers are still circulating this fake news. Once again, no truth in it whatsoever. The Hon CJN, Hon Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has not resigned,” Bassey said.
The NBA met as the Senate took President Buhari to the Supreme Court for “illegally” suspending Onnoghen.
The upper legislative chamber is seeking the interpretation of the apex court “on whether President Buhari acted within the provision of the constitution in his suspension of the CJN or whether the action of the president does amount to usurpation of the powers of the Senate as provided for in Section 292 of the constitution.”
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, yesterday, explained that an emergency sitting of the Senate tomorrow was no longer required since the rules of the upper legislative chamber are against debating matters pending before the courts. Thus, the previous adjournment of the Senate till February 19, 2019 stays.
Also yesterday, lawyers, human rights activists, students and others across the country protested against the suspension of the CJN, describing the action as unconstitutional.
In Abuja, members of the National Interest Defenders (NID), Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (LDD) and other human rights groups, who jointly protested, converged at he headquarters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to demand, among other things, that the association rise in defence of democracy.
They also urged justices and judges across the country to shut down courts in solidarity with the CJN.
Addressing the protesters, the convener of the NID, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that President Buhari relied on and used a forged and fictitious tribunal order to suspend Justice Onnoghen.
“Nigerians will recall that the petition served on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) against the CJN was received by the bureau on January 9. The purported tribunal order which the president claimed he relied on was also dated the same January 9. The motion on notice seeking the same prayers as the purported motion ex parte was dated January 10, the charge filed was dated January 10 while the statement of the CJN in answer to the petition was dated January 11,” he stated.
Ugochinyere observed that “from the above dates, it appeared that upon receipt of the petition, the first action of the bureau was to file a motion ex parte, asking Onnoghen to vacate office for Justice Tanko Mohammed to be sworn in even before the commencement of an investigation into the matter, before the CJN was approached to make a statement and even before charges were filed against him.”
By this, the group accused Buhari of violating the constitution which he swore to uphold.
“This is an act that amounts to gross misconduct and it must certainly warrant his removal from office. The National Assembly should as a matter of urgency, national importance and patriotism, commence without any delay the process of impeaching President Buhari.
“We also call on the NBA and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to decide whether the impunity should be allowed to stand. The NJC and NBA must order the shutdown of the courts until the illegal suspension of the CJN is lifted and the impostor CJN, Justice Tanko Mohammed made to vacate the office.
“The NJC must expel Justice Mohammed from the Bench for accepting an illegal appointment in violation of the constitution and the NJC rules of engagement.
“The NBA must direct lawyers to boycott the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) presided over by Danladi Umar until disciplinary action is served on Umar for issuing a fake order that paved the way for impunity.”
The protesters urged the National Assembly to commence action for the removal from office of Umar, “who, having criminal charges against him, still sits in office and dumped Nigeria in a state of constitutional hiatus.”
The protest was disrupted by another group of people in support of President Buhari’s action.
In Enugu, residents of the south east zone yesterday took to the streets to protest against Onnoghen’s suspension.
The placard-carrying protesters, under the aegis of Coalition of Southeast Voters’ Voice, marched to Enugu Government House, state and federal high courts as well as the House of Assembly. They called on the National Assembly to immediately convene and consider a motion for the impeachment of President Buhari whom they alleged had acted contrary to the oath he swore to uphold, by the suspension of Onnoghen.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards carried by the protesters, who wore black attires, read: “Coalition of Southeast voters call for immediate impeachment of President Buhari”, “Osinbajo has failed as a judicial officer”, “Southeast governors, stop romancing with a tyrant”, “ Muhammed Tanko should resign now’, and “Stop desecrating our judiciary.”
The coordinator of the protesters, Mr. Sunday Umeha, said they were “worried over the latest episode in the series of undemocratic and constitutional recklessness that has become the hallmark of the Buhari’s administration.”
He stated that though they had found that it had become difficult for the Buhari administration to conform to minimum standards of civil rule, given how it had allegedly undermined democratic governance, they never knew “it would extend its brigandage to the hallowed temple of justice to whom we owe the preservation of our hard-fought democracy.”
The group, which said that it was not defending the suspended CJN, argued that the country “is a constitutional democracy where every action of government must be done according to law, otherwise it will be null and void abinitio.”
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, condemned the move against Onnoghen, calling on Nigerians to be more vigilant against further breaches of the constitution by the Federal Government.
At the popular Shehu Yardua Centre in Abuja, Atiku reviewed the mood of the nation regarding the challenges faced by democracy and accused the presidency of taking undemocratic actions.
He commended Nigerians and the international community for rising against the attack on democracy.
“How we react to this challenge in the following days will determine the fate of our democracy, which has been brought to great peril by this needless crisis engineered by a government that is unwilling to subject its conducts to the requirements of our constitution.
“I need to state that this latest action by General Muhammadu Buhari falls squarely within the pattern of executive lawlessness that has now been firmly turned into statecraft by the APC government,” he noted.
According to Atiku, “The serial disregard of court orders, and consequent violation of constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens confirm beyond all doubt that General Buhari and his government would rather obey their own whims and operate by separate rules outside the well-established constitutional order and the rule of law. It scarcely requires emphasis that this behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator.”
He said although corruption should be fought to a standstill, the process and procedures as laid down in the constitution must be strictly complied with.
“Without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution” he declared.
“As a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny.”
He drew attention to the continuous disregard for key democrat institutions in the country.
“We are all witnesses to how this government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy. However, with this attack on the judiciary, General Buhari has set a new precedent in our democracy that has no equivalence in our history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship. This cannot be allowed to stand.”
He warned the president against any further step against the constitution and democracy, pointing out that “such actions that may push us further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis could derail the electoral process.”
On its part, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the suspension of Onnoghen, calling for his immediate re-instatement in “order for rule of law to prevail in the country.”
The students made their position known during a protest march to the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre, Abeokuta, yesterday.
Their spokesman, Azeez Adéyemí told journalists after their demonstration that the move against Onnoghen was a total affront to the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
“Unilaterally and in flagrant violation of the constitution, he also swore in Tanko Muhammed as the acting CJN. By this act, the President has precipitated needless confusion in the polity, a shocking action that will aggravate tension ahead of the general elections in February and March.
“We frown on the way Buhari defended his action by citing an order from the CCT directing Onnoghen’s suspension. His action is akin to a coup – a judicial coup in this case. In a subtle way, the president has suspended an integral part of the judiciary arm of government.”
Some of the placards the students carried bore inscriptions like “Suspension of CJN by Buhari is Satanic and Demonic”, “NANS demands that Buhari should apologize to Nigerians on CJN Saga”, “Buhari go home, you are not fit”, “Buhari, the suspension of CJN has the hands of Jacob, voice of Esau”.
But the Federal Government has dismissed criticisms trailing the suspension of Onnoghen, insisting that the president followed the law by not contacting the NJC before taking the action.
The government also argued that the CCT acted within its powers in ordering the removal of the CJN.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who briefed journalists yesterday in Abuja said the suspension of Justice Onnoghen was a consequence of his breach of the code of conduct for public officers and had nothing to do with the forthcoming elections, neither did it signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny as some had insinuated.
He insisted that the action of President Buhari was in compliance with the order of the CCT which directed the suspension of the CJN pending the determination of the cases against him at the tribunal and several fora relating to his alleged breach of the law.
To Mohammed, Justice Onnoghen has been given the opportunity of fair hearing, but “e has been abusing his position and the judicial process by filing frivolous applications and even dodging service of processes.”
The minister argued that Justice Onnoghen himself had in various judgments, upheld the provisions of the law concerning the CCT, adding that in one particular judgement he delivered on July 12, 2013, Onnoghen held that the CCT had exclusive jurisdiction to deal with all violations contravening any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“Let me put this in a layman’s language: All breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers must be handled by the CCT. Pure and simple. In other words, Justice Onnoghen’s judgement held that the provisions expressly ousted the powers of ordinary regular courts in respect of such violations.
“As for those who argued that the CCT is wrong in ordering Justice Onnoghen’s suspension, are they aware that Justice Onnoghen himself disagreed with them? The judgement, which was delivered at the Supreme Court with suit number ‘SC.279/2012’ before Justices Onnoghen and others, also held that the provisions of the law are clearly unambiguous.”
Meanwhile, the CCT has adjourned indefinitely the trial of Onnoghen.The adjournment was made pending the decision of the Court of Appeal in a case brought before the court by Onnoghen.
The two-man panel of the tribunal led by Umar, said the adjournment was in compliance with the Court of Appeal order made on January 24, which put the trial on hold till Wednesday January 30, when it would rule on the motion on notice pending before it.
Besides, the NJC will today hold an emergency meeting over the suspension of the CJN.
The meeting, which was previously scheduled for 10:00 a.m. yesterday, will hold today in Abuja. It was learnt that neither Onnoghen, whose suspension has become a subject of controversy, nor Ibrahim Muhammad, the acting CJN, will be allowed to preside over the meeting.
– Guardian
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Oga Falana Is Wrong-I.F.Akponye
I. F. Akponye, Esq
I have seen, heard and read the viral position of the respected Femi Falana, SAN over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and I firmly state that some of his views are wrong.
First, Femi Falana, SAN suggested that National Judicial Council ought to have met and set up a Committee to look into the matter and make informed recommendations – *The NJC cannot meet over a matter that is not before it. There is no petition against the CJN, Hon Justice Walter S. C. Onnoghen before the NJC. * The NJC can only meet to consider a petition sent to her from a known person. Who also will be ready to provide enough facts, details and evidence for the NJC to act upon. Since the petition is now before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the NJC cannot on its own fetch from the public domain an anonymous petition and start handling same. No. This if done will be unlawful and be a further breach of Section 36 of the Constitution and the rules of natural Justice. *Therefore, even if the 88th meeting of the NJC had held on the 15/1/2019 as was alluded to by the learned SAN, or any other date, NJC can only consider the brazen breach of the Constitution as depicted in the said suspension CJN and not his investigation. The NJC has no power to investigate an allegation without a complainant.* Assuming there is a petition against the CJN before the NJC over late declaration of assets, which is what is playing out, *one then wonders what the alleged crime would be in view of the provisions of section 3 of the CCT Act which exculpates and neutralizes culpability on any person who admits and corrects the mistake by filing the declaration as the CJN did. Indeed, the provisions of this Section 3 has knocked the bottom off the allegation.*
Secondly, it is also strange the perception that the President’s action is in line with the rule of law as it is said that the President followed the orders of the CCT. *The order which President Buhari relied upon is that the CJN “shall step aside”. The operative words are ‘step aside’.* This involves the CJN agreeing with the said CCT order and stepping aside. There is no evidence that this ex parte Order was served on the CJN. Even if he was served, which is not the case here, until he steps aside, the 2nd order of the President appointing a new CJN in acting capacity cannot be activated. There is no Order directing the President to suspend the CJN as he did. Mr. President acted on his own frolic.
Thirdly, I remain bemused by the hurried and continued assertion that the CJN having admitted to what they call crime, is bound by the principle of ignorance of the law is not an excuse. But who is ignorant of the law in the present circumstance? I am aware that learned Silk averted his legal mind to the provisions of Section 3 of the CCT Act, if he had adverted to same may be his assertions on this point may be different. The CJN was right in his admission because that is what the law expects from any person who forgot to file his asset declarations on time. The Supreme Court in a plethora of decisions like in ABACHA V FRN (2006) 14 NWLR (pt.907) 239 at 263; FBN LTD V. MAIWADA (2012) 213 LRCN 121 at 143 employed purposive interpretation of the law, the purpose of section 3 of the CCT Act is to protect persons who may forget due their busy schedules and the matter ends with his written admission with the declaration. *We can now see that the entire 12 lawyers in this administration including the Vice President and the Attorney General are those who are ignorant of the law and ought to be sacked for causing this administration this monumental embarrassment.*
Fourthly, the argument that what the President did is merely ‘suspension’ and not ‘removal’ cannot stand as it flies in the face of the clear provisions of Section 292 of the Constitution and Section 12 part 1 of the 3rd schedule of the Constitution. *The proponents of this argument unwittingly admit that the president cannot unilaterally remove the CJN but forget that once the action of the President in the name of suspension, impedes the exercise of constitutional function of the CJN and appoints another to act in his stead, he has been removed him from office.* Section 12 of part 1 of the 3rd schedule of the Constitution assigns the power to remove and discipline a Judicial Officer on the NJC.
Fifthly, I further hazard the view of the learned Silk that the Court of Appeal cannot declare as unconstitutional the trial of the CJN before the CCT. This is also strange in view of the Constitutional provisions available. What is happening should go beyond political inclination as this is a very dangerous precedent that can ruin our country. *This is a very deadly exercise that should not have been undertaken at all otherwise an ex parte order may be obtained tomorrow removing the President.* This is why people avoid riding on the back of the tiger no matter how tamed.
I. F. Akponye, Esq.
You Don’t Sell That To Me, Mr. Presidnet !By Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN
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Some people don’t know and some pretend not to know that law has its technicalities-both civil and criminal proceedings. They talk of technicalities and say that lawyers delay cases, look, without being immodest; I have been involved in a lot of cases in this country.
I have defended a lot of people. During the run-up to the 2015 elections, I was one of the lawyers hired on pro bono basis to defend the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. We employed all the tactics available, employable and allowable in the legal profession; why didn’t they blame us then? If we didn’t, the election would not have held.
If you do that today, some people, even within the profession, will blame you. I know what I’m talking about. The election was to hold on a Saturday and Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, said he was going to deliver his judgement on whether or not card readers should be used by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday, two days to the election. We filed preliminary objection, he overruled it. I was in court with Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akin Olujinmi (SAN), and Kola Awodein, (when) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu sent an aircraft to pick me in Akure, saying that if we were not in court, the election would not hold. There are things that need to be unveiled in this country. Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola (former Lagos State Governor), the Vice President (Prof. Yemi Osibajo), Lai Mohammed, the AGF (Abubakar Malami) were in the know. And Kolawole overruled us. Then he called the plaintiff and said, can you go ahead with originating summons? I will deliver my judgement tomorrow. Like someone who was possessed, I rose up and said I was applying for stay of proceedings. Then the other lawyer interjected and asked for my formal application. I gave him two authorities offhand that I could apply orally. That was two days to the election. Kolawole said well, whatever it is; I would want to listen to you. He listened to me. We did it pro bono in the sense that the APC hasn’t paid us. Nobody even wrote a letter to say thank you. Then thereafter, he wrote a ruling and granted stay of proceedings 48 hours to the election. The Supreme Court later held that, though the card reader was a good innovation, it was not yet in the law.
 Would Buhari have been President if we had not done that? What could be more technical than that? They filed action against Buhari, we looked at it; we raised objections and we were dragging that. Is that not technicality? And some people will now accuse me when I do it for other people that I’m defending looters. But when you do it for them, it is right; that is double standard. And what baffles me is that some high lawyers, who should know better, also accuse some lawyers of defending looters? To hell with anybody who has looted the treasury. I believe in my profession and I thank God for what I am. I am a fulfilled person and don’t want any position from any government, but then government should allow those of us who are privately engaged to do our work. In our offices in Lagos and Abuja, we have over 75 members of staff- professionals and supporting staff. We pay more than what the government pays and don’t owe workers. A cleaner in my office earns far more than what government calls minimum wage. And when you say someone is a looter, who is a looter?
Anybody who loots will have his day in court and God will punish looters, but at the same time, judge not, so that you are not judged. And let the accused person defend himself. All religions give room for fair hearing. I grew up to know that when people came to my father to settle disputes, he would say ‘e je ko so tie, agba ti o gbo ejo enikan dajo, agba osika ni’ (let him say his side of the story; an elder who bases his judgement on only one side of the story is wicked). I grew up to know that. So you don’t want people to be heard? If that is the case, change the constitution. So once someone is accused, he is arrested and taken to prison. Then, abolish the courts. That is my position. And what goes around comes around. You may be the accuser today, tomorrow; it may be your turn to face accusations. Let the law take its course.
It is tyrannical, dictatorial and smacks of militarism when you start accusing lawyers who defend people. You cannot have democracy without free speech and people having access to courts. You cannot be the accuser, the lawyer and the judge. They say lawyers and judges delay the prosecution of looters, then if they have already been adjudged looters, don’t prosecute them. It is only a court of law that can come to the conclusion that someone has looted the treasury after evidence has been produced.
I believe in anti-corruption, you know, I said earlier that woe betide anybody who has looted the treasury or any person who uses his position to amass wealth. But when you keep on describing Nigeria as a country that is corrupt, investors will stay off. And if you know some judges are corrupt, deal with them, but don’t go to another country to say that the judiciary in your country is corrupt; nobody will come there because it is about investment and the rule of law.
And when you talk of corruption among lawyers, who are the people? It takes two to tango. Let every politician in Nigeria swear by the god of thunder that he has not tried to induce a judge.
Let the President take a cue from the United States President, Barack Obama. George W. Bush squandered American funds on the Gulf War as President of the US because he wanted Saddam Hussein by all means –dead or alive- after the September 11 attack. The economy of the US was comatose when Obama took over, but did you hear him say any bad thing about Bush? He had his own agenda. He started issuing presidential orders and proclamations and within two or three years, the economy was revived without him condemning anybody.
To me, government is a continuum. I’m not in the Peoples Democratic Party or the APC; I don’t even see any difference between the two of them when it is so easy for the PDP people to move to the APC and immediately become progressives. You don’t sell that to me, Mr. President!
Written by: Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN (OFR)
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