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Thirty-Nine Judges Sworn-In by CJN for 2023 election petitions
At least thirty-nine judges have been sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Thursday to man the election petition tribunals currently sitting across the federation.
During the ceremony which took place at the Supreme Court, the CJN said the judges were found worthy to be appointed as additional members of tribunals that have been saddled with an “avalanche of petitions” trailing the 2023 general election.
Administering the oath on the newly appointed election petition tribunal judges, the CJN, instructed them to live above board and to submit to the sanctity of the rule of law in the discharge of their judicial functions, noting that the country needs peace “at this crucial phase”, he admonished them not to allow sentiment and public opinion to betray their sense of judgment.
His statement reads: “You have just taken an oath that has not only imposed a course of upright moral undertaking on you but equally looped you with destiny.”
“This is an enormous national assignment that will literally put the contents of your conscience to the test.”
“No amount of homily can convey the enormity of this task. But suffice it to say that you are already initiating an interaction with history. Whatever action or inaction you exhibit today will serve as your testament In the annals of the Nigerian judiciary.
“As judicial Officers, you may have, one way or the other, trodden this somewhat dreaded terrain, but you must, against all odds, rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy.
“The onus is on you to keep aloft the banner of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly hoisted over the years. Your appointment to serve in these tribunals is well conceived, thus, you should do everything within your ability to justify this confidence.
“There is no doubt that you will be exposed to different forms of temptations and even blackmails but you should know that all are aimed at testing your strength of character, honesty and integrity.
“My candid advice is that, in whatever circumstance, you should always be mindful of this oath you have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between you and your creator.
“It behoves you to willingly submit yourselves to the sanctity of the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution in the discharge of your judicial functions. It is the general belief that elections held when the rule of law is too fragile, seldom lead to lasting democratic governance.
“You are enjoined to always strike a balance between justice and the rule of law as you embark on this critical national assignment.”
“As you all know, the rule of law delayed is lasting peace denied because justice is a handmaiden of true peace.”
“We need this in Nigeria more than ever before. The trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice; hence we put you forward as champions of this noble cause.”
“By the virtue of this oath, you are now armed with the power to adjudicate on electoral disputes and take decisions in accordance with your convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law and not sentiments or public opinion.”
“I pray the Almighty God will grant you the courage and wisdom to carry out this responsibility without faltering or failing.”
It would be recalled that the CJN had earlier sworn in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions from the 2023 general election.
The addition of the 39 judges has increased the number of the various tribunal members currently hearing petitions that arose from the conduct of the 2023 general elections to 346.
News
IGP Disu, ICRC seek financing of 3,000 new police stations
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has identified the need for 3,000 new police stations, 1,000 new prisons, and 170 new barracks—a scale of investment that necessitates PPPs, DFIs, and capital market instruments.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) called for the establishment of 3,000 new police stations across the country.
They made the call at Infrastructure Dialogue 2026, a programme organised for entrepreneurs by Deutsche Partners Holding , held yesterday in Abuja, emphasising that the existing security infrastructure is grossly inadequate for Nigeria’s growing population.
Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Works, Obiora Oranwusi, the IGP stated that the Nigeria Police Force currently operates only about 2,000 police stations nationwide, a figure he said cannot effectively serve a population of more than 200 million people.
IGP Disu told the gathering that the scale of the country’s security infrastructure deficit requires urgent intervention through public-private partnerships, development finance institutions and capital market instruments.
He said, “The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has identified the need for 3,000 new police stations, 1,000 new prisons, and 170 new barracks—a scale of investment that necessitates PPPs, DFIs, and capital market instruments.
“As of today, we have only about 2,000 police stations nationwide. These deficits directly affect operational effectiveness and must be addressed through sustainable financing models.
“The Police is undergoing a strategic reorientation—one that positions us as a proactive enabler of national development.
Our mandate extends beyond crime response; it encompasses the creation of a stable, predictable environment in which legitimate enterprise can flourish.”
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system through the National Education Data Initiative (NEDI), describing accurate data as a critical tool for improving planning, transparency, and service delivery in the sector.
Officials say the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in the areas of human capital development and social investment.
Speaking at the workshop, government representatives noted that the initiative is being advanced through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
They explained that improving access to credible educational information would help strengthen accountability and ensure better educational outcomes for Nigerian children.
Participants stressed the strong link between education, family stability, child protection, and national development, noting that every educated child contributes to a stronger and more prosperous society.
The workshop also coincides with activities marking the International Day of Families and preparations for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.
Officials described the workshop as more than a technical engagement, saying it serves as a platform for collaboration towards building an inclusive, responsive, and people-centred education system.
According to them, properly identifying, supporting, and educating children remains essential to achieving peace, productivity, and sustainable national growth.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the importance of data in solving national challenges, particularly in education and correctional services.
He said that data-driven policies had helped the Ministry of Interior significantly reduce the number of inmates in correctional facilities since 2023, and explained that reliable statistics revealed underlying social issues affecting inmates, including poverty and food insecurity, adding that proper analysis and understanding of problems are necessary for lasting solutions.
Ojo however described education as the foundation for national development and called for broad support for the NEDI initiative to help build a new Nigeria.
News
Tinubu Appoints Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as DG/CEO of Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD).
The President also constituted the Governing Council of the Centre for an initial term of four years.
According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the appointment takes effect from April 18, 2026, in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.
The letter conveying the appointment was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON.
Governing Council Members
President Tinubu approved the following as members of the Governing Council:
- Princess Joan Jummai Idonije — Chairman
- Ms. Lois Auta — Member
- Hon. Jamila Sarki — Member
- Aisha Baiyee — Member
- Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas — Member
- Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze — Member
President Tinubu congratulated Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi and all members of the Governing Council on their appointments and wished them success in their new roles.
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