Connect with us

News

Thirty-Nine Judges Sworn-In by CJN for 2023 election petitions

Published

on

522 Views

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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Benue Govt Confirms Total Evacuation of Benue Students From University of Jos

Published

on

2 Views

The Benue State Government has confirmed the successful evacuation of all students of Benue State origin studying at the University of Jos following the crisis currently affecting the area.

The evacuation was carried out in line with the directive of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa said the third and final batch of student evacuees arrived at the company’s headquarters and bus terminal in Makurdi, Benue State on Saturday the 4th of April.Comrade Fanafa explained that a total of seventy-seven (77) vehicles were deployed in three batches to convey the students safely from Jos, the Plateau State capital.

He attributed the success of the operation to the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the effective collaboration among government agencies, including the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management and the Bureau of Homeland Security.

The General Manager also expressed appreciation to the security operatives who escorted the students from Jos, commending their professionalism in ensuring the safety of the students throughout the journey.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing all transport policies of the Governor Alia administration.Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Doctor. Margaret Adamu, described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Benue indigenes.

She noted that the evacuation directive was issued immediately upon receiving reports of the crisis, emphasizing that the administration places a high premium on education and the well-being of students.

Earlier, the Director General of the Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd.), stated that the success of the operation was made possible through swift coordination between security agencies and the State owned transport company, enabling the rapid deployment of buses and security escorts.

He reassured citizens that the administration remains vigilant and committed to protecting the lives and interests of Benue people both within and outside the state.

In their separate appreciation messages, the President of the University of Jos Chapter of the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), Mchivga Iornder, and the National President of the Benue State Medical and Dental Students Association, Williams Kachira, commended Governor Alia for the prompt intervention and confirmed that all Benue students at the University of Jos have been successfully evacuated.

A statement its Information Officer Johnson Ehi Daniel revealed that Benue Links Nigeria Limited also provided additional vehicles to convey some of the students from Makurdi to their respective Local Government Areas across the state.

Continue Reading

News

Sanwo-Olu prepares the way for Tinubu’s official visit to Lagos state

President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.

Published

on

By

8 Views

President Bola Tinubu will officially visit Lagos state on April 8 and 9, during which he will commission several completed projects by the administration of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said during a press briefing outlining activities for the President’s visit.

Omotoso said that Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial hub and that the projects slated for commissioning reflect the administration’s investments in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public sector development.
According to him, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.

Other projects include the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building, a multi-agency complex named after the President, a newly completed school complex, and the Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub in Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki.

He added that the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle comprises 36 public schools—31 secondary and five primary schools—situated on 11.73 hectares of land in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Omotoso said the redevelopment of the complex demonstrates the government’s people-oriented approach, noting that it serves about 20,000 pupils.

” These projects have been carefully conceived and executed to address the needs of our growing population, ease mobility, stimulate economic activity, and enhance social welfare,” he said.

Continue Reading

News

Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza

Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.

Published

on

By

15 Views

The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.

Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.

Continue Reading

Trending