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

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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.

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Tinubu renews determination to conquer insecurity nationwide

Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Sunday that his administration is intensifying diplomatic engagements with world leaders to secure critical equipment and training support for Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies as part of a renewed push to end insecurity across the country.

He disclosed this while receiving state governors who paid him a courtesy visit his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

President Tinubu said that the discussions with international partners, including recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, were already yielding prospects for collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.

“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support. I can report to you that yesterday again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron on their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” the President said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to reach out to other countries willing to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity through provision of modern tools and capacity building for security personnel.

“If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” Tinubu stated.

Describing insecurity as a direct threat to national development, the President stressed that tackling the menace remained a top priority for his administration, calling for collective action by all levels of government.

“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.

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Why I returned to school – Emir Sanusi

“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless.”

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The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has explained that his decision for returning to school to pursue an LL.B in Common Law and Shariah at Northwest University is aimed at inspiring others, rather than practicing law.

Emir Sanusi spoke during the traditional Sallah homage, Hawan Nassarawa, at the Kano Government House, emphasising that education should precede kingship.

“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless,” he said.

The monarch praised the Kano State Government for prioritizing education, noting that 30 percent of the state budget has been allocated to the sector.

He also encouraged citizens to pursue further studies and support educational ambitions within their families, including those of their spouses.

” We appreciate the Governor for giving top priority to education. We have seen the impact through students’ performance in NECO, JAMB, and tertiary institutions. Whoever has not completed tertiary education should go back and do so,” he said.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jibrin Falgore, commended Emir Sanusi for his support, describing him as a pillar of strength for the administration.

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Tinubu Returns to Lagos After Historic UK State Visit, to Spend Sallah Break

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following a successful two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, arriving in Lagos alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The President is expected to spend the upcoming Sallah break in the city.

He received a warm welcome at the airport from senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, with applause from gathered supporters and well-wishers.

The visit, hailed as historic and the first full state visit by a Nigerian president to the UK in nearly 40 years, aimed to deepen diplomatic, economic, and trade relations between the two countries.

Key engagements included a royal reception and state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, as well as high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street.

A major achievement was President Tinubu witnessing the signing of a £746 million financing agreement backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF).

The deal, involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, Citi Bank, and other partners, will fund the modernization and refurbishment of two vital Lagos seaports: the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The project is designed to reduce congestion, improve efficiency with modern systems, boost Nigeria’s role as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, and include commitments to sourcing components from the UK.

The engagements highlighted strengthened bilateral cooperation, record trade levels, and mutual interests in infrastructure development and sustainable growth.

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