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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.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.
The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.
Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.
Details later…
The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.
It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.
Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.
“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.
From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.
“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:
“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.
We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.
“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
News
BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.
ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.
Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.
The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.
Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.
On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.
The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.
Watch video below:
Video source: ChannelsTV
BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja
UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group
BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)
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