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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
FG to reopen Enugu–Onitsha expressway March 31
Once regarded as one of the region’s most dangerous highways, the Enugu–Onitsha Road had long been plagued by tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and economic disruptions. Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.
The federal government directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declared during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover.
Umahi said :
“I have given the controller the authority. By the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road.
Call the people of South-East, let them know that this road is open for travel, and that will be our Easter celebration.”
Umahi expressed confidence that the era of frequent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the expressway is coming to an end.
“I’m going around the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29 by the president. There are mega projects that the president will be available for before May 29, and we mean it,” he said.
Once regarded as one of the region’s most dangerous highways, the Enugu–Onitsha Road had long been plagued by tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and economic disruptions. Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.
News
Nigeria partner Japan to redevelop Abuja Master Plan
It is very key for us because I know the design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out further structural development.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced a strategic partnership with the Government of Japan to change the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.
The move, aimed at aligning the city’s growth with modern realities through the year 2050, was the highlight of a courtesy visit by a high-level Japanese delegation to the FCT Ministry on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria, Mr. Ishigame Keiji.
During the meeting, Barrister Wike expressed profound appreciation for Japan’s historical and technical contributions to Nigeria.
He emphasised that the original blueprint of the FCT owes much to Japanese expertise.
“On behalf of the FCT Administration, I appreciate the relationship between Nigeria and Japan,” Wike said.
“I am fully aware of the projects through JICA. It is very key for us because I know the design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out further structural development.”
News
Minister of Power Apologise To Nigerians Over Blackouts
“I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repair of the gas pipelines, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu said.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has apologised to Nigerians over the prolonged and severe electricity outages recorded in recent weeks across the country.
He acknowledged the strain the outages have caused on households and businesses in key sectors of the economy.
“I want to apologise to Nigerians, officially now, coming from me as the Minister of Power, for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship being experienced, especially during this dry season, where there is so much heat everywhere,” Adelabu said at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday
He admitted that the ongoing blackouts has worsened living conditions, particularly during the intense dry-season heat.
“Businesses are being affected, schools have been affected, and industries have been affected. It is not our wish to find ourselves in this situation, but it is due to some factors that are actually beyond our control, ”said Adelabu.
Despite the disruptions, Adelabu assured citizens that the situation would soon improve, offering a clear timeline for restoration of better power supply.
“I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repair of the gas pipelines, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu said.
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