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

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2023

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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.

News

Army says 80 Cross River militants surrender arms

Sokoya said that the militants were handed to the Rapid Response team of the Cross River State government after the exercise, and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2026

OCHEFA

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Photo: Cross River militants surrender arms | Photo: @HQNigerianArmy on X

80 militants voluntarily emerged from the creeks in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State and surrendered their arms to the Nigerian Army under the state government’s amnesty programme.

This was disclosed on Friday by Yemi Sokoya, assistant director, army public relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade.

Sokoya said that the surrender took place at Atimbo rear area, Operation Okwok, adding that the militants sprung from two separate camps.

He said that the first camp, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters.

The second group is popularly known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, according to the army.

Sokoya said the militants also surrendered a cache of arms, ammunition, and other items during the exercise.

“These included three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories,” he said.

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2Baba’s son, Zion, matriculates at Pan-Atlantic University

Adeoye wrote, “Today, my second son begins his journey in finance… Admitted, you earned it, son. Congratulations on your matriculation.

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2026

OCHEFA

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Zion Idibia, the second son of Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has matriculated at Pan-Atlantic University.

Sumbo Adeoye, his mother, disclosed this on her Instagram page on Saturday.

Adeoye wrote, “Today, my second son begins his journey in finance… Admitted, you earned it, son. Congratulations on your matriculation. Greater works ahead in Jesus’ name.”

Zion is one of the two sons Adeoye shares with the singer. The other is Nino.

Adeoye is known as 2Baba’s first baby mama, with whom he had the two children before their relationship ended around 2009 following revelations of his involvement with other women.

•2Baba’s baby mama, Sumbo Adeoye and son, Zion. Photo credit: Adeoye/Instagram

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President Tinubu Expresses Sorrow over IMAM Abubakar’s Death

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Charles Flames

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Says he was a courageous servant of God

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow at the passing of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who passed away at 92.

The late Imam Abubakar shot into national and international prominence for hiding over 200 Christians in 2018, during the communal strife which ravaged Plateau State.

President Tinubu described the late Imam as an extraordinary religious leader, whose lifetime represented a striking testament to faith, courage and a staunch belief in the sacredness of human life.

“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience,” President Tinubu remarked.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection.

His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large. Imam Abubakar is a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be,” the President said.

“His act of uncommon bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received local and international honours that celebrated his commitment to coexistence among people with diverse orientations.”

I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar.

“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” the President said. ‎