News
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
S’Africa: FG hurrying to evacuate 130 Nigerians as another wave of protest expected
The minister added that another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.
•Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has confirmed that so far, 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country.
The minister added that another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report via her X handle , said that the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.
She emphasised that the
The minister explained that the evacuation plan follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.
News
Nigerians to return home as S’African attacks worsen
The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.
The Nigerian Consulate in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently amid the ongoing worsening attacks on foreigners.
The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.
According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.
” The process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home, ” said Onyekwelu .
Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted recently in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.
The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.
News
From 10-16 to 8-hour Workday, The Story of Worker’s Day May 1
Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980
Called International Workers’ Day, Labour Day, or May Day , the origin traces back to the 19th-century labour movement and one key event that shaped the development was the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, 1886.
The 2026 theme according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), is “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment” – focusing on mental health, stress, and work-life balance .
Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980.
Industrial Revolution conditions
At that time, factory workers often worked 10-16 hour days in unsafe conditions for low pay.
As a result, Labour unions began pushing for an 8-hour workday.
The 8-hour movement
On April 21, 1856, Australian workers in Victoria did a mass stoppage for the 8-hour day .
In the US, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions declared May 1, 1886 as the day the 8-hour workday would start
May 1, 1886 strikes
Between 300,000-500,000 US workers went on strike across the country. Chicago was the centre, with about 40,000 protesters.
Haymarket Affair, May 3-4, 1886
May 3: Police fired on striking workers at McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, killing at least two
May 4: At a protest in Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police. It killed 7 officers and at least 4 civilians. Eight anarchists were arrested and convicted. Four were hanged.
May 1 becomes International Workers’ Day
In 1889, the International Socialist Congress in Paris chose May 1 to commemorate Haymarket and call for annual demonstrations for the 8-hour day.
By 1904, it was made mandatory for workers’ groups to stop work on May 1.
Why May 1 spread globally
Europe
Traditional spring festival of May Day merged with labour demonstrations-
India
First celebrated in Chennai in 1923. May 1 became a national holiday to recognise workers’ rights.
It’s also Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day-
Nigeria Adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980
Philippines
First Labour Day was May 1, 1903, when the first workers’ union protested
Purpose
Honours workers’ contributions and pushes for fair wages, safe conditions, and the 8-hour day-
Public holiday
Not everywhere
The US & Canada celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September instead.
How Workers’ Day Is Celebrated in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Workers’ Day is more than a ceremonial gathering. It serves as a structured platform for engagement between labour unions and the government authorities.
Each year, workers use the occasion to highlight issues affecting their welfare, including wages, working conditions, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Organised labour bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress coordinate nationwide activities.
Their addresses during May Day celebrations often reflect the economic realities of the time, making the event a barometer for the state of the workforce.
Beyond formal speeches, the day reinforces the relevance of collective bargaining.
It reminds both workers and policymakers that labour rights are not static but require continuous negotiation and protection.
ADC Not Shaken By Obi’s Exit
S’Africa: FG hurrying to evacuate 130 Nigerians as another wave of protest expected
ALGON Endorses President Tinubu For Second Term
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business3 days agoPresident Tinubu Leaves for Kenya, Rwanda and France to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
-
Politics2 days agoObi, Kwankwaso dumping ADC for Seriake Dickson ‘s NDC — Galadima
-
News2 days agoNigerians to return home as S’African attacks worsen
-
Politics2 days agoBauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Defects from PDP, Joins APM
-
Opinions2 days agoObi, Kwankwaso Will Move To The NDC As The 2027 Chessboard Takes Shape
-
Politics1 day agoObi Dumps ADC, Here’s Why
-
Politics20 hours agoFacts About NDC Led By Seriake Dickson
-
Politics11 hours ago2027: NDC Welcomes Obi, Kwankwaso, calling ’em “biggest brands in Nigerian politics ”