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Four die, 25 rescued from Enugu-Onitsha multiple crash

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Four die, 25 rescued from Enugu-Onitsha multiple crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps said four passengers died while it rescued 25 individuals from a road accident on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway at Ugwu Onyeama, which occurred on Tuesday.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC Shehu Mohammed, in a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Wednesday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and swift legal action against the responsible driver.

Initial reports suggested that excessive speeding was the root cause of the crash, involving a total of seven vehicles.

“The Federal Road Safety Corps has rescued 25 road traffic crash victims alive from the avoidable road traffic crash that occurred at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on June 11, 2024, at 19:00hrs; as Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed directs full investigation and speedy prosecution of the driver responsible for the fatal crash.

“The preliminary crash investigation report revealed that the crash which was caused by a speed violation involved seven vehicles comprising a black Toyota Matrix bearing the following registration details ENU742NL, a white Suzuki Hijet mini bus ENU982XY, a Custom Toyota Highlander jeep JRV247HK, and a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number UWN16AP.

“Others are; a Toyota Rav 4, a Red Mack Tanker and a Mazda vehicle,” the statement read in part.

According Metro gathered that of the 29 individuals involved in the collision, 10 sustained various injuries, while tragically, four lost their lives.

The injured victims received urgent medical attention at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu, while the deceased were taken to the Park Lane Hospital morgue.

The spokesperson said, “Meanwhile, the FRSC emergency rescue teams deployed to carry out rescue operations reported that the crash involved a total of  29 people comprising 20 male adults and nine female adults. Of the number, 10 victims comprising eight male adults and two females sustained different degrees of injuries.

“Unfortunately, four victims were killed as a result of the crash.  The FRSC investigation report indicates that of the four fatalities recorded, two victims were killed on the spot while the remaining two died in the hospital.

 “The injured victims were rescued to the Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu while the dead bodies have been deposited in Park Lane Hospital morgue.”

Mohammed reiterated the FRSC’s unwavering commitment to holding those responsible for road accidents accountable.

 He called upon the judiciary, transport unions, and other stakeholders to collaborate to ensure prompt and effective prosecution of traffic offenders.

 “Expectedly, as a result, that the Corps Marshal had earlier emphasised the need for the maximum penalty for these drivers. Mohammed reaffirmed the position  of the Corps on deepening its ongoing prosecution of drivers who by their  actions cause road traffic crashes in Nigeria, noting that the driver responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama crash will not be spared.

 “As such, he called on the judiciary, leadership of transport unions and other relevant stakeholders in the road transportation sector to join hands with the Corps towards restoring sanity through speedy and effective prosecution of traffic violators, especially those who cause crashes on our roads,” Ogungbemide noted.

Atiku, Obi sympathise with Tinubu over parade ground slip

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Atiku, Obi sympathise with Tinubu over parade ground slip

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, following his slip at the Eagles Square in Abuja on Wednesday,

The President slipped while attempting to board the presidential parade vehicle at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

Tinubu had approached the vehicle shortly after he arrived for the June 12 or Democracy Day celebration and the 25th anniversary of the country’s unbroken democratic governance.

The President, 72, lost his footing momentarily as he was about to step unto the vehicle.

However, despite the slip, the President was quickly lifted up by his security details and continued with the proceedings.

The Presidency described the incident as a “mild misstep”.

In a post on X, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said, “ Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.”

Also, Tinubu himself joked about the incident later during the Democracy Day Dinner  at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Abuja.

He stated “In the morning I skipped, it is all over social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or babariga, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing Idobale (Yoruba cultural way of greeting).

“I am a traditionally Yoruba boy, and I did my Idobale. It is a day that is worthy of falling for. We aren’t going to move an inch. I have heard excellent comments and very touching remarks about myself and about the past. I thank you all.

“My sincere gratitude to all of you for standing by me. I promise you I won’t fall. Nigeria is a great country.”

Reacting to the incident, Atiku, on his X handle, sympathised with Tinubu, who is his political rival.

 “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him,“ Atiku wrote on X.

Similarly,  Obi, in a series of posts on X, said the incident was nothing to gloat about.

Obi also asked Nigerians to remember their common human frailty and stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria

Obi berated those mocking the President over the incident, adding that such could happen to anyone.

He wrote: “I was saddened to learn of President Tinubu’s unfortunate fall today. I wish him well. We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us.

“We are all human beings, and, while we profoundly disagree on how to move Nigeria forward, we must remember our common human frailty. Let us stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria.

“May this moment serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the need for compassion, empathy, and unity in our pursuit of a brighter future for our great nation.”

However, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in last year’s election, Omoyele Sowore, described Tinubu as an ailing man using Nigeria as health insurance.

He said, “Tinubu is sick and there is no country in the world that should allow a sick person to lead them.

“He (Tinubu) is just using Nigeria as health insurance. “

Meanwhile, at the Eagles Square celebration, the National Troupe unveiled a large portrait painting of the President.

According to the National Troupe, the portrait of the President is the world’s largest painting portrait on canvas.

Military will continue to protect democracy – Defence chief

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Military will continue to protect democracy – Defence chief

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic in the face of ongoing challenges and to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and criminal activities.

He also pledged his loyalty and that of his personnel to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, noting that the military, under him, would work to strengthen democracy in the country.

Despite the military’s acclaimed accomplishments over the past year in its fight against terrorism and other vices, many regions of the country have continued to experience insecurity.

For instance, in the first year of the incumbent administration, no fewer than 4,416 people were killed and 4,334 others abducted, according to the data by some civil society organisations in the country.

Against this backdrop, Musa assured Nigerians that victory was in sight against terrorism and other acts of criminality.

The acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, quoted the CDS to have stated this in a statement issued to commemorate the Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday.

“Gen. Musa also appealed to all Nigerians to remain positive towards the challenges being faced and to support the AFN in the fight against all acts of terrorism and criminality.

“He assured them that victory is in sight. The CDS wishes President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Democracy Day celebration.

“Gen. Musa reaffirms the unwavering commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President, Commander-in-Chief.

“Accordingly,  the AFN remains dedicated to supporting and strengthening democracy for the benefit of all Nigerians, as we shall continue to collaborate with national and sub-national institutions to entrench constitutional governance,” the statement read.

Musa commended the sacrifice of troops across the country, urging them to uphold the tenet of democracy.

“The CDS acknowledges the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in various theatres of operation across the country, which is evidence of their commitment to the unity and growth of Nigeria.

“He urges personnel to uphold the tenets of democracy, safeguard citizens’ rights, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all,” the statement noted.

Jonathan slams govs breeding criminals to rig elections

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Jonathan slams govs breeding criminals to rig elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, slammed state governors recruiting criminals for the purpose of unleashing them on unsuspecting public during elections.

He urged them to emulate the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is promoting and encouraging the best brains through his automatic employment to first class graduates in the state.

Jonathan spoke at the inauguration of the renovated Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex in Benin City.

He said, “Let me also join the Head of Service, the young first class graduate you employed, we thank you. When the Head of Service mentioned that in his speech, I was quite pleased. In fact, if you go to some states, governors are busy encouraging criminals because of politics, people that will rig elections for them, carry ballot boxes, carry knives and cutlasses to pursue people but you are encouraging the brains.

“The brains don’t come from one political party. The brains come from all political parties. The brains come from those who are supporting all candidates. So, you are not supporting these brains because you want to win election but because you want to build a state and for you to build a state, you have to build the people.”

He also commended Obaseki for improving workers’ welfare and providing a conducive working environment for the civil servants in the state

He added, “Let me also join the civil servants to thank you for improving their welfare. Of course, before this time, civil servants had been going home with salaries that cannot take them home, now, you are paying them salaries that can take them home.

“When I read on the newspapers that he is going to start paying N70,000 minimum wage. I was worried and expressed hope that he could pay. A political leader must be somebody who has a vision and not someone who just wants to get to office and doesn’t know what to do when he gets there.

“If you have a vision, no matter the challenges, you must find a way to perform,” Jonathan added.

On the part, Obaseki said the Civil Service Secretariat Complex was the first place he visited when he assumed office as the governor of the state.

He said he met the complex was in a very sorry state and promised to revamp it and make it conducive for workers.

Also speaking the state Head of Service, Mr. Anthony Okungbowa, thanked Obaseki for revolutionising and digitalising the state civil service.

Sterling Bank partners SPPG on credentials verification with blockchain

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Sterling Bank partners SPPG on credentials verification with blockchain

Sterling Bank has partnered with the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance to address the gap in the verification of credentials through the adoption of blockchain technology.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday revealing that the collaboration marked a milestone in enhancing the efficiency, security, and accessibility of academic credentials in Nigeria.

The bank said that the partnership involved support for the implementation of a blockchain-based digital certification programme delivered by VX Technologies.

“We are thrilled to partner with VX Technologies and SPPG to introduce this game-changing initiative. We believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and transform lives at Sterling Bank. By supporting the adoption of blockchain technology in education, we are not only revolutionising credential verification but also advancing our H.E.A.R.T strategy for Education, which prioritises Access and Equity,” said the Chief Growth Officer of Sterling Bank, Obinna Ukachukwu.

According to the bank, by leveraging blockchain technology, graduates from SPPG will now have access to secure, tamper-proof digital certificates, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of their academic achievements.

SPPG is an unconventional school designed to attract, develop and produce a new generation of political leaders.

Speaking on the role of the bank in the programme, the Director of Operations, VX Technologies, Ryan Hawkos, said, “We are pleased to acknowledge the impactful generosity of Sterling Bank, who has provided the funding necessary for the initial phase of this project. This support ensures that thousands of SPPG alumni can access their digital certificates, with the first one thousand certificates being provided at no cost.”

According to the Chief Executive Officer of SPPG, Alero Ayida-Otobo, Sterling Bank has demonstrated its commitment to quality and positive educational experiences for people through this initiative.

“We are one of the first institutions in Nigeria to embrace blockchain for academic credential management, and we look forward to a near future where this is the norm across Nigeria,” Ayida-Otobo added.

Sterling Bank has often highlighted its investments in five sectors of the economy represented in its HEART strategy representing Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

8,651 jobless workers withdrew N14bn from pension savings

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8,651 jobless workers withdrew N14bn from pension savings

About 8,651 Retirement Saving Account holders withdrew N14.20bn in the first quarter of 2024 due to temporary job loss.

This was disclosed in the first quarter report 2024 published by the National Pension Commission recently.

In the report, PenCom said that it received 8,702 requests from RSA holders seeking to access 25 per cent of their RSA balances due to temporary loss of employment.

Out of that, 8,651 RSA holders’ requests were approved, while 51 requests were rejected because their ages were above 50 years.

A breakdown of the request showed that a majority of the request came from the private sector at 8,167 while the remaining 484 were from the public sector.

Following the hike in the Monetary Policy Rate in the quarter by the Central Bank of Nigeria, members of the private sector and economists had said that the decision would lead to fresh job losses and possibly recession.

CBN has been increasing the MPR at its recent meetings in a bid to fight stubborn inflation.

PenCom in its report indicated that it approved N14.20bn for the 8,651 RSA holders under the age of 50 years.

As of the end of 2023, the commission received 510,148 requests for withdrawal of 25 per cent of the RSA balance, approved 493,156 and rejected 16,992 requests.

Following a similar pattern, most of the requests came from the private sector. The amount approved stood at N223.99bn as of December 2023.

In terms of En Bloc’s payment of retirement benefits in the quarter, PenCom received 4,042 requests from retirees for En Bloc payments during the quarter under review.

“Out of that, 3,936 retirees’ requests were approved as their RSA balances could not provide a monthly pension of at least one-third of the prevailing minimum wage (N30,000), while 106 were rejected because of incorrect Annual Total Emolument. Out of the 3,936 retirees whose benefits were approved, 3,691 were from the private sector, while the remaining 245 were from the public sector. The sum of N2.56bn was approved for the 3,936 retirees,” it stated.

During the quarter, the commission revealed that it processed and issued 17,317

PCCs to organisations that met the requirements and N69.82bn was remitted into the RSAs of 197,040 employees of the 17,317 organisations issued PCCs.

Also, the commission in the quarter under review recovered N2.194bn comprising principal contributions (N751.51m) and penalties (N1.443bn) from 31 defaulting employers.

Meanwhile, the commission’s Secretariat/Legal Advisory Services Department had been requested to take legal action against three defaulting employers.

Police deny receiving Bayero’s request for security

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Police deny receiving Bayero’s request for security

The Kano State Police Command, on Wednesday,  denied receipt of a letter from the 15th Emir, Alhaji (Dr) Aminu Ado Bayero, seeking permission to organise Sallah durbar during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

However, the palace confirmed the receipt of an acknowledgement letter by the police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Ahmed Umar Chuso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command.

According to the palace, the letter, dated June 11, 2024, was addressed to the Private Secretary to the deposed emir.

Bayero was deposed as the Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, following the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019, which split the Kano emirate into five.

The Kano State House of Assembly  repealed the 2019 law, thus scrapping the five emirates created under former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Acting on the newly passed Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024, Governor Abba Yusuf sacked the five emirs and reinstated Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020 by Ganduje, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The 15th Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, however, rejected his dethronement and continued to lay claim to the ancient stool while operating from a mini palace at Nasarawa.

On Tuesday, Bayero issued a letter inviting district heads for the annual durbar as part of events marking Sallah celebration.

On Wednesday, his palace said they had got assurance of police protection for the durbar.

An aide to the Kano Emirate Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the police were served with the letter on the planned durbar and other Sallah festivities, as well as a request for special security arrangements for the events.

The letter, with the heading: “Letter of Appreciation and Request for Special Security Arrangements for Sallah Festivities in Kano,” dated 10th June 2024, a copy of which was made available to The According, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Bompai, Kano State.

“I am directed by His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero CFR, CNOL, JP, based on case Number FHC/KN/CS/182/2004 in which the court ordered that the status quo be maintained.

“I hereby write to convey his (Bayero’s) sincere gratitude for your contribution and facilitation of peace and stability in Kano State during the period of Emirate crisis. His Highness and the people of Kano are very grateful, indeed.

“Similarly, His Highness instructed me to request special security arrangements for the conduct of Sallah festivities in Kano, which commences on Sunday, 16th June 2024 to Thursday, 20th June 2024.

“All activities will emanate from Nassarawa mini palace in Kano,” the letter written by the Private Secretary to the deposed Emir added.

The State Police Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, in a reaction to the matter through a text message to The According, on Wednesday, said the command had yet to receive the letter.

“The police have yet to be served neither do any of the security agencies in the state. Kindly extend the investigation to the purported kingmaker that signed the letter, as it could be a mere propaganda tool,” Gumel said in the text message.

In an acknowledgement letter sighted by The According, the police, however, invited the committee on durbar to come forward for a joint meeting.

The letter was addressed to the Private Secretary of the deposed emir through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Ahmed Umar Chuso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command.

“While the command is looking into it (the letter), the durbar committee is hereby requested to come forward for a joint meeting and to conduct an assessment of the situation as it is the normal practice in all previous Sallah festivities.

“While awaiting your response, accept our esteem regards of the Commissioner of Police, please,” the acknowledgement letter read.

Banking sector remains safe, CIBN assures customers

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Banking sector remains safe, CIBN assures customers

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has reassured the bank customers of the safety and soundness of the Nigerian banking sector.

The reassurance, contained in a statement signed by the President/Chairman of the CIBN Council, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, on Wednesday, came on the heels of claims that the Central Bank of Nigeria was set to revoke more banking licences after that of Heritage Bank.

CBN had denied this claim and reiterated that the Nigerian financial sector was sound and safe.

In a statement denying the claims, the apex bank said, it “unequivocally states that these allegations are false and intended to trigger panic in the financial system”.

“The Nigerian financial system remains safe, sound, and resilient. Our financial system remains on a solid footing, and the CBN will continue to take all necessary steps to maintain its safety and soundness,” CBN stressed.

Echoing the stance of the CBN, the CIBN stated, “We would like to allay the fears of bank customers and the generality of the public that the assertion is false and misleading even as the Central Bank of Nigeria which is the only body best suited to assess the health of financial institutions in Nigeria has debunked the claim.

“It is important to note that the Nigerian banking system is built on strong foundations, with rigorous regulatory frameworks and supervision aimed at safeguarding the interests of stakeholders and maintaining financial system stability.

“Consequently, we urge the public to continue to conduct their regular banking activities without hesitation or apprehension, bearing in mind that banks have commenced the process of implementation of the banking sector recapitalisation programme in compliance with CBN directive which will help to enhance their capital

The institute added that it was working with the regulators (CBN and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation) and other stakeholders in the ecosystem to promote best practices and ensure that the banking sector remained resilient and sound.

One of the banks mentioned as likely to have its licence withdrawn had petitioned the security official and threatened legal action against the perpetrators of the falsehood.

School should mould students for better future – Commissioner

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School should mould students for better future – Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, says school is not just about teaching and learning in classrooms, but also about positively impacting humanity.

Alli-Balogun made the remark at the opening of a two-day capacity-building seminar in Lagos, according to a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Examinations Board, Bakare Fatai, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar was organised by the Lagos State Examinations Board for tutors, heads of schools and other education stakeholders.

The commissioner said, “School is not for teaching and learning in the classroom alone, but also for moulding the totality of the lives of students for a better tomorrow.”

The commissioner emphasised the need to observe an additional hour in school.

He said that the extra hour to the normal closing time was meant for reading and extracurricular activities by students.

He urged teachers to take cognizance of the three domains of education  –  cognitive,  affective and psychomotor.

“These are a variety of methods in professional development aimed at promoting mindsets and behaviours that enhance the learning process and create a culture of career and readiness for every student.

“The importance of having a mutual and friendly relationship between teachers and students cannot be overemphasised, because such a relationship gives students a sense of belonging,” Alli-Balogun said.

The commissioner charged teachers to improve their attitudes and be friendly with members of their immediate communities.

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Lawyers weigh in on crisis rocking Body of Benchers

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Lawyers weigh in on crisis rocking Body of Benchers

DEBORAH MUSA writes on lawyers’ reactions to the crisis rocking the Body of Benchers which is regarded as a body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the country’s legal profession

Given its membership and the reasons behind its formation some years ago, one would think that the Body of Benchers, Nigeria’s legal body housing legal practitioners of the highest distinction in the profession, will operate devoid of crisis. But recent events occasioned by a superiority battle between the Chairman of the body, Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, and Chairman of the Appointments Committee of the Body of Benchers, Austin Alegeh (SAN), have left much to be desired.

The battle between the duo came after Awomolo’s controversial move upon assuming the BOB chairmanship, where he allegedly unilaterally dissolved all committees and reconstituted them without consulting the larger body.

Alegeh wrote a protest letter dated May 2, 2024, to the Secretary of the Body, complaining about the illegality of Awolomo’s steps and demanding a reversal but the chairman allegedly ignored the letter and recently warned Alegeh not to disrupt the operations of the appointments committee.

Peeved by the development, Alegeh approached a Federal High Court in Lagos to stop Awomolo from effecting his plan.

Last week, the court issued an interim injunction restraining Awomolo from removing Alegeh as Chairman of the BOB Committee on Appointments.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Lewis Allagoa, came in response to a 50-paragraph affidavit submitted by Alegeh.

Justice Allagoa granted Alegeh’s request to prevent Awomolo from making any changes to the leadership of the appointments committee.

The development has attracted different reactions from legal luminaries in the country.

A lawyer, Olatunji Salawu, noted that if the chairman has the power to constitute the committee then it wouldn’t be out of place for him to reconstitute the same committee, unless otherwise.

Explaining his understanding of the crisis, he said, “There is a change in leadership in the Body of Benchers which is a tenure of one year. As a new chairman, Chief Awomolo reconstituted the existing committee they have in the BOB. This is a committee that was constituted towards the tail end of the tenure of the immediate past chairman, Justice Mary Odili.

“Alegeh and the others are aggrieved that they were reconstituted and have a tenure of three years and the three years have not expired; hence Awomolo cannot reconstitute.

“Now, the aggrieved are challenging whether he has the power to reconstitute.

“I am not a member of BOB, so I cannot tell how it completely works there and I am not familiar with their rules or if the chairman has the power to constitute but my opinion is if he has the power to constitute, then he can also reconstitute.

Continued on www.punchng.com

“He can choose to reconstitute a committee to those he can work with or those who can make the tenure effective.

“If the committee was constituted by the vice chairman, it means the chairman can reconstitute it. He can choose to rejig it if he doesn’t think the committee is strong enough but if there is a written down rule on it or the committee’s tenure, then he cannot. He has to follow the written down rule.”

Also speaking on the crisis, Emeka Ngige (SAN) urged the parties involved in the disagreement to let peace reign.

He said “We pray for peace to reign. We don’t need a crisis in the Body of Benchers because we will be sending the wrong signal to lawyers and law students. The BOB is a body of lawyers with the highest distinction. This is strange and it has never happened before.

My advice is that the combatants should sheathe their swords and let peace reign.”

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lekan Ojo, said, “It is unfortunate. We are hoping that the elders of the profession will have the crisis resolved.”

One of the aggrieved in the matter, Augustine Alegeh, noted that the matter is already in court. He said, “It is a matter that can be resolved easily.”

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