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Anambra govt opposes Obiano’s trial by EFCC

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Anambra govt opposes Obiano’s trial by EFCC

The Anambra State Government has opposed the trial of the immediate-past governor of the state, Willie Obiano, by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC on January 24 arraigned Obiano on nine charges bordering on N4bn theft.

In the charges, the EFCC accused Obiano of diverting Anambra State’s security votes to the tune of N4,008,573,350 while he was governor between 2014 and 2022.

Following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Inyang Ekwo allowed him to continue on the administrative bail granted him by the EFCC but restricted the ex-governor’s movement to Abuja.

Justice Ekwo ordered the EFCC to deposit Obiano’s travel documents with the court registrar.

A day after the arraignment, the incumbent Anambra State  Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, paid Obiano in Abuja.

Taking to his Facebook page, Soludo wrote: “Today,  in the company of the APGA National Chairman, Ezeokenwa Sly Jr, I paid a solidarity visit to my respected predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano, in Abuja.

“The two-hour chat was valuable time well spent. By His grace, this one too shall pass.”

At the resumed proceedings in the trial on Thursday, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed Justice Ekwo that the Anambra State government was opposed to Obiano’s trial by the EFCC.

The SAN informed the court of a March 3 appeal filed by state government to challenge the authority of the EFCC to investigate and try Obiano.

Ikpeazu said, “The subject matter of the charge bothers on accountability for security votes funds.

The honourable court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds.

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government.

 “The preferment of the entire charge is in bad faith.”

Ikepazu also stated that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that Obiano issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State government.

He said, “No evidence exists from any witness showing that defendant/applicant passed down directives on the disbursements of security votes and other funds belonging to Anambra State Government.

“The defendant/applicant cannot be made answerable for any purported unlawful actions of officials of Anambra State Government as there is no vicarious liability in our criminal jurisprudence.

“The thinking and conclusion of the prosecution on the counts arose from speculation and suspicion. This honourable court has inherent judicial powers to grant all the reliefs sought above.”

Meanwhile, the N4bn theft trial was stalled for the second time on Thursday over the inability of Obiano’s lawyer to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution.

The matter, which was initially slated for hearing on March 5, had stalled over Obiano’s motion challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

 Justice Ekwo had then adjourned till Thursday to hear the motion.

However, at the resumed proceedings on Thursday, the EFCC prosecutor,  Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), told the court that he initially found it difficult to serve the processes on Obiano’s lead counsel, Ikpeazu, whose office he said was locked at the time he visited.

The prosecution counsel told the court that he subsequently called another lawyer in Ikpeazu’s chambers, who notified him that his principal was engaged at a Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

He, however, said he was able to serve both the counter-affidavit and the written address on the defendant.

However, the counsel, who represented Obiano in court, Patrick Ikweto (SAN), informed the court that he just got the EFCC’s processes and needed to study them and file his reply.

Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till March 13.

Nigeria commences export to S’Africa, others in April

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Nigeria commences export to S’Africa, others in April

Nigeria is to begin the formal export of locally produced commodities to South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon and Kenya from next month under the Guided Trade Initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the national centre of AfCFTA announced on Thursday.

Although some businesses in Nigeria currently export products to these countries, they make such exports informally, but beginning April, Nigerian companies would start the official and formal export of commodities to African nations under the AfCFTA treaty.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is a free trade agreement established among 54 of the 55 African Union nations, creating the largest free trade area in the world by the number of participating countries.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Abuja Stakeholders Workshop on the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, on Thursday, the Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo, told journalists that though trading under the main AfCFTA had yet to start, the secretariat of the programme had introduced the Guided Trade Initiative.

He said, “We haven’t started trading in AfCFTA, we are duly going through the protocols. But recently the AfCFTA secretariat itself launched what they call the Guided Trade Initiative to get some countries to start trading outside their regional blocks.

“We’ve signed onto it and I think that by the end of April we are taking a few companies, big, medium and small enterprises to actually launch trading in Africa. All we are doing now is that we are going through and signing all the protocols, as well as finding a way on how to implement them.

“So we are now at the stage of implementation. Therefore, trading hasn’t really commenced under AfCFTA. It is not an overnight thing, you have to go through all the protocols, sign them and agree.

“However, we are hoping that we are able to start trading under the GTI, not on the main AfCFTA itself, by the end of April. So it will be on record that Nigeria has now started exporting officially and formally, because, of course, informal trade is going on anyway.”

Asked to name some of the countries that had also signed onto the GTI scheme which Nigeria would formally start exporting products to, Awolowo replied, “We are going to South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon and Rwanda. This is under the Guided Trade Initiative that was brought by AfCFTA, knowing that trade agreements take long.

“In fact, this AfCFTA is the fastest one. How long did it take the World Trade Organisation to get on ground? They are still signing protocols up till today. But this is fastest one and to fast-track it, that is what the GTI is all about.

“It is an initiative that enables countries to chose. Let’s take the companies and let them actually export from the various ports. Then we test the capacities of the ports, test the capacities of the shipments and the capacities of cargoes. Then the private sector can fully buy into it. So that’s what is going to happen.”

Established in March 2018, the AfCFTA became effective on May 30, 2019, with the goal to boost intra-African trade, foster economic development and create a larger, more competitive African market.

The benefits of the agreement include increased trade and investment opportunities, creation of jobs, improved living standards and enhanced economic diversification and transformation.

It, however, has some challenges which include the difficulty in the implementation of trade facilitation measures, addressing infrastructure gaps, and building productive capacity.

Experts say the AfCFTA has the potential to be a game-changer for Africa, but its success will depend on overcoming these challenges and ensuring all member states can participate effectively.

Speaking about the workshop, Awolowo stated that the adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol marked a significant milestone in the journey towards economic integration and digital transformation.

“It signifies our collective commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enhance intra-African trade, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth.

“In the wake of this landmark achievement, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the requisite knowledge and resources to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Trade is competitive!

“In this regard, it is imperative that all stakeholders, particularly our esteemed Nigerian youth, embrace the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a catalyst for job creation, wealth generation, and socio-economic empowerment.

“The digital economy holds unparalleled potential to empower our youth, unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, and facilitate their meaningful participation in the global marketplace.”

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters in the Office of the Vice President, Bashir Maidugu, advised the government to get the youths involved in AfCFTA Digital trade.

“Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and we are leading in the digital e-commerce space, but what the government is advised to do is to encourage the youths and other professional bodies to utilise the opportunity of the AfCFTA to boost the Nigerian economy.

“So the government will have to pay more attention to Nigerian youths, who are already dominating in Africa, for example, Flutterwave, Konga, Jiji and so many other online stores and fintech payment systems.

“The government can be more active in developing the skills of these youths who are the driving force for digital trade. So the attention could be by funding universities and other research institutes and e-learning centres. This is to ensure that we maintain our dominance and add more,” Maidugu stated.

Protesting residents warn against Shaibu’s impeachment

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Protesting residents warn against Shaibu’s impeachment

Residents of Jattu in the Etsako West Local Government, on Thursday, trooped out to protest against the impeachment move initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

The protesters,  under the aegis of the Peace Movement and Peoples Democratic Party  faithful, took to the streets in the early hours of Thursday, bearing placards.

Some of the inscriptions of the placards read: “We want peace in Edo State”; “Return the N500m bribe to Obaseki”; and “Shaibu is our Next Governor, no going back”; among others.

The Edo House of Assembly, on Wednesday, commenced impeachment proceedings against Shaibu, accusing him of perjury and leaking the government’s secrets.

The impeachment notice is believed to be the latest development in the rift between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

There had been an uneasy calm between the deputy governor and the governor since last year when Shaibu declared his interest in joining this year’s Edo governorship race.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters,  Aminu Umosor, said they would mobilise the people of the state and the PDP to work against the party if the Assembly  did not immediately drop the impeachment plan against Shaibu.

Umosor said, “The House of Assembly should drop this impeachment move against the deputy governor. He has not done anything that will warrant his being impeached. Governor Obaseki should also jettison this move as it will cause further rift in the party.”

Another protest leader,  Gafata Emmanuel, said, “I must warn the legislators against this act because the protest will continue until Governor Obaseki and the lawmakers embrace peace.”

 Meanwhile, Shaibu’s Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, said on Thursday that efforts were on to resolve matter.

“The PDP as a party has stepped in as a family to resolve the matter. The umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone,” Ebomhiana said.

Announcing the impeachment proceedings on Wednesday, the Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, said the action was based on a petition dated March 5, 2024, signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the House.

“The petition against the deputy governor came in on March 5 and was signed by 21 out of the 24 members. The number of members who signed the petition was more than the two-thirds requirement stipulated in the constitution,” Aiguobarueghian said.

The Majority Leader said the allegations in the petition bordered on perjury and revealing of government secrets.

The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, who acknowledged receipt of the petition, directed the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve the impeachment notice on the deputy governor.

Agbebaku gave the deputy governor seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

Forensic expert confirms forgery of Buhari’s signature

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Forensic expert confirms forgery of Buhari’s signature

A forensic document examiner, Bamaiyi Haruna, said, on Thursday, that his analysis of some documents used to release $6.2m from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 showed that the documents were forged.

Haruna, who is an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, stated this at the resumed trial of the immediate-past , CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The EFCC, on June 18, 2023, arraigned Emefiele on amended 20 counts, in which he was accused of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally move $6.2m from the CBN vault.

In the charges, the EFCC alleged that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2m from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

At the previous hearing,  the immediate-past SGF, Boss Mustapha, appeared as a witness to testify against Emefiele.

Mustapha, in his testimony, told the court that neither he nor ex-President Muhammadu Buhari were aware of the $6.2m, adding that Buhari’s signature was forged to move the money out.

Mustapha also told the court that the Federal Government had no business funding foreign election observers.

“In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had ‘please accept the assurance of my highest regard’. I am his subordinate, my correspondences do not carry that.

“And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature. I will leave that to the experts,” Mustapha, who was the fourth prosecution witness, told the court.

At the resumed trial on Thursday, the forensic expert, Haruna, who appeared as the sixth prosecution witness, said his analysis of the signatures on the documents used to move out of the $6.2m showed that they were forged.

Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Haruna said, “The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art as the pen movement form and formation of the signatures and the skill of execution were found to be different from that of the specimen signatures A to A2 and B to Bi.

“The form and formation of the signatures marked X and the specimen signature marked B to B1 were found to be different in respect of pen movement impulses, skill of execution, loop formation, and presence of tremors, there were individual characteristics. This is a confirmation that the signature of the author of the specimens marked B to B1 does not rhyme with the signature of Buhari on the disputed document marked X.

“Also, the form and formation of the disputed signatures marked X1 and specimen signature A2 were also found to be different with respect to pen movement impulses. Initial and terminal strokes, loop formation, presence of tremors, and individual characteristics. This is also a confirmation that the signature of the author of the specimen marked A2 did not rhyme with the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document marked X1.”

The prosecutor applied to the court to tender the forensic report dated January 25, 2024, and other documents attached as exhibits.

Emefiele’s lawyer,  Mathew Burkaa (SAN), did not oppose.

Justice Hamza Muazu subsequently admitted them as evidence and marked them as Exhibits FDE.

During cross-examination by  Burkaa, the witness urged the court to rely on his report.

When asked if Emefiele’s signature was analysed,  he said no.

Also asked if EFCC operatives submitted the materials analysed, Haruna said, “Operatives of the EFCC submitted the request to the department.”

The matter was subsequently adjourned till March 11.

Nigeria brace for Namibia test after Tanzania draw

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Nigeria brace for Namibia test after Tanzania draw

Nigeria senior women’s cricket team, the Female Yellow Greens, will hope to keep their 2023 African Games campaign on track when they face Namibia on Friday (today) in their second Group A game at the Achimota Cricket Oval in Accra, According Sports Extra reports.

Leke Oyede’s side got off to a great start on Thursday with a draw against their recent fierce rivals Tanzania, but the third meeting between the two sides could not be concluded due to rain.

In the first innings, the Tanzanians, who won the toss, managed 58 runs for the loss of three wickets in 10 overs.

The Female Yellow Greens did not bat in the game.

Meanwhile, Namibia are currently leading the group, one point ahead of Nigeria and Tanzania.

The 17th-placed side in the ICC rankings took a big scalp off the highest-ranked team in Africa, South Africa (5) by one run in DLS method.

The Namibians had posted 89 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs before the weather also threatened the game. In the second innings, South Africa had 29 runs for the loss of four wickets in six overs and they fell short in the application of the method designed to calculate the target score for the chasing team.

Cricket is being played at the African Games for the first time since the continental showpiece started in 1965.

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Wigwe’s philanthropy, dedication to gospel message exemplary

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Wigwe’s philanthropy, dedication to gospel message exemplary

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has hailed the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, for his philanthropy and dedication to the gospel.

Adeboye said this on Thursday at the combined Service of Songs for Wigwe, his wife, Doreen and their son, Chizi, which held at the RCCG Resurrection Parish, Lekki, Lagos.

The trio died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America early February alongside a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Reading an excerpt of Adeboye’s condolence message at the service was the Pastor in charge of Region 11 of  RCCG and Head of the Blessed Family, Pastor Charles Pande, who gave the word of exhortation.

Adeboye’s message partly read, “Dr Wigwe was not only an accomplished professional but a fine gentleman, possessing a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities and business acumen. His dedication to philanthropy, nation-building, advocacy for children’s literacy and love for the arts made him a remarkable individual.

“More importantly, his commitment to the Christian faith and active involvement in spreading the gospel were exemplary. We share in your profound grief during his challenging time. The void left by Dr Herbert will be felt and his absence deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Paying tribute to the deceased banking whiz, the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, recalled that Wigwe never asked him for a favour throughout his eight years in office.

He said, “I have known him for so many years. I’m not even sure how many years. While I was in office for the entire eight, Herbert called me practically every other month, just to say, ‘How are you doing?’ never asking for a favour. But two months before I left office, he called me and said he needed to see me. So, I thought, he must have some issue and he came with a notebook. I was very surprised because Herbert never comes with a notebook and he said that he wanted to know what my plans were after I left office. I laughed over it and he insisted and took note very diligently of everything that I said I wanted to do. Thereafter he visited me no less than three times before I left office.

“The Thursday before he died, he called me on Tuesday and said he was going to come see me in Abuja on Thursday and he did. We spent about three hours reviewing practically everything, the university, the philanthropy (initiatives) he was involved in, everything.”

Speaking further, Osinbajo said that the deceased was one who walked the talk when it comes to friendship

 “I don’t think any event in recent times for me in particular has made it clear how important friendships and relationships are. Herbert was one who walked the talk of brotherhood and friendship,” he said.

Consoling the bereaved children, the former VP said, “No amount of words can heal your hearts but that you are not alone in your grief.  This tragedy has troubled so many, both young and old. A deep dark cloud hangs over our hearts.

“This event has confronted me and many of us with our own mortality. One thing I will like you to know especially, the children. The manner of death is not as important to God; John was beheaded, Stephen was stoned to death, Elisha died of an ailment. What is important to God is the difference between dying and perishing.”

After the series of events in Lagos, activities will move to Rivers State for the Christian Wake-Keeping Friday at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, followed by a Combined Funeral Service on Saturday at  RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo and then a private interment ceremony. The final event is the outing service on Sunday at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.

Some dignitaries at the service of songs include billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  Ola Olukoyede;  Senior Pastor of This Present House, Tony Rapu; lead pastor of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, Ituah Ighodalo; Senior Pastor of the House On The Rock church,  Paul Adefarasin and  his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin and a former Access Bank chairman, Dr Dere Awosika, among others.

Bus drivers lament as NSCDC evicts motorists from garage

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Bus drivers lament as NSCDC evicts motorists from garage

Some commercial drivers at the Ikeja under bridge garage of Lagos State have lamented what they described as the sudden exit given by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for them to exit the area

According Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed some government agents and armed men pursuing the drivers out of the garage.

It was also observed that the traders selling their goods by the park had moved.

Speaking to our correspondent, some of the drivers claimed that officials of the NSCDC and the Lagos State Task force had chased them from the park.

A driver, simply identified as Emeka, said  the new development would make it challenging for commuters to use the road.

“They just came today to chase us away from the place. Although we were still here in the afternoon, suddenly we saw them chasing us away from the park. Some of our drivers have moved forward to get their customers, while others tried their luck to stay in front before getting caught. They even seized some of the vehicles.

Also, another commercial driver, who gave his name as Oladayo, claimed that prior to the scenario, the agency did not provide any notice.

He said, “The same thing happened in Berger, and now it is Ikeja’s turn. I do not know where they want us to park our cars to carry passengers. Everywhere around this Lagos is illegal. The best thing they would have done was to give us a short notice that they wanted to vacate us from the garage, and then we would have been prepared.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Taskforce, Raheem Gbadeyanka, stated that the park was illegal and that commercial vehicles had harmed the once-beautiful area.

He said, “It was not the taskforce men who chased them out of the place. However, the park is an eyesore and illegal. Some months ago, if you can recall, the place they claimed to be a garage was a place filled with flowers, and it was a beautiful sight. They came, removed the flowers, called it theirs, and started to park their vehicles and shuttle buses.

Also, when contacted, the NSCDC spokesperson, Abolurin Oluwaseun, said it was a joint effort between the agency and the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to reduce traffic congestion and guarantee unhindered vehicle flow.

He said, “We have officers legally attached to the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that the day to day transport movement is easy for commuters. They were positioned strategically. It was a joint action between the Ministry of Environment and the agency. They are also stationed to ensure the safety of commuters.”

House probes N200bn spent on suspended census

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House probes N200bn spent on suspended census

The House of Representatives is set to probe the N200bn spent on the suspended 2023 Population and Housing Census.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Clement Akanni during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Akanni said the immediate-past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari planned

to conduct a census in 2022 but the programme was later postponed to 2023.

He said the former minister of state for budget and national planning, Mr Clem Agba, said a total of N869bn would be required for the exercise.

“This figure, according to the

minister, included post-census activities, adding that the National Population Commission said, it spent about N200bn to prepare for the 2023 population and housing census.”

According to him, the exercise was, however, suspended indefinitely by Buhari,  a few days before leaving office.

He added that the need to provide the nation with accurate and reliable demographic data for policy formulation and planning for sustainable development remained imperative,

Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Population to invite the Director-General of the NPC  to explain how the N200bn meant for the suspended 2023 population and housing census was spent.

The House urged the committee to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Reps demand rescue of 200 abducted Borno women

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Reps demand rescue of 200 abducted Borno women

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged security agencies to rescue about 200 women reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in the Gamboru-Ngala and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State.

The women, who were Internally Displaced Persons, were said to have been kidnapped while they went into the bush in search of firewood.

While residents put the number of the abducted women at about 101, the

United Nations, on Wednesday, said it believed the figure was over 200.

“The exact number of people abducted remains unknown but is estimated at over 200 people,” Ann Weru, Head of Public Information, Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN in Nigeria, said in a statement.

Moving a motion on a matter of urgent public importance on the floor of the House on Thursday, the lawmaker representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency of Borno State, Zainab Gimba, described the abduction as worrisome, liking it with the April 2014 abduction of school girls in Chibok.

She said, “I want to bring to the notice of the House that about 300 women were abducted while fetching firewood for domestic and commercial purposes in my constituency.

“I am calling on security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, see to the rescue of these women who went in search of their daily bread.

“The House notes that this is the second biggest number of abductions after the Chibok girls abduction that took place in 2014 even though, some of those girls are still in captivity.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, described the incident as a sad development and called on security agents to step up their search for the abducted women.

“We, as a House, are pained that the families of the abducted persons are going through what they are going through at the moment

“In the spirit of the International Women’s Day Celebration tomorrow (Friday), we pray that these women and those still in captivity be freed from their abductors.

“There is no better way to celebrate the

Women’s Day without calling for the protection and release of these women,” Kalu said.

Following the resolution of the House, the motion was referred to the Committee on Defence and National Emergency Management Agency.

The 7 Division Nigerian Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Ajemusu Jingina, told The According on Wednesday that the troops had begun a search for the abducted women.

“Troops have already been dispersed to far into the wilderness in search and rescue operations; the air component of the troops are also hovering around the wilderness for the search and rescue,” Jingina said.

“Times without number, we have warned the IDPs never to go out of the sight of security agents but they would never heed.

“Last Sunday, in the typical obstinacy of IDPs, these guys strayed out to as far as 25 kilometres from Ngala just to collect firewood; they were already in danger of any attack by the terrorists,” Jingina told The According angrily.

Let ordinary citizens feel justice, Sanwo-Olu tells judiciary

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Let ordinary citizens feel justice, Sanwo-Olu tells judiciary

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged top management of the Federal Ministry of Justice to build a justice system that will not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence among the citizens.

Sanwo-Olu advocated a Nigeria “ where justice is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality of every citizen.”

This, he said, would “lay a foundation for a more just equitable, and prosperous nation.”

The Lagos governor made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the 2024 top management retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice held on Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

He enjoined participants to evolve new legal initiatives in the justice administration that would assist the Tinubu-led government in addressing the demands and challenges facing the country.

Sanwo-Olu said, “As we delve into discussions, we should all keep in mind the overarching goal to build a justice system that not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence within our citizens. The success of all your efforts will be measured by the positive impacts felt by ordinary Nigerians who are seeking justice.

“In our pursuit for enhanced systems and structures, let us take cognisance of the need for a continuous evaluation and adaptation of the dynamic system of our society.

“We need to have regular assessments; we need to develop a feedback mechanism and a commitment to continuously improve and ensure that relevant and effective justice reform systems are reviewed at all times.”

In his opening remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged top management officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice to take necessary steps to tackle challenges associated with coordinating justice sector institutions in the country.

Fagbemi said, “Our duties are an amalgamation of law and policy; it is, therefore, critical that we continually review our operational strategies to enable us to meet the yearnings of our people for an effective and people-oriented justice system.”

In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. B.E. Jedy-Agba, said the aim of the retreat was to formally review and validate the Strategic Plan of the Federal Ministry of Justice for Years 2023 – 2027, as well as its Work Plan for Year 2024.

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