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Buhari signs Order 007 to boost projects

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Buhari signs Order 007 to boost projects

In demonstration of his commitment to fast track the provision of critical infrastructure, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed Executive Order 007 of 2019 on Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

The Order signed at the State House, Abuja on Friday, would fast track pilot projects involving 19 critical roads across 11 states spread across the six geo-political zones of the country.
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The projects would be undertaken by six construction and manufacturing companies who are expected to recover their costs through tax rebates.

The companies participating in the pilot scheme of the programme are Dangote Group of Companies, Lafarge Africa Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Liquefied Natural Gas of Nigeria and China Roads and Bridges Corporation.

The President said: “This is another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of this administration to conceive, design, develop and deliver Public Private Partnerships with notable investors so as to close the road infrastructure gap in the transportation sector.
“Since I oversaw the successful implementation of the Petroleum Trust Fund roads development programme in the 1990s, various models have been adopted in addressing this infrastructure gap.

“In recent years, our reliance on annual budgetary allocations to fund roads development has been disappointing, given that our budget proposals have not always been passed in an expeditious manner by the National Assembly.

“There have also been revenue shortfalls that have hampered our efforts to fully fund critical projects. Furthermore, at the inception of this Administration, we met a significant backlog of local contractors’ debts, which we, as a responsible Administration, have undertaken to clear.”

He government, he explained, decided to introduce the new scheme on roads development in order to boost the confidence of investors in the country.

He expressed the hope that the new scheme would open up opportunities for investors to finance infrastructure development, especially roads infrastructures, with tax credit incentives.

The president maintained that the inability of the federal government to invest in critical infrastructures was due to paucity of funds.

“There have also been revenue shortfalls that have hampered our efforts to fully fund critical projects. Furthermore, at the inception of this Administration, we met a significant backlog of local contractors’ debts, which we, as a responsible Administration, have undertaken to clear.

“We did so with a view to improving the confidence of construction firms in the federal government, and to confirm our ability to honour financial commitments for infrastructure projects, as and when due.

“Despite these challenges, this Administration remains committed to keeping our promises to deliver qualitative roads and transportation infrastructure to our citizens, communities and businesses.

“In this regard, we have consistently adopted innovative solutions to complement the annual budgetary spending on infrastructure,’’ he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, said the Executive Order 007 aimed at encouraging investors to invest in roads and other critical infrastructure, based on the demand for such roads in major economic corridors across the country.

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of the 36 State Governors, described the new scheme as “innovative governance that serves as a win-win for all’’.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who also spoke on behalf of the business partners of the scheme, noted that lack of good road network had impacted negatively on the nation’s economy.

He pledged that the business community would partner with the government in ensuring the successful implementation of the new scheme.

Dangote, therefore, assured that the manufacturing companies would mobilise funds for the refurbishment of roads across the country.

Anambra government hits Ohaneze Ndigbo again

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Anambra government hits Ohaneze Ndigbo again

The Anambra State Government again on Saturday requested Ohaneze Ndigbo to rescind the endorsement of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Mr Peter Obi were endorsed by Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural body on Thursday, Jan. 24 for February 16 election.

But, the Anambra Government in a media conference at Agulu Lake Hotel in Anaocha Local Government Area said they are vehemently opposed to the endorsement.

The Anambra Government had earlier issued a statement to journalists in Enugu about four days ago on the endorsement of PDP Presidential candidate by Ohaneze leadership.

Prof. Solo Chukwudebelu, the Secretary to Anambra State Government said the state as integral part of Ohaneze was not consulted before the decision was taken.

“As a constituent member of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Anambra State was not represented in the ‘imeobi’ meeting where the acclaimed decision was reached.

”We are particularly angered by the fixing of the said meeting on the same date that President Muhammadu Buhari came to inaugurate Zik Mausoleum in Onitsha.

”Zik was a great son of Igboland and pioneer patron of Ohaneze, a nationalist of repute whose past cannot be ignored by any true Igbo man.

” For Ohaneze leadership to have not send representation for the inauguration let alone holding a meeting on Jan. 24 the same day Zik Mausoleum was inaugurated was bad,” he said.

Chukwudebelu flanked by Mr C Don Adinuba, the state commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye (SA, political) and Mrs Sally Mbanefo, said Ohaneze should remain apolitical.

“As All Progresives Grand Alliance government, we have our presidential standard bearer who we are supporting, yet we are not lording it over all the residents of the state to join the decision of the state.

”People should be allowed to make their choice because we are in democracy, and so that is the path we want Ohaneze leadership to follow,” he said.

Adinuba who responded to questions from reporters noted that since the advent of Ohaneze Ndigbo, all political endorsement made had adversely affected the development of the Igbos.

He, however, advised Chief Nwodo to in the best interest of the people rescind the endorsement of Atiku and Obi.

The government’s spokesman said though the state was not contemplating pulling out of Ohaneze Ndigbo, her open condemnation of the endorsement was to set the record straight.

Describing the action as distasteful, Adinuba said if urgent step is not taking, the development might led to a crack in existing unity among the Ohaneze body.

Army inaugurates combat vehicles

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Army inaugurates combat vehicles

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has inaugurated Light Armoured-Fighting vehicles refurbished by the newly-established Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC), Rigachuku, Kaduna State.

Thirty-five Toyota Buffalo, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 10 assorted heavy duty generators, 10 troops-carrying trucks, water tankers and mobile workshops were among the equipment inaugurated.

At the ceremony on Saturday, Buratai stressed the need to reposition the Armed Forces, particularly the army, making it self-sufficient in local production of military hardware.

Buratai said that with self-sufficiency in local production of weaponry, the armed forces would be able to confront and overcome internal and external asymmetry security challenges facing the nation.

Buratai said that in the last one week, three of the refurbished vehicles had been inducted into Operation Lafiya Dole operations in the North-East.

He expressed delight that within six weeks of the establishment of the company, it had met its mandate.

The NAVMC was set up on Nov. 16, 2018.

Buratai explained that the army suffered “limited setbacks’’ in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, partly due to “ineffectiveness of armoured-fighting vehicles’’ and other equipment bought from foreign countries.

According to him, most of this imported equipment do not fit the tropical weather in our clime.

He said that other challenges experienced with those vehicles and equipment were inadequate spare parts, faulty weapon systems, poor after-sales maintenance agreement and lack of warranty, among others.

“For the armed forces to overcome the nation’s internal and external asymmetry security challenges, there is need to begin 360 degrees deviation from over-reliance on importation of all classes of tactical and heavy operational vehicles.’’

He said that in spite of past efforts, “the fact remains that a lot still needs to be done to record an appreciable self-reliance in the production of instrument of war’’.

The army chief noted that most developed armies across the globe attained industrial military supremacy after wars, conflicts and crises.

He said: “The rise of the United States as global hegemony which began after the American war of independence and their current strategic position in world nuclear affairs is of course, instructive.

“Back home, Nigeria emerged from its civil war to become a continental power, following massive military build-up by successive governments.

“The leading role Nigeria play in ECOMOG operations in Liberia, and later in Sierra Leone, attests to this fact.’’

He said that the overall objective of NAVMC was to meet the army’s vehicle and equipment needs by 2025 and begin to export to other African countries by 2030.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NAVMC, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, said that the company had produced 50 light combat vehicles in the last two months.

Ezugwu, who had served in as Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Maiduguri, stressed the need for viable indigenous options for mobility and protection of troops.

Zamfara APGA endorses Buhari

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Zamfara APGA endorses Buhari

The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the Feb. 16 presidential election.

The Governorship Candidate of APGA in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani, disclosed this during the party’s flag-off campaign in Gusau on Saturday.

Sani said the party was satisfied with the President Buhari’s anti-corruption fight, solving the security challenges, job creation and agricultural policy.

He said these policies tallied with APGA action plans to change the state of nation’s socio-economic condition.

Dani also said in addition to the provision of security to the state, his government would pay attention to healthcare and industrialisation.

He pledged to construct 147 maternity centres across the 14 local government areas of the state and three VVF centers, one in each senatorial district.

According to him, small scale industries will be established in each local government area to achieve full utilisation of resources and to enhance job opportunities.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of APGA, Dr Victor Ikechukwu, who was represented by the National Treasurer, Alhaji Ibrahim Kyafo, commended the orderly behaviour of the party faithful.

He urged the electorate to vote wisely to ensure that the state elect desirable leaders that would move it out of the current political mess.

He said APGA has a comprehensive blueprint that would transform the state and the country economically and politically.

Buratai tasks soldiers on security challenges

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Buratai tasks soldiers on security challenges

Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai on Saturday advised soldiers to be more focused and commit to confronting emerging security challenges in Nigeria.

Buratai gave the charge during the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, West African Social Activities (WASA), for 2018, held at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

“As you commence the Year 2019 activities, let me remind you of the enormous tasks before you and the need for you to be more focused and determined to confront the emerging challenges.”

The army chief said the occasion, which was meant to mark the completion of the Division’s training activities of the Year 2018, is indeed a unique event.

He said WASA is a cherished tradition in the Nigerian Army, aimed at bringing the troops, their families and civilian friends to socialize in an informal setting.

“It provides a veritable avenue to showcase glamorous traditions and rich cultures of the various ethnic groups in military Barracks and Cantonments.

“This occasion therefore celebrates the indivisible unity of our great nation.

“I wish to state here that 1 Division has every cogent reason to celebrate the Year 2018 as its officers and men have remained resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

“I am aware of your tremendous achievements in combating acts of kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed banditry and other activities of criminal elements which has brought remarkable improvement of the security situation in your area of operations.

” I must commend your effort in forging synergy and collaboration with other security agencies in ensuring peace within your area of operations especially your swift intervention during the recent crisis in Kaduna State,” he said.
Buratai added that the gallantry displayed by the troops on Operation WHIRL PUNCH is highly appreciated.

Similarly, he said the commitment of the troops in the on-going Ex EGWU EKE III within the area of operations is also commendable.

He, however, implored the soldiers to put all hands on deck to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the 2019 General Elections.

” Therefore, you are to remain apolitical, steadfast and proactive in the discharge of your responsibilities.

” I enjoin you to remain dedicated in your service to the nation during the elections and subsequent operations in line with my vision, which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” he said.

The COAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his exemplary and inspiring leadership, support and motivation to the Nigerian Army.

He also expressed gratitide to the government and people of Kaduna State for their support for 1 Division, toward security in the collective national interest.

Buratai, however, gave assurance of the commitment of the army to support the welfare of officers and men of 1 Division and their families.

He also urged the personnel to remain loyal and committed to ensuring the unity and peace in 1 Division area of operations and the country, as a whole.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj. –Gen. Mohammed Mohammed, said the performance in the ongoing operation whirl punch has drastically reduced criminality in the country.

“This gathering brings another forum to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the peace and unity of our country.

“I urge the men of the Division to be abreast with the new training circle of the 2019 activities,” the GOC said.

Onnoghen: We will not condone interference in our internal affairs, Buhari fires back at EU, US, UK

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Onnoghen: We will not condone interference in our internal affairs, Buhari fires back at EU, US, UK

President Buhari has ruled out his reversal of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen. Reacting to growing international condemnation of his action, the President says he “will not allow meddling in the nation’s affairs” by other countries.

In the statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu which indirectly refers to the concerns raised by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the European Union over the suspension of Justice Onnoghen, President Buhari “rejects any interference or perception management that promotes apprehension, citizens distrust or undermines the transparency and acceptability of the outcomes of Nigeria’s electoral process”

The President who says he is determined to ensure free, fair and credible elections, insists that “Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends international laws, customs and norms that mandate and require nations and the comity to respect this prerogative to all”.

Making veiled reference to recent calls for vote recount in DR Congo and the recognition of an interim president in Venezuela after disputed elections among others, President Buhari says “the question of foreign interference, whether state sponsored, promoted or otherwise has dominated recent elections and outcomes globally”. He assured that he will “fiercely and assiduously promote the will and the right of Nigerians to choose and elect their leaders without pressure or assistance from persons or entities that are not constitutionally empowered to participate in the process”.

While encouraging voters to confidently exercise their franchise in an orderly manner in next month’s polls, President Buhari said the country’s security forces are ready “to confront any plan or attempt to interfere with or disrupt the process whether by elements within or from outside the country”. He emphasised that his administration “will not bend the rules and will not allow meddling in the nation’s affairs”.

On possible stoppage of financial support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by donor partners like the European Union, the President says “the Federal Government has supported the electoral umpire with resources needed to accomplish its desire and insistence on free and fair elections”.

It will be recalled that in its condemnation of the suspension of Justice Onnoghen, the United States said the decision “undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result”.

In its reaction, the United Kingdom said as “friends of the Nigerian people, we are compelled to observe that the timing of this action, so close to national elections, gives cause for concern. It risks affecting both domestic and international perceptions on the credibility of the forthcoming elections. We, along with other members of the international community, are following developments closely”.

And for the European Union Election Observer Mission, “with 20 days until the Presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system… The timing, just before the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases, has also raised concerns about the opportunity for electoral justice”.

Only on Friday, the Federal Government welcomed the statements by the United States and the United Kingdom demanding credible and peaceful election in Nigeria with both countries threatening severe punitive measures including visa restrictions against election riggers and perpetrators of electoral violence during and after the polls.

Analysts say the administration may have taken a new position on election-related matters in relation to foreign countries and partners with the attacks on the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union by the Presidency over the suspension of Justice Onnoghen.

There are reports that the Nigerian Senate will reconvene from its three weeks election recess on Tuesday, January 29 for an emergency session to discuss the suspension of the CJN, Walter Onnoghen by President Buhari.

Media Dimension

2019: Supranational bodies’ intervention must respect the constitutional order in Nigeria, centre warns US, EU

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2019: Supranational bodies’ intervention must respect the constitutional order in Nigeria, centre warns US, EU

Following the reactions of certain foreign nation and bodies over the suspension of erstwhile Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Centre for Democracy and Good Governance (CDGG) has opined that their judgements were biased and one-sided.

President Muhammadu Buhari had suspended Mr Onnoghen who is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for non-declaration of assets.

Despite apparently failing short of the constitution, the United States and European Union appeared to take the side of the embattled judicial chief without proper analysis of the situation.

In a statement released by CDGG’s Executive Director, Dr. Bridget Ankpan, on Sunday in Abuja, the group revealed that the pair has no business interfering with an affair that bothers around the country’s rule of law.

The Centre, however, warned the US and EU to desist from echoing the propaganda of the opposition, especially with the general elections on the horrizon.

“The Centre for Democracy and Good Governance (CDGG) has noted with concerns the statements emanating from several countries and regional bodies as regards the suspension of ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen and the subsequent swearing in of Justice Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, “ the statement began.

“The statements issued by these countries and foreign organizations made no effort to disguise that they are siding with the opposition in Nigeria, which lends credence to those that earlier accused them of trying to force a regime change in Nigeria irrespective of how Nigerians vote. They also decided to base their positions on street folklore that completely ignore that President Muhammadu Buhari acted on the order of the Code of Conduct Tribuna, which is a creation of the Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). The stand they have taken therefore suggest that they view their own wishes as superior to the sovereignty of the country.

“The EU and US presented these views and totally ignored the larger population of Nigerians that sided with President Buhari on the suspension of Justice Onnoghen. Had these countries bothered to look beyond the faulty intelligence they based their intervention on, they would have seen that the suspended Chief Justice insulted Nigerians by refusing to declare his assets, which included domiciliary bank accounts that hold money deposits beyond his means as a judicial officer. It will greatly enrich the debate if the EU or the US can cite instances or examples of judges that remained in office after breaching extant legislation in their jurisdictions like Justice Onnoghen did.

“We find it racist for the EU and US to adopt the simplistic explanation that the suspension was linked to the General Elections. It is most unfortunate that they concluded that all other facets of life in Nigeria must be halted for the elections when this is not the case in their own countries. Once the elections are concluded, these same nations would label Nigeria a business risk on account of failing to place a corrupt Chief Justice on trial had President Buhari not acted to clean up the Aegean stable of corruption that the judiciary has become in Nigeria prior to the decisive suspension of the ex-Chief Judge.

“Our belief is that the US would have had the benefit of input from brighter minds had its government not been shut down and those who could have been voices of reason placed on furlough. The EU must have also lost its objectivity because it is under strain from its unravelling union with far right extremists continuing to spread chaos across its member nations. As the EU EOM noted in its statement that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invited it to observe the elections, it will do well to stick to this brief and not interfere with Nigeria’s resolve to tackle corruption headlong.

“It is in the interest of peace, stability and successful elections in Nigerian that the EU and the US desist from echoing the propaganda of the opposition. Where they decide to become official reporters of public opinion in Nigeria, it is only fair that they report across the divide – when they cite those criticizing the suspension of the Chief Justice they should also cite the majority that are demanding that he stands trial for breaking the law. Any nation, regional body or supranational body that wants to intervene in Nigeria must respect the fact that Nigeria has its own Constitution and cannot be dictated to as it works towards freeing itself from the shackles of corruption.”

Onnoghen: Ijaw youths disown embattled CJN, say south-south people not thieves

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Onnoghen: Ijaw youths disown embattled CJN, say south-south people not thieves

Youths from Ijaw speaking part of the country have described the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen, as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, by President Muhammadu Buhari, as apt, timely and a welcome development.

The youth group, while declaring a persona non grata on the embattled CJN, said people from south south region were not thieves.

The United Niger Delta Youth Council, which said that that Justice Onnoghen is a shame to the Niger Delta region, wondered he failed exhibit a high level of decency in his conduct as the number one Judicial Officer in the country.

Jackson Bob- Manuel, President of the youth group at press conference on Saturday, called on the embattled jury to face the law and stop looking for sympathy.

He said, “We are of the opinion that Justice Walter Onnoghen having risen to the exalted position of Chief Justice of Nigeria should have exhibited a high level of decency in his conduct as the number one Judicial Officer in the country.

“It is, therefore, inexcusable for a man of such high standing to feign ignorance to the law as regards the declaration of assets in the country under the Code of Conduct Act. And if that is the case, then such a person is not fit to hold the exalted position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“We also wish to use this medium to state that corruption as a social vice knows no tribe, race or religion. It is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society over the years, and so, therefore, those that using the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen to wipe up ethnic and religious sentiments should desist from such acts as they cannot cry more than the bereaved.

“Justice Walter Onnoghen a Niger Delta son that is supposed to serve as a role model to us has indeed failed woefully and brought shame and disgrace to the people of the Niger Delta region.

“When they steal government funds and buy choice properties for themselves and their families, they are Mr. A or Mr. B., but when they are caught, they become Niger Deltans who are suffering political persecution.

“The United Niger Delta Youth Council says enough is enough of this treachery by political allies from the Niger Delta region. They must be held responsible for their actions and inactions as regards their conduct in office. And the case of Justice Walter Onnoghen should not be politicized to look like ethnic persecution.

“The fact remains that he failed to declare some of his assets as stipulated by the law and so, therefore, he has committed an offense which requires that he faces the full wrath of the law. And as the number one law officer in the country, he should know better.

“The United Niger Delta Youth Council frowns at the insinuations coming from certain quarters that the government persecutes justice Walter Onnoghen. While this is far from the truth, it is merely an attempt to cover up for a crime that was committed and deceive the public.

“The United Niger Delta Youth Council, therefore, calls on all Niger Delta Sons and Daughters in Nigeria and the Diaspora to disown Justice Walter Onnoghen how has brought nothing but shame to us as a people.

“When he filled his accounts with dollars and pounds, he wasn’t a Niger Deltan. When he refused to provide educational assistance to scores of needy people, he wasn’t a Niger Deltan. When he bragged like he was a mini-god, he wasn’t a Niger Deltan.

“But now that his atrocities have come out to the open, he is now a Niger Deltan. We the United Niger Delta Youths Council rejects such hypocrisy and would never be a part of such all on the name of ethnicity and religion.”

Onnoghen: Lawyers, CSOs others vow to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against reinstatement of ‘billionaire’ CJN

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Onnoghen: Lawyers, CSOs others vow to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against reinstatement of ‘billionaire’ CJN

As reactions continue to trail the suspension of Justice Walter Onoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, some lawyers and civil society organizations have vowed to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against the reinstatement of the embattled CJN.

The groups said any attempt to reinstate Onnoghen would bring the nation’s judiciary into ridicule before the international community.

Lawyers of Conscience, CSOS, Professionals Without Border and other group commended President Buhari for taking the anti-corruption fight to the judiciary arm of the government.

Princess Ajibola Esq, Convener of the group urged the federal government not to bow to the pressure from the opposition parties and few Nigerians who are not happy with the ouster of the billionaire CJN.

Speaking at a world press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Ajibola said the entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned

His words, “Since even corruption has company, expectantly, there have been reactions to this development. The preponderance of reactions has been that the suspension of the former CJN to pave way for a fair trial of his case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and to save the judiciary from disrepute is a step in the right direction.

“The judiciary had in the last two weeks been at its worst as those over whom Justice Onnoghen had powers were coerced into delivering one ridiculous ruling after another in the attempts to shield him from standing trial.

“However, a narrow but fierce minority has launched a campaign to muddle the issues and create the impression that the removal of a CJN that wilfully violated the laws of Nigeria is a rape of democracy.

“It is instructive that this narrow minority is led by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose members have been the greatest beneficiaries of the baffling Supreme Court rulings that were procured while Onnoghen was still in office. Members of the same party had also been reported to be banking on a Justice Onnoghen-led judiciary to sell election victory to them.

“May we also note that the lynch mob that have been criticising President Buhari have added the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as their choristers, with Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) taking on the role of back-up singers. It is simply ridiculous when we are reminded that even the current leader of the association has a case of money laundering pending before a competent court, which makes a corrupt judiciary attractive to this set of critics. The only fortunate thing is that the position being canvassed as that of the NBA is nothing but the view of a few people that are fortunate to currently be at the helms of its affairs, for we have seen many lawyers have voiced opinions that support the steps President Buhari has taken.

“Buoyed by the wrong premises advanced by the PDP and NBA, a few Nigerians have also come in their personal capacities or as groups to repeat the misleading argument that the suspension of a corrupt judge is a threat to democracy. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The real danger to democracy is allowing mobster judge continue to lead the most important arm of government, for the judiciary remains the hope of the common man.

“We are also aware that some of them that hitherto were car parks and mortuary attendants in foreign lands are posturing as professional Nigerians and making contact with foreign countries to come and help restore Justice Onnoghen, even though the breach he committed would have attracted stiff jail terms in the countries being so approached. May we educate those that have been sent on the international errand to bring opprobrium upon Nigeria that this is Nigeria addressing its internal challenges with corruption based on extant legislation. The point where other countries are being invited to come and “enforce” in Nigeria what they will not accept in their own jurisdiction.

“Had a poor civil servant or lowly officer committed this same infraction of saying they forgot to declare certain assets or bank accounts in their name they would have gotten to jail faster than it takes Justice Onnoghen to put on his wig. But a man who has lived most of his life interpreting the law is reluctant to present himself before a tribunal that has summoned him. If an everyday Nigerian behaves the same way the implications would be dire. Yet we are all clamouring for a Nigeria where we are all treated as equal before the law.

“We therefore condemn in its totality, this deliberate attempt by mischief-makers, hiding under the lie of defending democracy and in tandem with the billionaire ex-CJN to attempt criminalizing an action taken in furtherance of the anti-corruption. The dubious nature of their response to the suspension of the ex-CJN is exposed by the growing threats from these people, which border on trying to shut down the government simply because President Buhari dared to touch corruption at its very core as the judiciary had become the guaranteed for corrupt people that they can always escape the consequences of stealing from Nigerians.

“We salute the courage of President Buhari for daring to take on corruption in the judiciary even on the threshold of elections without fearing that he could lose the votes of those that may be positively disposed to keeping that arm of government corrupt. Yet we acknowledge the imperative of taking this step, which is obvious. The entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned. They simply get arraigned and then initiate series of hanky-panky that means they never get convicted.

“The billionaire ex-CJN, Justice Walter was reputed to be the coordinator of sale of justice by the bench with the money found in his undeclared account said to be the proceeds of judgement procured by the likes of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who curiously has had a case that is not too different from Justice Onnoghen’s own before the CCT. Corrupt politicians and Nigerians are aware of this and would have preferred that the status quo remain.”

Onnoghen: Lawyers, CSOs others vow to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against reinstatement of ‘billionaire’ CJN

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Onnoghen: Lawyers, CSOs others vow to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against reinstatement of ‘billionaire’ CJN

As reactions continue to trail the suspension of Justice Walter Onoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, some lawyers and civil society organizations have vowed to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against the reinstatement of the embattled CJN.

The groups said any attempt to reinstate Onnoghen would bring the nation’s judiciary into ridicule before the international community.

Lawyers of Conscience, CSOS, Professionals Without Border and other group commended President Buhari for taking the anti-corruption fight to the judiciary arm of the government.

Princess Ajibola Esq, Convener of the group urged the federal government not to bow to the pressure from the opposition parties and few Nigerians who are not happy with the ouster of the billionaire CJN.

Speaking at a world press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Ajibola said the entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned

His words, “Since even corruption has company, expectantly, there have been reactions to this development. The preponderance of reactions has been that the suspension of the former CJN to pave way for a fair trial of his case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and to save the judiciary from disrepute is a step in the right direction.

“The judiciary had in the last two weeks been at its worst as those over whom Justice Onnoghen had powers were coerced into delivering one ridiculous ruling after another in the attempts to shield him from standing trial.

“However, a narrow but fierce minority has launched a campaign to muddle the issues and create the impression that the removal of a CJN that wilfully violated the laws of Nigeria is a rape of democracy.

“It is instructive that this narrow minority is led by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose members have been the greatest beneficiaries of the baffling Supreme Court rulings that were procured while Onnoghen was still in office. Members of the same party had also been reported to be banking on a Justice Onnoghen-led judiciary to sell election victory to them.

“May we also note that the lynch mob that have been criticising President Buhari have added the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as their choristers, with Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) taking on the role of back-up singers. It is simply ridiculous when we are reminded that even the current leader of the association has a case of money laundering pending before a competent court, which makes a corrupt judiciary attractive to this set of critics. The only fortunate thing is that the position being canvassed as that of the NBA is nothing but the view of a few people that are fortunate to currently be at the helms of its affairs, for we have seen many lawyers have voiced opinions that support the steps President Buhari has taken.

“Buoyed by the wrong premises advanced by the PDP and NBA, a few Nigerians have also come in their personal capacities or as groups to repeat the misleading argument that the suspension of a corrupt judge is a threat to democracy. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The real danger to democracy is allowing mobster judge continue to lead the most important arm of government, for the judiciary remains the hope of the common man.

“We are also aware that some of them that hitherto were car parks and mortuary attendants in foreign lands are posturing as professional Nigerians and making contact with foreign countries to come and help restore Justice Onnoghen, even though the breach he committed would have attracted stiff jail terms in the countries being so approached. May we educate those that have been sent on the international errand to bring opprobrium upon Nigeria that this is Nigeria addressing its internal challenges with corruption based on extant legislation. The point where other countries are being invited to come and “enforce” in Nigeria what they will not accept in their own jurisdiction.

“Had a poor civil servant or lowly officer committed this same infraction of saying they forgot to declare certain assets or bank accounts in their name they would have gotten to jail faster than it takes Justice Onnoghen to put on his wig. But a man who has lived most of his life interpreting the law is reluctant to present himself before a tribunal that has summoned him. If an everyday Nigerian behaves the same way the implications would be dire. Yet we are all clamouring for a Nigeria where we are all treated as equal before the law.

“We therefore condemn in its totality, this deliberate attempt by mischief-makers, hiding under the lie of defending democracy and in tandem with the billionaire ex-CJN to attempt criminalizing an action taken in furtherance of the anti-corruption. The dubious nature of their response to the suspension of the ex-CJN is exposed by the growing threats from these people, which border on trying to shut down the government simply because President Buhari dared to touch corruption at its very core as the judiciary had become the guaranteed for corrupt people that they can always escape the consequences of stealing from Nigerians.

“We salute the courage of President Buhari for daring to take on corruption in the judiciary even on the threshold of elections without fearing that he could lose the votes of those that may be positively disposed to keeping that arm of government corrupt. Yet we acknowledge the imperative of taking this step, which is obvious. The entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned. They simply get arraigned and then initiate series of hanky-panky that means they never get convicted.

“The billionaire ex-CJN, Justice Walter was reputed to be the coordinator of sale of justice by the bench with the money found in his undeclared account said to be the proceeds of judgement procured by the likes of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who curiously has had a case that is not too different from Justice Onnoghen’s own before the CCT. Corrupt politicians and Nigerians are aware of this and would have preferred that the status quo remain.”

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