Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to asserting its independence and impartiality in the dispensation of justice.
Speaking at a workshop on “Judicial Independence and Judge Craft” in Abuja, Ariwoola emphasized the need for judges to continually build their capacity to meet societal expectations.
While acknowledging significant progress in attaining judicial independence, the CJN noted that more efforts are required to address the challenges faced.
He pledged that the judiciary will persist in seeking improvements to remain a strong, impartial, and independent arbiter of justice and the rule of law.
Ariwoola stressed that judges must enhance their capacities to restore confidence in the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of deep legal understanding, commitment to justice, and the ability to apply principles without fear or favor.
He reiterated that judicial independence and impartiality are crucial in ensuring fair decisions based on facts and law, without external influences or pressures.
“Ongoing and sustained effort are still required to address the challenges faced. We will not relent in seeking better options and actions that will ensure that the Nigerian judiciary remains a strong, impartial and independent arbiter of justice and the rule of law,” Justice Ariwoola said.
The CJN added that judges must boost their capacities as way of restoring confidence in the judiciary.
He said, “The act and science of judging requires deep and contextual understanding of the law, commitment to do justice and the innate ability to apply legal principles to complex and often vexatious issues without fear of favor.
“I must also reiterate that the substantive requirements of judicial independence, judge craft and the art of judging are built around public expectations for judges to decide matters before them fairly impartially and on the basis of facts.
“Such decisions must go in accordance with the law, without restrictions, improper influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interference, directly or indirectly, from any quarter of for any reason.”
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CJN Ariwoola vows to uphold judicial independence, impartiality
Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager
England manager in Euros 2024 Gareth Southgate has resigned from his role as head coach.
Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano announced this via X on Tuesday.
Southgate said, “As proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. I’m leaving my role.”
Details later…
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Nigeria looks to World Bank for $50m loan for power sector reforms
In a move aimed at bolstering its ongoing power sector reforms, the Nigerian government has requested a $50 million loan from the World Bank.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun spoke on the initiative when he met with a World Bank delegate on Monday in Abuja.
The team was led by the Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop while the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen was in attendance.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Finance Ministry, Mohammed Manga, said the meeting was held to discuss innovative ways to drive Nigeria’s power sector forward.
The statement read, “In its renewed determination to drive economic growth and development in the country, the Federal Government has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to boost power sector investments as a major priority area for achieving the desired objective.
“The initiative will strengthen plans to roll out 3.5 million prepaid metres to enhance power distribution.
“$50 million funding for state solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades, with measures to support tariff frameworks, market reforms, and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.
“This collaboration aims at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing energy access, promoting economic growth and development, improving job creation as well as poverty alleviation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.
The loan, if approved, would be used to support several key initiatives, including:
• Solar Power Pilot Projects: The funds would be used to establish pilot projects for solar power plants across various Nigerian states. This could help assess the viability of solar energy as a large-scale power generation source in the country.
• Prepaid Meter Rollout: A significant portion of the loan would go towards the rollout of 3.5 million prepaid meters. Prepaid meters offer greater transparency and control over electricity consumption for both consumers and power companies.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The loan would also be used to finance upgrades to existing power infrastructure. This could involve improvements to transmission and distribution networks, leading to reduced power losses and improved grid stability.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nigeria’s power sector faces significant challenges, including a lack of generation capacity, inadequate transmission infrastructure, and high energy losses. These factors contribute to frequent power outages and hinder economic development.
The proposed World Bank loan presents an opportunity to address some of these challenges. Solar power projects could help diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Prepaid meters can improve revenue collection for electricity companies, allowing them to invest in infrastructure upgrades.
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Security breach: Scammers hack Governor Adeleke’s phone number
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke’s phone number has been hacked.
The Osun government made the public announcement on Tuesday, in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed.
In an urgent public alert, Olawale urged the members of the public to ignore any communications from the compromised number which has been hacked.
“Please disregard any solicitation from +234 803 365 7555. Appropriate action is ongoing to remedy the situation.
“Authorities are investigating the breach and working diligently to secure the Governor’s communication lines.
“The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Further update will be provided as the situation develops.”
Security breach: Scammers hack Governor Adeleke’s phone number
Shun any protest against President Tinubu – Arewa youth tells northern youths
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors, an organization focused on political awareness to enlighten the youth about their role in ensuring good leadership in Nigeria, has called on the youth in northern Nigeria to shun any protest organized against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, Namadi Duniya commented on the sacking and call for investigation of its national coordinator, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, over allegations of tribalism and corruption, and announced his replacement with Mallam Muhammad Lawal.
According to him, “The call was made after a unanimous decision was reached by the executives following an emergency meeting held on 13th July 2024 in Dutse, Jigawa State.
“We couldn’t comprehend nor explain the reason for the coordinator’s change in behavior. His statements and actions no longer represent or align with those of our organization and have therefore called for action.
“The coordinator’s recent outbursts, attacks on the government and its economic reform policies, and calls for protests have revealed his ulterior motives, hence his lack of patriotism.”
He noted that the same person who was alive and healthy, sat and watched the eight years of former President Buhari without calling for protests or attacking any of his policies, but is very comfortable doing so now.
He alleged that the reason is that Buhari is from the North, the same region he hails from, and President Tinubu is not, saying that it is tribalism and they will not accept a tribalist as their coordinator.
The chairman said, “He has equally sneaked around to collect money from his sponsors to organize a protest against this administration, turn Nigerians against President Tinubu’s administration, and possibly cause chaos. We are not with him in this; it is his position and his sponsors’, but not that of the Arewa Youth Ambassadors.”
While calling on their members to shun the protest, Duniya called on security agencies (the DSS and Police) to closely investigate him and ensure law and order is maintained, holding him responsible for any breach of public peace or chaos capable of sabotaging economic activities.
Shun any protest against President Tinubu – Arewa youth tells northern youths
Skills development, our priority – Katsina gov
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Tuesday said his administration will prioritise youth skill development as it remained the only path to peaceful coexistence.
He made this known in his message to mark the 2024 World Youth Skills Day with the theme “Youth Skills for Peace and Development.”
The United Nations General Assembly designated July 15, as World Youth Skills Day to highlight the crucial role of youth skills in driving peace and sustainable development.
Radda’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.
“Our youth are not just the future; they are the present. We’ve revitalized the Katsina Industrial Development Centre, providing a conducive environment for learning and innovation. This upgrade, complete with new access roads, opens doors for our young people to acquire vital skills.
“The resuscitation of the Katsina Youth Craft Village is more than preserving our heritage. It’s about equipping our youth with skills that can sustain livelihoods and promote our rich culture.
“In partnership with the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, 3,000 young mechanic apprentices are designed to undergo training. This initiative ensures our youth are prepared for the evolving automotive industry, fostering both employment and entrepreneurship”, Radda stated.
The Governor also emphasised women’s empowerment, noting that “we recognise that peace and development require the participation of all. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University to train 10,000 women across all local government areas in Katsina state. These women are now better equipped to contribute to our state’s economy and stability.
“On this World Youth Skills Day, we renew our dedication to nurturing a skilled, peaceful, and productive youth population. Our initiatives are not just about job creation; they’re about building a resilient, harmonious Katsina State.”
Lagos-Calabar Highway: Rain won’t affect pace of work – Nigerian Govt assures
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project will be timely completed, saying rainfalls will not affect pace of work.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Lagos.
Kesha said, “ Despite the fact that heavy rain can naturally slow construction progress, the Federal Ministry of Works is committed to ensuring the project is delivered as scheduled.
“We have measures in place to manage water levels and ensure stay progress of work in spite the weather challenges.’’
The controller of works added that the contractors have been instructed to work diligently to ensure the project met its design and completion deadline.
According to her, the project is vital to the federal government as it is listed as one of the flagship projects of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to its significant benefits to the region.
Recall that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had said that the 700 kilometers Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction would take eight years to complete and pegged at the cost of N4 billion per kilometer.
The highway project would be completed in phases, with the first phase starting from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, to Lekki Phase 1.
According to the ministry, the first phase, which is about 1.5 kilometres long, has been completed by Hitech Construction Company.
The project is to improve cross-country connectivity and foster trade relations and is expected to Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar, the capital of Cross River and cut across Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states.
“The Lagos portion of the project is designed to pass through Oniru Beach, Landmark Beach, and the Good Beach/Sol Beach spanning about 2.5km.’’
Lagos-Calabar Highway: Rain won’t affect pace of work – Nigerian Govt assures
Skills development, our priority – Katsina gov
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Tuesday said his administration will prioritise youth skill development as it remained the only path to peaceful coexistence.
He made this known in his message to mark the 2024 World Youth Skills Day with the theme “Youth Skills for Peace and Development.”
The United Nations General Assembly designated July 15, as World Youth Skills Day to highlight the crucial role of youth skills in driving peace and sustainable development.
Radda’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.
“Our youth are not just the future; they are the present. We’ve revitalized the Katsina Industrial Development Centre, providing a conducive environment for learning and innovation. This upgrade, complete with new access roads, opens doors for our young people to acquire vital skills.
“The resuscitation of the Katsina Youth Craft Village is more than preserving our heritage. It’s about equipping our youth with skills that can sustain livelihoods and promote our rich culture.
“In partnership with the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, 3,000 young mechanic apprentices are designed to undergo training. This initiative ensures our youth are prepared for the evolving automotive industry, fostering both employment and entrepreneurship”, Radda stated.
The Governor also emphasised women’s empowerment, noting that “we recognise that peace and development require the participation of all. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University to train 10,000 women across all local government areas in Katsina state. These women are now better equipped to contribute to our state’s economy and stability.
“On this World Youth Skills Day, we renew our dedication to nurturing a skilled, peaceful, and productive youth population. Our initiatives are not just about job creation; they’re about building a resilient, harmonious Katsina State.”
Minimum Wage: NLC threatens one-month shutdown as lawmakers target fresh decision
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned Thursday meeting with leaders of organized labor, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened a one-month shutdown if the minimum wage is expunged from the Exclusive to Concurrent list in the Constitution by Nigerian lawmakers.
NLC President Joe Ajaero gave the warning on Monday while addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the 2024 annual Rain School of the NLC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Ajaero issued this warning against National Assembly members’ proposed decision to remove wages from the Exclusive to Concurrent list in the Constitution.
He added that if National Assembly members proceed with the move to remove the minimum wage from the Exclusive list—a law that would allow each state governor to determine the minimum wage—he would mobilize labor and shut down Nigeria’s economy for a month.
Although the National Assembly’s decision is yet to be made public, Ajaero said, “As we are here, a Joint Committee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Judiciary are meeting. They have decided to remove section 34 from the Exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list so that the state governors can determine what to pay you and so that there will be no minimum wage again.
“When they finish that meeting, they will collect minimum wage, I promise all of you that. The very moment the House of Representatives and the Senate come up with such a law that will not benefit Nigerian workers, they will be their drivers and gatemen, and there will be no movement for one month.
“Comrades, I am putting you on standby. If that committee comes up with such a policy, for one month nobody should come out. They are the major threat to democracy in this country. Democracy is not all about starving and punishing people. That’s not the democracy we fought for.
“They were not there when we fought for this democracy, and now they are trying to make laws to remove the minimum wage from the exclusive list. So, comrades, as I have talked to you here, I have talked to everybody. We are waiting for them to come up with such hypocritical laws. And from today, let them abolish the security vote,” he said.
The development comes as the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced that President Tinubu will meet with organized labor leaders on Thursday to finalize a decision on the country’s minimum wage.
This follows last Thursday’s decision on a harmonized minimum wage, which ended in a deadlock.
Recall that the government had proposed a 62,000 naira minimum wage, while organized labor insisted on 250,000 naira.
The National Minimum Wage Tripartite had earlier submitted the minimum wage proposal to the President.
While the minimum wage impasse persists, Nigerians have continued to groan over hardship occasioned by the rising headline and food inflation, which stood at 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively, in June 2024.
Minimum Wage: NLC threatens one-month shutdown as lawmakers target fresh decision
NECO releases 2024 Unity schools’ examination results
No fewer than 13 candidates scored 01 as the National Examination Council released the 2024 common entrance examination results for Unity schools.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday about the outcome of the examinations.
Recall that a total of 71,291 candidates participated in the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE conducted in 599 centres on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
NECO had released data showing that Lagos State came tops with the highest number of candidates, with 17,751 while FCT came second with 10,209 candidates and Anambra State trailed in third position with 4,972 candidates, respectively.
According to Sununu, a total of 4,360 candidates were absent while 66,931 were present.
The minister noted that one candidate scored the highest score of 203 out of the obtainable score of 210.
He also noted that the admission process will be based on 60% merit as usual.
Details later…
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