JUDICIARY
Akpabio is Not Habitually Late to Legislative Assignment – Eyibo
By Lateef Taiwo
President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, has described the allegations of breaching the senate rules on the conduct of plenary and other legislative activities as false narrative.
An online publications had over the weekend released series of breaches in the conduct of the president of the Senate and the lacardiscal manners Senator Akpabio attend to parliamentary activities since he assumed the leadership of the upper legislative Chamber.
But in a swift reactions Eseme Eyibo, the Special Assistant on media and publicity to the president of the Senate said it it is a false narrative
“For sometime, a false narrative has been woven round the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, all in an attempt to give it a semblance of truth.”
In a statement signed by Eyibo, made available to newsmen on Sunday, he said that
” Although, we had ignored the misinformation, it has become necessary to enlighten and educate the reading public so that these stories do not gain traction.”
“First, as opposed to what has been bandied in the media that Akpabio is known for lateness to Plenary, being an intellectual politician and leader, he believes in Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy of “Time is money”. To him, “Time is of the essence”. And this is exemplified in his sterling achievements in private and public life. Without good time management skills, he could not have attained these feats.” He claimed
“Secondly, Senator Akpabio as Senate President has absolute respect and regard for his distinguished colleagues and indeed all Nigerians. As the Senate President, he is not oblivious of the fact that he is just one among equals and has no cause whatsoever to undermine the elevated status of Distinguished Senators by always keeping them waiting in Plenary.”
“However, we want the public to know that as Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio and the his colleagues are very experienced and conversant with the legislative dynamics and are aware of the enormous legislative and administrative responsibilities of the office of the President of the Senate.” He stated
Continue he state that ” Disruptions or lateness to any schedule of the heads of arms of government, particularly the National Assembly are usually prioritises not compromised.”
” As the Presiding Officer, Akpabio meets with the Principal Officers before every Plenary and emergency issues do spring up, which deserve urgent attention. Again, at every other plenary, there are always motions of urgent public/national importance from distinguished senators.
By the provisions of the Standing Orders and Rules of the Senate, Senators with such motions are required to meet with the Presiding Officer before Plenary. Some of these issues are so urgent and cannot be kept in view and the President of the Senate is expected to attend to them expeditiously before commencement of Plenary. These circumstances most times creep into the commencement time
The lateness of the President of the Senate to the plenary at any insignificant number of times has never affected the industry of the Senate or deliberately intended to deconstruct the core mandate of the Senate President’s parliamentary core mandate.” He explained.
” Any insinuation suggesting that Senator Akpabio is “habitually late” and it dates back to when he was Akwa Ibom State governor is but selling a rotten apple, which no discerning mind will buy.”
We can say without equivocation that Senator Godswill Akpabio’s penchant for beating the clock is never in doubt both in appointed and elected positions he has held.
We, therefore, advise those spreading the gospel of Akpabio’s purported lateness to Plenary to apply brakes and allow the Uncommon Senate President concentrate on doing what he knows best- giving his all to the service of the nation and humanity”
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a legal scholar and judicial reform advocate, has praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her decisive action in addressing misconduct within the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently sanctioned five judicial officers for professional breaches, including age falsification and other misconducts. The decisions were made during the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.
Judges Sanctioned for Misconduct
Among those sanctioned were:
- Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, who was recommended for compulsory retirement effective October 27, 2021. Justice Chikeka was found to have falsified his date of birth, with inconsistencies noted between 1956 and 1958. He was also directed to refund salaries and allowances received after his official retirement date.
- Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, was also recommended for compulsory retirement after discrepancies in his date of birth were discovered. Records showed three different birth dates, while his actual year of birth was determined to be 1952. The NJC found that he should have retired 12 years ago and ordered him to refund salaries and allowances received during this period.
- Justice G.C. Aguma of Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court were suspended from duties for one year.
Odinkalu’s Commendation
Reacting to the NJC’s decision, Professor Odinkalu commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her swift and decisive response.
“Madam CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has acted swiftly on this matter of age falsification by the Chief Judge of Imo State. She has done the right thing the right way,” Odinkalu stated.
He expressed hope that this move would signal a new era of improved judicial standards under Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the NJC.
NJC’s Commitment to Judicial Integrity
The NJC emphasized its zero-tolerance for misconduct, reiterating its commitment to upholding integrity within the judiciary. The council urged judicial officers to adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards.
The actions taken are seen as a bold step toward restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on judges and lawyers to avoid delivering conflicting rulings, which he says undermine justice and governance. His warning follows conflicting judgments that nearly disrupted the local government election in the state.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony in Port Harcourt, Fubara criticized legal professionals who compromise their integrity for personal gain. He emphasized the sacred role of the judiciary in upholding justice and urged judges to remain steadfast in truth.
“You are the god that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us,” Fubara stated, adding that those who compromise justice would face severe consequences, both legally and morally.
Fubara praised the Rivers State judiciary, particularly the High Court, for their support in maintaining stability despite external pressures. He acknowledged threats and assaults faced by judicial officers but encouraged them to remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
In his sermon, Bishop Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo echoed the governor’s concerns, highlighting the negative impact of conflicting judgments on Nigeria’s unity and governance. The bishop warned that those responsible for such actions would eventually face divine punishment.
Governor Fubara concluded by emphasizing the need for strong institutions to safeguard democracy and ensure societal prosperity.
- Says govt bears no liability for unsigned agreement
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
An Ilorin High Court has struck out a case instituted against the Kwara State Government by the Hon. Moshood Mustapha-owned Crystal Group of Companies Limited over the remodelling of the legacy Kwara Hotel.
Hon. Justice E. B. Mohammed struck out the case after upholding the preliminary objections of the state government on the matter.
The judge said no document was before the court to show that the Crystal Group had any valid contract with the state government to remodel the iconic hotel, shutting down the much-parroted claim that the government had reneged on its commitment with the firm.
The court held that a draft agreement or an unsigned agreement by either of the parties is worthless and cannot cloth Crystal Group of Companies Limited with the legal right to pursue any action against the government regarding Kwara Hotel.
“The claimant’s suit against Kwara State Government on Kwara Hotels is hereby struck out,” the court held, potentially turning the page on the topic.
The government had repeatedly explained that it signed no agreement with the Crystal Group and that whatever talks between them had not reached the level of a legal agreement that is binding on either party.
End
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