JUDICIARY
NASS : Complaints on reconfigured Chamber linger in Senate
…as Whip describes it as Conference Room
…the Contractor did a poor job….Lawmaker
By Abdullateef Bamgbose
Complaints by Senators on their refurbished Chamber continued Tuesday , a week after bickerings about sitting arrangements
The contract for the renovations of the two Chambers of the National Assembly apart from the homogeneous amount involved had generated controversy as the bidding process allegedly skew in favour of indigenous contractors .
The foreign had expressed concern over the inability to handle the renovations.
The Speaker House of representatives, Tajudeen Abbas , confirmed this much last week during the tour of the facilities before the resumptions of the lawmakers from three weeks recess.
“Some foreign firms almost misled leadership of the National Assembly in 2022 into rejecting any local firm from getting contract for renovation work at the federal parliament, said the Speaker of the House of Representatives , Hon Tajudeen Abbas “
Hon Abbas stated this last week at the renovated and reconfigured Hallowed Chambers of the House of Representatives and that of the Senate during a joint inspection of the Chamber with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu , Hon Femi Gbajabiamila .
According to him , when the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) , informed leadership of the 9th National Assembly on plan to award contract for renovation of the Hallowed Chambers , some foreign firms mounted pressures on FCDA and NASS to get it .
” The interested foreign firms then, even went beyond mounting pressures on relevant authorities for the contract by also resorting to blackmailing the local firms from being considered at all .
“Different tactics were employed by foreign firms to discredit nigerian indigenous contractors as being inferior.
“But as usual, the foreign contractors came with bogus proposals which gave room for listening to the voice in support of local contractor and eventual award of the contract to Visible Construction Limited, a subsidiary of Laralek Ultimate Group, a fully registered Nigerian indigenous company owned by a young Nigerian.
“This is a master piece,a fantastic job done by a local contractor and we must commend him for the job he has done because a lot of us were doubting whether a local contractor can be able to do this particular job, we have our reservation when the contract was awarded.
“But today we are all witnesses that the reconfigured chambers exceeded our expectations and very befitting for the 10th National Assembly “, he said .
Recall that Senate plenary was last week Tuesday, marred by complaints made by some senators on sitting arrangements in the renovated chamber.
But some Lawmakers in the upper legislative Chamber , said that the fear of the foreign firms has been confirmed as the Senate Chambers have witnessed a rowdy session and adjournment barely 24 hours after it’s resumption last week.
An angry Senator from the North East who does not want his name mentioned told journalists that” the Chamber should have been left the way it was. This more of a lecture theatre befitting under graduates in university”
The complaints over the reconfigured Chamber last week led to a rowdy session which lasted for about 15 minutes and eventually forced the Senate into executive session .
A week after , issues on alleged inadequacies in the Chamber were again raised , specifically by the Whip of the Senate , Senator Ali Ndume ( APC Borno South).
Senator Ndume who raised the issues through Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules , said what supposed to be a Chamber, has been turned into a conference hall which according to him , is not acceptable .
” Mr President , I rise to make disturbing observations on this supposedly renovated chamber through order 42 that deals with personal privileges .
” Since day one , precisely last week Tuesday when we moved into this Chamber that supposed to have been renovated , there have been complaints here and there .
” First was on sitting arrangements , followed by echoing of voices by microphones that are even not audible . No voting device , required facilities not yet provided .
” We need to correct all these anomalies for the Hallowed Chamber to be what it supposed to be “, he said .
Concurring to Ndume’s observations , the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio ,in his response , said the observations were well noted and the point of Order , upheld .
He however explained to Ndume that complaints on sitting arrangements among Senators , have been sorted out 99.9% just as he reminded him that contract for the renovation work was not done by the 10th National Assembly.
” This is not our contract and not even National Assembly contract but that of the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) , the landlord of the National Assembly Complex .
“Observations on inadequacies in the renovated chamber , are welcome from time to time for required perfection but what we should be aiming at in the long run, is for us , as federal lawmakers , to have proper autonomy on the National Assembly Complex and not continue as tenants of FCDA .”, he said .
From Hassan Taiye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been praised for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the legal profession. Since assuming office, Osigwe has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
According to Barrister Hamza N Dantani, Osigwe’s leadership has been marked by bold initiatives, fearless advocacy, and groundbreaking reforms. He has restored the NBA’s traditional role of holding leaders accountable and promoting the rule of law, challenging unconstitutional actions and human rights abuses.
One of the notable achievements of Osigwe’s presidency according to Hamza, is the repositioning of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). The introduction of a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regime has elevated professional competence and aligned the Nigerian Bar with international standards.
“Osigwe has also been instrumental in promoting human rights and public interest litigation. He has spearheaded campaigns against arbitrary arrests, electoral malpractice, and anti-democratic legislation, and established regional litigation committees nationwide”
“The NBA President’s commitment to technology and innovation has also been noteworthy. The launch of the Digital Annual Practice License and the digitization of the Letter of Good Standing have marked a new era in transparency and efficiency within the profession”
He further stated that ” Osigwe’s administration has prioritized the growth and success of young lawyers. The Nigerian Bar Association–Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) has introduced tailored mentorship, support programs, and funding initiatives to address the challenges faced by young lawyers”
“The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference, organized under Osigwe’s leadership, was hailed as one of the most successful in the history of the Association. The conference equipped lawyers with practical strategies to navigate contemporary legal and societal challenges.”
“Engine’s leadership style has been described as inclusive, humble, and genuinely committed to serving the legal profession. His detribalized approach has earned him respect across regions, political divides, and professional ranks.”
He expressed optimising that ” As Osigwe continues to lead the NBA, his legacy is expected to leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape. His commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law has restored the NBA’s image as the nation’s conscience”.
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.
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