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BOMB BLAST: ‘Senate ’ll Back Jonathan Against Boko Haram’ …Sacking Security Chiefs, Not Solution To Violence – Azazi …Amaechi Calls For Calm

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Senate says it is ready to support President Goodluck Jonathan on any action that would be taken to check the activities of Boko Haram Islamic sect in Nigeria.

The Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial Zone, Senator Magnus Abe, who made the position of the Senate known on the activities of Boko Haram during an interactive session with youths and student groups from the zone yesterday at Bera condemned the Christmas bomb blasts which killed scores of people.

Senator Abe who described the present security situation in the country as critical, said that the upper legislative chamber was ready to back the action of President Jonathan that would help the Federal Government to curb the menace of the religious sect.

Meanwhile, Senator Magnus Abe has blamed Nigeria’s underdevelopment on poor leadership.

He said that successive governments in Nigeria had failed to take into account the need to plan for the future of the country, saying that the situation led to the present level of underdevelopment in the country.

Senator Abe thanked the youths for the interactive session and stressed the need for them to remain peaceful in their approach to issues of common interest.

Also speaking, the state Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru described Senator Abe as one of the best brains in the Senate. He said the town hall meeting was the first of its kind in the area and called for support of all and sundry in the efforts of government to improve the lots of the people.

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has called on Christians not to panic, but be calm in prayers in the face of security challenges.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi made the call on Monday while speaking at the centenary celebration of St. Stephen’s (Ang) Church, Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

The governor who spoke through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Nabbs Imegwe, charged Christians to learn not to avenge for themselves, because vengeance belongs to God.

He told the people that God knows how best to defend His people even in the midst of trouble.

He however admonished Christians to see the festive season as a period of sober reflection and make frantic efforts to turn a new leaf.

The state chief executive also charged Christians to be good patriots and embrace those that are suffering any kind of affliction among them.

He expressed belief that Christians would certainly overcome the spate of unwholesome acts of the Boko Haram sect just as Jesus Christ overcame the works of the devil about 2000 years ago.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Chief Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi regretted the killing of Christians in the North.

Ezeiel-Amadi said there was urgent need to tackle security challenges especially against the Christians in the North in order to avert a major crisis in the country.

However, National Security Adviser (NSA), Retired Gen. Andrew Azazi on Tuesday in Abuja said that changes in the leadership of the nation’s security agencies are no solution to the spate of violence in the country.

The general stated this in an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa.

Azazi who was at a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on the nation’s security, said what was needed was improved security.

“Why changes in leadership? Everybody thinks that if you change leaders in security, everything will work fine.

“If you ask a very simple question; what kind of security system have we been managing? Are the structures all been so good that we can overall produce results?

“It is a gradual process, anywhere there has been this level of terrorism, it takes a long time for the security system to be overhauled.

“Even whatever you do, at some points, you expect limited successes and to ensure that over a period of time, you can actually put things in place that will work for the betterment for the society,” he said.

Azazi said that agencies were working ahead of the security situation but that it was difficult for them to man every point simultaneously.

He emphasised the need for security awareness among members of the public and the need for public participation and cooperation with security agencies.

The NSA also ruled out any possibility of reprisal by Christians against Moslems over the Christmas bomb blasts at churches in Niger and Plateau States.

“We can’t have a situation where we think that one bad turn deserves another.

“We are Nigerians and like we always say, I don’t see any major conflict between the Christian community and the Moslem community.

“You will find a situation where certain individuals for whatever reasons are causing these problems.

“Retaliation is not the answer because if you retaliate, at what point will it end? Nigeria must survive as a nation, that is the key thing,” he said.

On why government has not entered into dialogue with the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which has claimed responsibility for many terror attacks, Azazi said it was impossible to discuss with a faceless group.

 

Enoch Epelle

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Bill For Compulsory Counselling For Convicted Corrupt Nigerians Scales Second Reading

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A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.

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Judiciary, Media Key Pillars Of Democracy, Says CJN

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The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.

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Senate Issues Arrest Warrant Against Julius Berger MD Over Road Project

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The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.

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