Niger Delta
CJN Urges Lawyers To Implement Confab Decisions
Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher, has called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to ensure the implementation of its conference recommendations.
Musdapher made the call on Monday in Asaba, while declaring open the 2nd conference on Criminal Justice in Nigeria.
He said that rather than allow the recommendations to be left in a communiqué form, the NBA should also come up with ideas and recommendations on possible ways of ensuring implementation.
The chief justice also said that there was no transformation without effective criminal justice system, adding that the judicial system should be made to publish annual reports and provide details of criminal cases.
He said that Nigeria as a country was blessed with great legal minds and had no excuse not to build a formidable legal system.
Musdapher said that publishing of annual reports by the judicial system of criminal cases would promote transparency, as criminal justice was a vital component of the judicial system.
He further said that there were some issues of concern affecting the rule of practice of the criminal justice system in the country and that they included delay tactics by lawyers, as well as slow dispensation of justice.
The chief justice, however, said that the “disgraceful’’ trend must stop as it could erode the confidence of the people in the justice system, as well as cause prison congestion and miscarriage of justice.
In his opening remark NBA President Joseph Dauda said that the conference was to unravel measures to be taken in order to make criminal justice system responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Dauda said that the theme of the conference: “Effective Nationwide Anti-Crime and Security Coverage through the Justice System in Nigeria”, would take into consideration the foregoing security challenge in the country.
The NBA president identified problems in the effective criminal justice system to include absence of appropriate constitution and legal framework for the existence and sustenance of a viable criminal justice.
He also blamed attitudinal problem with decision makers and implementation of policies, as well as the Federal Government overloading itself with too many functions as one of the reasons.
“The Federal Government has appropriated to itself many powers on the exclusive legislative list, that it is clearly impossible for government to function,” he said.
Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta had earlier described the theme of the programme as apt, adding that it would enable stakeholders discuss the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria and review procedure of administration.
Uduaghan, said that formulating practice direction for prosecutors and a total revamping of criminal trials with a view to enhancing speedy dispensation of justice would do the Nigeria system well.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, the governor said that some of the more than 41,000 inmates in the Nigeria prisons had been pre-trial detainees for upwards of 10 years.
He said that there should be concern that the dominance of pre-trial detainees in the prisons had come to assume permanence that was not intended for it in the original design of prisons.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.