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N’Delta Youths Hail Court Over Judgement Vindicating INEC Boss
Niger Delta youths under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), yesterday, hailed a Federal High Court judgement sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, vindicating the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, over false asset declaration.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, where they described the judgement as victory for the principle of fairness and justice.
The statement also pointed that the decision by Justice Hassan sends a strong message to security agencies that “they must adhere to the rule of law and not overstep their bounds in their pursuit of investigations. It is crucial that these agencies act within the parameters set forth by the law and respect the rights of individuals.”
In a judgement by Justice M. A. Hassan of the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, found that the declaration of assets by Prof. Yakubu was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law and that “he cannot be investigated by any of the security agencies listed by the Claimant that should all investigate him.”
The statement reads in part, “The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) is pleased to hail the recent judgment by Justice M. A. Hassan, who found that the declaration of assets by Prof Mahmood Yakubu was lawful, valid, and in compliance with the law. This is a victory not only for Prof Yakubu and INEC, but for the principle of fairness and justice in our legal system.
“Overall, the judgment by Justice M. A. Hassan is a triumph for justice and the rule of law. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that all individuals are entitled to fair treatment and due process.
“As young people of the Niger Delta region, we believe that every individual is entitled to due process and the protection of the law. Prof Yakubu’s situation was no different, and we are grateful to see that the legal system has upheld his rights and determined that he cannot be investigated by any of the security agencies listed by the Claimant.
“This decision serves as a reminder that our legal system is one of the pillars of our democracy, and that it is essential for all individuals, regardless of their status or position, to be treated equally under the law.
“We would like to express our appreciation to Justice Hassan for his thorough and fair handling of this case, and we hope to see similar decisions made in the future that protect the rights of all individuals.”
However, the group warned that, “We strongly warn individuals who are attempting to cause trouble and level false allegations against Prof Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to intimidate and coerce him to do their bidding, to stop their irresponsible and harmful actions.
“These baseless and unfounded allegations serve only to distract and disrupt the important work Prof Yakubu is out to accomplish in national interest, hence anybody who wants to use state apparatus to truncate it would be stiffly resisted.
“Those who seek to undermine Prof Yakubu and INEC through their actions are not serving the best interests of our country. They are attempting to sow seeds of doubt and discord, and they are trying to erode the confidence of the Nigerian people in the electoral process. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Trouble makers and those levelling false allegations against the INEC chairman should desist from doing and allow the electoral process to go smoothly as he conducts a free, fair and credible election.”
They also assured that, “We the youth in the Niger Delta region solidly stand with and behind Prof Yakubu and will ensure he accomplishes his national assignment come February 25, 2023.”
Meanwhile, they called on Nigerian youth in the North East, North West, North Central, South-East, South-West and South-South regions of the country “to back Prof Yakubu-led INEC to do the bid of the nation and not corrupt individuals.”
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.