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Police Commissioner Tasks Officers, Men On Professionalism
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, has rounded off his familiarisation and stakeholders’ engagement tours to the five Area Commands in the state with a call on officers and men of the command to remain resolute, professional, and shun acts of bribery and corruption, especially extortion as they go about discharging their duties.
Aliyu, who visited Agbani,Enugu Metropolis, Nsukka, Oji-River and Udenu Area Command Headquarters, made the call while addressing Police Officers attached to the Area Commands and interacted with security stakeholders, including Local Government Executive Chairmen, representatives of Sister SecurityAgencies, traditional rulers, religious, community and market leaders as well as PCRC members, the Special Constables, Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guard and leaders of thoughts in the variousArea Commands.
He reiterated that discipline was the bedrock of the Nigeria Police Force and cautioned Police Officers in the Command against acts of indiscipline, warning that anything on the contrary would not be condoned.
The familiarisation tour also afforded CP Aliyu the opportunity to interact with Police Officers and security stakeholders, who made useful suggestions, contributions and sought clarity on security-related issues in their various Area Commands and the State in general.
He further stressed the need for sustainable collaboration, synergy and cooperation in maintaining security and peace in the State, urging all and sundry to maximally key into the community policing concept of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement which was also made available to newsmen in Enugu was signed by Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), ASP Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu State Command.
In another development, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed N Aliyu, has appealed to law-abiding residents of Enugu State to be vigilant and continue to assist the police in tackling crime and criminality in the state.
He also called on officers and men of the command to maintain the present tempo and remain committed to the Command’s quest in rooting out unrepentant criminal elements and their activities in the state.
He announced that in furtherance of the commitment of Enugu State Police Command to rid the State of criminal elements, three suspected criminals have been arrested over their alleged involvement in various crimes in parts of the state ranging from murder, armed robbery, and receiving of stolen property.
According to a statement issued in Enugu and signed by ASP Daniel Ndukwe, PPRO, Enugu State Command, their arrest led to the recovery of suspected stolen and other incriminating items.
The statement, which was also made available to newsmen in Enugu said, “acting on credible information, Police Operatives attached to Awkunanaw Police Division on April 2 2021 at about 1500hrs, raided a blackspot at garki market and arrested one Bassey Emmanuel, aged 24, of Ogoja, Cross River State, who is alleged to deal in hard drugs and a receiver of criminal proceeds.
“His arrest led to the recovery of one (1) 32 inches LG LCD TV set, one (1) Nexus Air-Conditioner, one (1) Goldtec GT-605 Woofer, two (2) wrist watches and some quantities of substance suspected to be Indian Hemp.
“The operatives further arrested his accomplice, one Joseph Okeke, aged 34, of Ugbawka in Nkanu East LGA and recovered a travelling bag containing clothings, which he confessed to have stolen at a Motor Park in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State and had brought same to Bassey Emmanuel to buy”.
Continuing, the statement further said, “Police Operatives attached to New Haven Police Division in synergy with a law-abiding citizen, on April 1 2021 about 0950hrs, rescued and arrested one Friday Abuh aged 23, of New Artisan, Enugu, who was being lynched by an angry mob on the allegation that he used a broken bottle to stab armed robbery victim on the back, in an attempt to snatch her mobile phone at new artisan market, Enugu.
“The victim was rushed to the hospital, where she is responding to treatment”.
The suspects, he went on, would be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.
By: Canice Amadi, Enugu
News
Bill For Compulsory Counselling For Convicted Corrupt Nigerians Scales Second Reading
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.
News
Judiciary, Media Key Pillars Of Democracy, Says CJN
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.
News
Senate Issues Arrest Warrant Against Julius Berger MD Over Road Project
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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