Featured
Wike Approves N500m Grant, As CJN Unveils Judicial Institute …You’re Shining Light Of Legal Profession, Ariwoola Tells Rivers Gov
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has approved the release of N500million as take off grant for the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute (JMOJI) in Port Harcourt.
Wike announced the grant at the inauguration of Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute, performed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, last Friday.
Also inaugurated was the Federal Judicial Service Commission, South-South Liaison Office in Port Harcourt.
Wike pointed out that availability of money was important for the institute to start off its operations immediately after the inauguration.
“I have made my budget presentation and it was not included. I’ve told the commissioner of finance, now that the budget has not be approved, make sure it is included in the 2023 budget.
“But to start off for now until next year budget will be released, we are making a grant to them of N500million so that the institute can start immediately and so that we can have the full benefit”.
Wike observed that the National Judicial Institute (NJI), which was saddled with the responsibility of training judges and magistrates yearly, has the challenge of carrying capacity.
He said this means that not every judge and magistrate billed for the continuous training exercise would be lucky for admission in any current year of such request.
Wike emphasised that it was this gap that the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute has come to fill, so that judges and magistrates can regularly access training and education opportunities in Nigeria.
“Actually, if Nigeria is operating a true federal system, there is nothing wrong for states having their own judicial institute that will train judges who, of course, apply the laws, preside over matters that affect the state and business around here.
“But we thank God today, that the Federal Government through the CJN has approved it. What we are doing is to complement the efforts of NJI.
“We are not taking over the functions of NJI. We are only complementing, so that our own judges will be ahead of other states.”
The governor also explained that the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute would be willing to accommodate other judges and magistrates that would be referred to it by NJI and train them free of charge.
“We can also allow them free of charge to come for training here in order to reduce the financial implication of sending most of the judges in the South-South to go to Abuja”.
Speaking further, Wike hinted on the need to amend the Judicial Institute Law No. 8 of 2021 establishing the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute in order to strengthen its operational and financial independence.
“For us, it is not only a Judicial Institute; in fact, I’ve called the attention of the Attorney General to it. And from what the chief judge read today, I will seek for amendment by Monday because there are so many things I’m not too comfortable with.
“Because I want a body that, of course, you’ll have supervision over but it will not look like the supervision that will hamper the working of the institute.
“I want where the institute will be just like you have the arbitration court; you have the family court; and the rest where budget is being made for them. There will be a different budget for this institute so that we know that it is working.”
Wike explained that the institute was named after Justice Odili, a renowned jurist of Rivers State extraction, who ranked as the first to have rose from the magistracy to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and returned with unblemished record of service.
He explained that the land where the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute was located, beside the State Judiciary Complex, was formerly owned by the default Nigerian Airways.
According to him, the dilapidated and abandoned buildings there became a hideout for criminals, hence the decision of the Rivers State Government to acquire the property, and use it for public good.
Performing the inauguration, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, said that Wike was one lawyer in position of authority who has remained relentless in speaking up for the growth, progress and prosperity of the Nigerian Judiciary.
“You have thus far given a good account of yourself as distinguished life bencher. To say we are proud of you is an understatement. You remain a shining light in the legal profession, and we shall always remember you for your unflinching support in the erection of enduring judicial structure in the country.”
Ariwoola also stated further, “At this level of our national development, we should begin to emulate good things that will usher in a new dawn of progressive growth. This is, no doubt, a bold step worthy of commendation and emulation.
“You are one of the few governors who have pledged to give judges owner-occupier residences so that when they eventually retire, they will get a life time accommodation.
“Today, that pledge has not only been fulfilled but has formed part of our history. Your efforts will tremendously improve the service delivery and comfort of our judicial officers.”
In her speech, Justice Mary Odili said she and her husband had tried, in vain, in finding best way to thank Wike for his benevolence to them, including the naming of the institute after her.
She submitted that since it was difficult to do so, and she can never repay Wike for all that he has done for them; they have presented him and his family to the Almighty God for the adequate reward due him.
Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, explained that the inauguration of the institute signifies the actualisation of the enabling law that Wike signed in 2021.
Amadi said it was on October 12, 2021 that Wike signed into law the Rivers State Judicial Institute Law No. 8 2021 that has a Board of Governors and an administrator who cater to the day-to-day affairs of the institute.
On his part, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, said the institute would promote efficiency, effective and speedy delivery of justice in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Onueze C.J. Okocha, said the institute would improve the efficiency of judges and magistrates in Rivers State.
The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
-
Business4 days ago
Keyamo Refutes Claims On Enugu Airport Concession
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria Seeks Return To JP Morgan Bond Index
-
News4 days ago
Okpebholo Denies Paying N6bn To Terrorist Group In Edo
-
Nation4 days ago
Over 26,000 Lagos Students Failed 2024 WASSCE -Commissioner
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Engage Intellectually On Ijaw Struggle, Dep Gov Urges IYC
-
Business4 days ago
Include Adolescent Nutrition In National Policy – Nutritionist
-
Politics4 days agoOborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC
-
News4 days ago
Russia’s Biggest Strike On Kyiv Kills Nine