Friday, 29 July 2016

BUHARI'S ADDRESS AT THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION


President Muhammadu Buhari

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU  BUHARI AT THE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION, JULY 18, 2016 AT THE NATIONAL JUDICIAL INSTITUTE, ABUJA

PROTOCOL
1.      Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to be amongst you today as stakeholders in this national fight against corruption in Nigeria. I welcome specially the invited judges and guest from other jurisdictions. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedule to honor this invitation. Welcome to our dear country Nigeria.

2.    I also want to commend the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, the National Judicial Institute, the United Nation’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat for conceiving such an important and timely workshop and making it happen.  This workshop is important and timely not only because far-reaching reforms of the judiciary remains one of the key priorities of this administration but also because it offers us a unique opportunity to interact and agree on the basic tenets and guiding principles that will make our efforts acceptable to all right thinking people.

3.     Today gives us an opportunity to reflect as well as build upon the efforts of the judiciary’s fight against corruption and also to assert this administration’s commitment towards this struggle.  A well-functioning criminal justice system is imperative to address corruption effectively, as we seek to move our country towards greater growth and development.

4.    I recognize the tremendous efforts the judiciary is making to foster justice and accountability in Nigeria. Even as we recognize those efforts, it is worth reminding ourselves of the persisting challenges that confront the criminal justice system.

5.     Having said that, the responsibility of the judiciary in a democratic society such as ours is a critical one. It is one of the three pillars of the modern democratic nation state and is essential to the process of checks and balances, which is so fundamental to the way societies such as ours are meant to operate and function. This apparent function that the Judiciary plays is undeniably one of the cornerstones of any effective strategy against corruption.

6.    As already established, corruption is a global phenomenon, it knows no boundaries. It exists and affects all countries. It exists in the public sector, the private sector, and indeed, in all facets of the society.

7.     Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while it is true that corruption is a global phenomenon occurring in almost all countries in the world, the problem is much more pronounced in some countries than others but more complicated in developing countries. It has now become clear that corruption is one of the main obstacles to peace, stability, sustainable development, democracy, and human rights around the globe.

8.    The judiciary is a public institution whose job is to provide fundamental checks on other public institutions. Therefore, a fair and efficient judiciary is the key to all anti-corruption initiatives.

9.    Indeed that is why Article 11 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, provides that the independence of the judiciary and its crucial role in combating corruption, shall, in accordance with the fundamental principles of a State Party’s legal system and without prejudice to judicial independence, take measures to strengthen integrity and to prevent opportunities of corruption among members of the judiciary.


10.   What Article 11 simply means is that a corrupt judicial system not only violates the basic right to equality before the law but also deny procedural rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

11.  Now, in carrying out its role in the fight against corruption, the judiciary must remain impartial and most importantly, be seen to be impartial. It is incumbent on the judiciary to analyze facts based on the applicable law without prejudice and penchant regarding the case they are dealing with, and without acting in any way that would favor the interests of any of the parties.


12.   Where judicial corruption occurs, the damage can be pervasive and extremely difficult to reverse. It undermines citizens’ morale, violates their human rights, harms national development and depletes the quality of governance.

13.  In tandem with the above and as gatekeepers of the law, the judiciary must maintain its absolute independence. Judges should hear and handle their assigned cases without any external pressure or influence either by state powers, or by their hierarchical superiors, stakeholders or economic interest groups.


14. The Judiciary must take steps to ensure that it is not seen as being partisan. As such, it must be aware of the sensitivities of the public and take steps towards avoiding even the shred of a doubt as regards its independence. In justice, integrity is a necessity. Hence, Judicial Officers and all other members of this sector must always demonstrate manifest integrity.

15.  In other words, the Judiciary should be in the forefront of efforts to develop rights based jurisprudence as an element in the multi-disciplinary approach advocated in the fight against corruption. It does have a role to play in the fight against corruption by enforcing the applicable laws.


16.   Critically important also, is the sacred duty of the judiciary to ensure that criminal justice administration is not delayed. I am worried that the expectation of the public is yet to be met by the judiciary with regard to the removal of delay and the toleration of delay tactics by lawyers. When cases are not concluded the negative impression is given that crime pays. So far, the corruption cases filed by government are not progressing as speedily as they should in spite of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 essentially because the courts allow some lawyers to frustrate the reforms introduced by law. This certainly needs to change if we are to make success in our collective effort in the fight against corruption.

17.  As we are all aware, I have made the fight against corruption one of the top priorities of my administration in the hope of restoring the economy and build a new Nigeria. In the face of dwindling revenues and in a bid at repositioning Nigeria’s economy, it became obligatory to swiftly tackle two ills; waste and corruption.

18.   The eradication of corruption is a joint task involving not only judges and members of the legal profession, but literally all stakeholders, including all branches of Government, the media and the civil society. The challenge is to come up with an integrated approach that balances process and substance, promote clarity to ensure a coherent and realistic formulation of objectives.

19.    To this end, the Judiciary is under a duty to keep its house in order and to ensure that the public, which it serves, sees this. Thus, we cannot expect to make any gains in the war against corruption in our society when the judiciary is seen as being distant from the crusade. This will not augur well and its negative effect will impact all sectors of society. The judiciary must fight delay of cases in court as well as it fights corruption in its own ranks, perceived or otherwise. We expect to see less tolerance to delay tactics used by defense lawyers or even the prosecution in taking cases to conclusion.


20.   Let me conclude by saying the future of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria rests not only on well-functioning, preventive systems, but also an effective sanctions and enforcement regime in accordance with the laws. WE count on the judiciary to assist in this regard.

21.   On our part, we are committed to promoting and supporting the judiciary to achieve a judicial system that is well staffed, well-resourced and that promotes and recognizes dedicated, committed and motivated Judges. The Judiciary can count on me for this so that together we can rid our nation of the cancer of corruption.


22.   It is now my singular honor and pleasure to declare this International Workshop on the Judiciary and the Fight Against Corruption officially opened. A corruption free Nigeria is possible therefore let every arm of government be the change we want to see in our country.

23.    Once again, I congratulate the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption and the National Judicial Institute for their collaboration and initiative.


24.     I look forward to the outcome of your deliberations which I believe will serve as a veritable input to our collective effort in killing corruption before it kills Nigeria.

25.   Thank you for your kind attention.

PDP DEFIES JUSTICE ABANG'S RULING, TO GO AHEAD WITH CONVENTION

 
Justice Abang


Justice Okon Abang, in his ruling yesterday barred the Makarfi-led caretaker committee from exercising any authority or taking any decision on behalf of the PDP.
According to Justice Okon Abang, only actions and decisions made by the Sheriff-led leadership are lawful and binding.
He, however, said that although he has the powers to nullify the ruling of the Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court, which recognized the Makarfi-led leadership, he would not do so because there is no application to that effect before him. Hence he would allow the Court of Appeal to do justice to that.

The court held that the convention held in Port-Harcourt on May 20, was held in violation of the two court orders of the Lagos division of the Federal High Court which barred the PDP and INEC from holding the convention.

Justice Okon Abang thereafter, in his ruling barred the Makarfi-led caretaker committee from exercising any authority or taking any decision on behalf of the PDP henceforth on account of been an illegal body.

According to Justice Abang, the Makarfi-led group missed their way to Port Harcourt to obtain a judgement from a division of the Federal High Court which is a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction to that of Lagos to obtain a favorable judgement.

In a swift reaction, the Markafi-led committee released a press statement to question the ruling of Justice Abang.

Press Statement released by the Markafi-led Committee

National Convention still holds on 17 August, 2016...Justice Abang Determined to Derail Democracy In Nigeria - PDP

1. The Ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday July 28, 2016, presided over by controversial, Justice Okon Abang describing it as objectionable, questionable and very strange to say the least in the history of Nigeria Judiciary.

2. we have just received information that Justice Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an Order of Interlocutory Injuction stopping our scheduled National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but we want to state that the judgement of the 4th of July, 2016 supersedes any Ex-Parte Order of Interlocutory Injuctions. So our National Convention will hold as scheduled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
3. What Justice Okon Akpan did today is to seat on an appeal over the Court of Competent Jurisdiction and that's what makes his interlocutory order very strange. The judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt was very clear that the National Caretaker Committee was duly constituted and recognized; and in line with that, the scheduled National Convention for August 17, 2016 still holds.

4. Let Nigerians recall the 2 judgements before the Port Harcourt Judgement, declared that Senator Sheriff is not qualified to be Chairman given that the PDP Constitution 2014 which he claimed brought him to power is not in existence and therefore, null and void.

5. The PDP wants Nigerians to know that Justice Okon Abang is deliberately engaging in acts of derailing the Country's democracy given the fact that his court is not an Appeal court that can set aside any Judgement. Justice Abang has penchant for abuse of court processes and actions of legal impunity.

6. This Judge Nigerians will recall, issued Judgement against Governor of Abia State that led to INEC re-issuing Certificate of Return to a man who did not contest election thereby causing unnecessary hardship on the people of the state.

7. He also issued an Order to INEC to recognize Senator Sheriff's candidates in Edo and Ondo states before they could even plan their purported congress in Edo.

8. In today's Case, same Judge out rightly denied the PDP representation in Court which is unheard of by serving Plaintiff (Sheriff & Co.) who instituted the Case also as PDP (defendants). His excesses are extremely absurd, strange and unbecoming of a Judge who enjoys putting the Judiciary on the spot.

9. We, bring this matter before the highest level of Judiciary in the Country to stop this Judge forthwith from waging war against the PDP.

10. We are equally calling on Nigerians and the international community to compel Nigeria Judiciary to address Justice Abang's excesses before he kills our hard earned democracy.

11. However, the Party is law abiding and therefore, will apply for Stay of Execution of this Order and also Appeal it.

12. Finally, the Party calls on all its members and teaming supporters nationwide to remain calm and law abiding and be rest assured that the National Convention will hold as scheduled and all preparation towards the August 17, 2016 National Convention remains the same


Signed:
Prince Dayo Adeyeye
Member, National Caretaker Committee 
For: Publicity

Sunday, 17 July 2016

NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, IBA LCDA BRANCH CALLS FOR RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED KING

What seem to be an unbelievable act happened yesterday, Saturday, July 16th 2016 in Southwest Nigeria, Lagos State, Iba Local Council Development Area when the paramount ruler  at about 8:30 when the paramount ruler of Iba land, Oba Goriola Oseni was kidnapped at gun point in his palace. Information reaching them my reported that a police officer was died in the process while one of the wife to the Oba was shot in the leg.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State branch, Iba LCDA branch through its Cordinator has called on necessary authorities for the rescue of the monarch as well as bringing the perpetrators to book. Read his state!sent below.






The entire National Youth Council of Nigeria,Iba lcda local branch call on Governor Akinwumi Ambode, the commissioner of Police and other security operative to rescure our paramount ruler,a peace loving king of Iba kingdom alive. We dnt want to loose our king we love him. It will be a slap to our tradition if our king could not be found and those responsible are not brought to book. Our cultural heritage must be protected. No stone should be left untouched. No matter how important those involve they should be prosecuted.

Com Asiwaju Azeez Adesina
Cordinator NYCN IBA LCDA LOCAL BRANCH.

Saturday, 16 July 2016

FOOTBALL TRANSFER GOSSIP


Sahko Refuses to go on West Ham tour
Image result for sakho west ham
Wantaway striker Diafra Sakho has refused to travel with the West Ham squad for the pre-season tour to Austria. The 26-year-old has been linked with Sunderland and West Brom.

James Rodriguez may be on his way to Premier league
Image result for james rodriguez
Premier League tempts James Rodríguez. Manchester United is the club more interested to buy colombian Real Madrid player, though West Ham have been reported to show interest too.

Swansea wins the heart of Valencia with a better offer than Lazio
Image result for enner valencia west ham united
Swansea have offered £8.4 million plus £2.5m in add-ons for West Ham's Enner Valencia. Lazio had hoped to take the striker on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

Arbeloa pens AC Milan deal
Image result for arbeloa
Álvaro Arbeloa signed with AC Milan for the next season. The Spanish player will have the option of a second year on this contract.

Jesus signs for Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona
Image result for gabriel jesus
Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona to the signing of 19-year-old forward Gabriel Jesús. Real Madrid offer €24 millon to Palmeiras.

Gotze returns to former club
Image result for mario gotze
Borussia Dortmund are set to re-sign Mario Gotze from Bayern Munich for €28 million. The 24-year-old will sign a five-year contract.




TURKEY COUP ATTEMPT - 2,745 JUDGES AND 5 MEMBERS OF HIGH JUDICIARY COURT REMOVED



2,745 Judges and 5 members of high judiciary court too have been removed - according to Turkish media.

Turkey's state news agency Anadolu and the NTV news channel both report that 2,745 judges were fired across the country on Saturday.

The decision was taken by the body overseeing judges and prosecutors - the meeting was reportedly held to discuss disciplinary measures against those suspected of having links with alleged coup plotter Fetullah Gulen.

Turkish media are widely reporting two men as having orchestrated the attempted coup.

One of these is General Akin Ozturk, the former commander of the Turkish Air Force, who retired from the military in August 2015, but who continued to serve as a member of the Supreme Military Council.

The second indvidual is Lieutenant-General Metin Iyidil, the Combat and Support Training commander of the Land Forces Training and Doctrine Command. 

A Coup attempt by a faction of the Turkish armed forces which led 161 people dead, and led to 3000 soldiers been arrested is over, says Turkish Prime Minister - Binali Yidirim. 

He made this known in a televised address. He also pointed out that it was a "black stain for democracy" and plotters will "face justice they deserve". More than 160 people are dead, 1,440 are wounded and some 2,800 soldiers are under arrest, says Mr Yildirim.

It follows reports of explosions and gunfire in Ankara and Istanbul overnight as the coup unfolded
President Erdogan made a televised address, urging opposition to the uprising and calling it "treason"
Mass arrests after failed Turkey coup.

More images from the coup effect

People stand in the middle of the rubble after the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was bombed

Heavy damage at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara


Photo credits: Afp/Getty

JUVENTUS STALLS POGBA MOVE TO MANCHESTER UNITED

French & Juventus Midfielder - Paul Pogba

The hope of Jose Mourinho to bring midfielder Paul Pogba to the theatre of dreams may have been dashed as the Old Lady of Turin have offered the French midfielder a new 5-years deal. 


The France international’s former club, Manchester United have been linked with a world-record transfer bid worth around £100 million, which includes a salary worth in the region of £16m per year.

But Juventus are set to meet with the 23-year-old’s agent, Mino Raiola, in the coming days in the hope of extending Pogba's stay in Turin until 2021, rather than watching him head back to the club he left in 2012.

The new deal is believed to worth between €6m and €7m per year, which marks a significant rise on his current €4.5m-a-year contract which currently expires in 2019.

The Serie A giants are hopeful, despite their own offer falling well short of the money on offer at Old Trafford, that the good relationship with Pogba will act in their favour.


However, the new offer to Pogba by Juventus will have no bearing effect on the in Gonzalo Higuain, with Juve prepared to meet the €94m (£79m) buyout clause in the Napoli striker's contract.


“Juve won't accept anything less than €100m for his sale and I agree with that, though he is more than happy to remain with the Bianconeri. We are even ready to sign a new contract.” a statement from the club.

Real Madrid were also keen on Pogba earlier in the summer but are understood to have pulled out based on Juventus's valuation of the player, leaving United as the sole interested party.

Recall that Pogba unceremoniously left United during the era of Sir Alex Ferguson after his previous three-year spell.

Popular Posts