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Court Takes Fresh Action In Suit Against Tinubu’s Minister

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Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa, may lose her appointment following a fresh action taken by the Federal High Court (FHC) sitting in Abuja, on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Musawa is one of the ministers newly screened and approved for appointment by the Senate as requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The FHC, however, on Friday, okayed a suit by the Incorporated Trustees of the African Leadership & Transparency Development Initiative seeking Musawa’s sacking over National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) membership as a sitting minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Originating Summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1230/2023, is seeking to not only declare the seat of the Minister as vacant but to equally bar her from receiving salaries, emoluments and other perks attached to the office.

The group which initiated the legal action before the court maintained that Musawa, being a serving NYSC member, is not legally qualified to be appointed a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the plaintiff, the swearing in of the 1st defendant, Musawa, as a Minister, despite being a public officer by virtue of the fact that she is still a serving member of the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, was in grave breach of Section 66 (1) (f); 147(5) and 1 (1&2) of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

The plaintiff told the court that whereas section 147(5) of the Constitution stipulated that no person should be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives.

It added that Section 66 (1) (f) of the Constitution expressly provided that no person should be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives, if such person is employed in the public service of the Federation or of any State and has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from such employment 30 days before the date of election.

The plaintiff told the court that the 1st defendant, who is a public officer by virtue of being a current member of the NYSC, was sworn into office as a Minister on August 21, 2023.

It is praying the court to determine: “Whether upon an intimate reading and comprehensive understanding of Sections 1 (1& 2), 66 (1) (f), 147(5) and 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the 1st Defendant is qualified to be sworn in and employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at a time when she is a serving member of the National Youth Service Corp?”

Upon determination of the sole legal question, the organization wants the court to, among other things, declare that, “upon an intimate reading and comprehensive understanding of Sections 1 (1& 2), 66 (1) (f), 147(5) and 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the 1st Defendant is not qualified to be employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at a time when she was a serving member of the National Youth Service Corp.

“A declaration of this Honourable Court that, upon an intimate reading and comprehensive understanding of Sections 1 (1& 2), 66 (1) (f), 147(5) and 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the 2nd Defendant herein, is without constitutional vires to employ the 1st Defendant, who is a serving member of the National Youth Service Corp, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A declaration of this Honourable Court that, the employment of the 1st Defendant as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as represented by the 2nd Defendant herein, is unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever regard being had to the combined provisions of Sections 1 (1& 2), 66 (1) (f), 147(5) and 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It application reads further: “An order of this Honourable Court setting aside the employment of the 1st Defendant as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as represented by the 2nd Defendant herein, same being a nullity.

“An order of this Honourable Court declaring vacant the seat and office of the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy in as much as it is being occupied by the 1st Defendant herein, Ms. Hannatu Musawa.

“An order of this Honourable Court restraining the 1st Defendant, Ms. Hannatu Musawa, forthwith, from parading herself, acting, holding out herself as the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy or exercising the powers and functions of the office of a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or drawing salaries, emoluments and perks attached to the said office.

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to, forthwith, refund all the illegal salaries, emoluments and benefits she has so far received since the date she assumed office as the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy until the date of delivery of judgment.

As well as, “An order of this Honourable Court mandating the 2nd Defendant [the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation] to ensure total compliance, forthwith, by all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria who shall forthwith cease recognizing the 1st Defendant as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or according to her any privilege due to the occupant of such office.”

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was also cited as the 2nd defendant in the suit.

However, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.

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NiDCOM Chief Applauds Interior Ministry’s Passport Upgrades

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Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has commended the Ministry of Interior, led by Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for implementing groundbreaking changes to streamline passport application and collection for Nigerians abroad.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, expressed gratitude for these advancements, noting, “Nigerians abroad have long awaited improvements in accessing passport services.

This revolution in the application and collection process is a much-needed change that will ease the burden on our citizens globally.”

Dabiri-Erewa underscored NiDCOM’s dedication to aiding these reforms through widespread advocacy and awareness campaigns.

“Advocacy is at the heart of NiDCOM’s work. We are prepared to collaborate fully with the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that Nigerians in the Diaspora are well informed about these developments and continue to be a bridge between Nigeria and its diaspora,” she said.

Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responded by highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with NiDCOM and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He proposed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize and strengthen this collaboration.

“Our goal is to ensure effective communication and engagement with Nigerians abroad. We are looking forward to strong collaboration, particularly in advocacy and sensitization, to make these reforms successful,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized.

The new Contactless Biometrics system is designed to make passport renewals more convenient. Benefits include reducing the need for long-distance travel, eliminating accommodation expenses, and cutting down on work absences. This option is specifically available for passport renewals and applicants over 18.

The service launched on November 1 in Canada, with plans to extend to the United States on November 15. By December 1, it will be available worldwide, providing greater accessibility for Nigerians across the globe.

 

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Suspects Faked Court Fainting for Drama — IG

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Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has revealed that the courtroom fainting episodes involving six suspects before their arraignment were intentionally staged to gain negative publicity.

Egbetokun emphasized that medical assistance was immediately given, highlighting the police force’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of all individuals in its custody.

On Friday, 76 suspects—many of them minors appearing visibly undernourished—were brought to court in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest. During the session, six suspects collapsed and had to be carried out for urgent care.

Despite the drama, the court set bail for each minor at N10 million, sparking widespread criticism, both at home and abroad.

In a statement dated November 1 and signed by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General underscored that anyone who has reached the age of criminal responsibility must answer for their actions under Nigerian law, regardless of their age.

Egbetokun stated, “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.”

 

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