Public Opinions Cannot Override Constitution – CJN

Published

1 year ago

October 5, 2023

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has said public opinions no matter how serious or weighty they might be, cannot supersede the provisions of the country’s constitution.

He said justices and judges in the country despite attacks, applied constitutional provisions to adjudicate on cases assigned to them.

The CJN stated this on Wednesday after administering the oath of office to the newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

He said, “Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary. It is, however, crystal clear that public opinions, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country which we apply in deciding each case.”

He stressed that the appointment of the judges is not to amass wealth, warning that any form of wrongdoing would not be condoned.

The CJN said the Nigeria Judiciary Commission would wield the big stick against anyone found wanting.

Ariwoola said, “Whatever wrongdoing that emanates from any form of indiscretion and abuse of office, will, in like manner, be used to conscientise, chastise and thoroughly sanitise the same conscience that you may have refused to listen to.

“Appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances.

“The searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers across the country. The NJC should never, either by omission or commission, be mistaken for a toothless Bulldog.

“It can bark fiercely and as well bite deeply and aggressively, too. Our radar is sophisticated enough to detect every form of corruption and wrongdoing by Judicial officers, and we will not waste a moment in taking the necessary action to fish out the bad eggs.

“The remoteness of your location of adjudication can never blur our sight on you. We have put in place the right machinery to capture and document your conduct.

“So, be careful and take heed, or else, you may end up regretting ever being appointed a judicial officer. Though, we don’t wish you such, anyway!”

The CJN urged the judges to be honest while discharging their duties.

He said, “You must be impartial, fair to all, and apply justice in all your undertakings. The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we need judicial officers who are calculative, honest, objective and dispassionate in all ramifications.

“Thus, your appointments to the bench at this crucial period of our national history are not by accident but by divine ordination.”

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Fire Guts Shops at Jos Airport Junction

Published

1 hour ago

December 11, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

A devastating fire erupted at the Old Airport Junction in Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday, destroying multiple shops and offices and leaving business owners grappling with heavy losses.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 4:00 pm, triggering urgent calls to fire services in both Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas.

John Michael, an eyewitness, recounted the moment he noticed the fire spreading rapidly.

“I came out of my office and saw fire everywhere. I don’t know the actual cause, but I immediately contacted the fire service. Thankfully, they mobilized their teams who are currently trying to extinguish the fire,” he told reporters.

Local authorities were swift to respond. Silas Dung, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, confirmed the incident and provided updates from the scene.

“I have just been informed about the fire, and I am currently at the scene to assess the situation,” he said.

Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames. An official from the Jos Fire Service, who requested anonymity, highlighted their quick response.

“Once we received the report, our team was dispatched to the location. We have managed to put out the fire to prevent it from spreading further,” the official explained.

This disaster comes on the heels of another fire last month at the Katako Timber Market in Jos North, where over 107 shops were destroyed, leaving more than 200 carpenters and traders devastated. That inferno caused losses estimated at over ₦1 billion.

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Reps Push for Rehab to Fight Corruption

Published

2 hours ago

December 11, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

House of Representatives has taken significant strides toward introducing mandatory rehabilitation measures for individuals found guilty of corruption-related crimes.

A proposed bill aiming to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, passed its second reading on Wednesday.

Kayode Akiolu, representing Lagos Island II Federal Constituency, sponsored the amendment, which seeks to enhance Section 67 of the original law.

The updated provision would mandate courts to include compulsory counselling and training programs alongside existing penalties such as imprisonment and fines for convicted offenders.

During the legislative debate, Akiolu emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria would oversee the design and implementation of the counselling initiative.

“The anti-corruption counselling and training will help wean convicts off corrupt tendencies and even turn them into anti-corruption advocates,” Akiolu stated.

According to the proposal, the program would span a minimum of four weeks, focusing on reshaping offenders’ mindsets and instilling ethical values aimed at reducing corruption.

Drawing a psychological parallel, Akiolu likened corrupt tendencies to kleptomania, describing it as a compulsive urge to steal, which he argued could be mitigated through structured rehabilitation.

“This aligns with the reformative goal of our criminal justice system, which is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation,” he added.

To address concerns about funding, the bill allows courts to require convicts to cover the cost of their participation in the counselling and training program.

Akiolu urged fellow lawmakers to support the initiative, underlining its potential impact on combating corruption in the country.

“If passed, this bill will bolster the fight against corruption, a menace that continues to plague our nation. It is a step toward achieving systemic reform and accountability,” he concluded.

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