NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

Tag justice

General news

Gov. Sule pledges to uphold justice, fairness

Gov. Sule pledges to uphold justice, fairness

By Mohammed Baba Busu
Justice
Lafia, Aug. 9, 2019 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has pledged to uphold the values of justice and fairness to all.
Sule said this while receiving a delegation from the Public Complaints Commission, led by its Chairman, Mr Philip Iyakwari, in Lafia on Friday.
He applauded the commission for its role in defending the public, especially civil servants and the defenceless in society.
Sule assured that the state government would continue to partner with agencies and institutions such as the commission to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all, especially at all levels of the public service.
The governor also promised to operate an inclusive administration, urging the commission to also defend cheated politicians at election petition tribunals.
He said by defending politicians who failed at the polls or who were swindled of victory, the commission would serve as a cornerstone for Nigerians with good intention.
Sule assured the commission of appropriate funding to protect politicians who might not be able to defend themselves at the tribunals.
“It is important that when people fall in that category, they will have a fall-back position and the fall back position is the public defender which is the commission,” the governor said.
Besides, Sule said the state government was creating an area adjacent to the CBN complex in Lafia for federal government agencies.
“We have an area that can take about seven institutions, we want to beautify Lafia, as such we want to give standards of the kind of structures that will be erected on the site,” he said.
Iyakwari had earlier said the commission was established to correct ills in the public service and nurture a fair and just environment.
He explained that such environment encouraged officials of both public and private institutions to accept fairness and justice as legitimate competitors with efficiency and effectiveness.
The chairman of the PCC noted that most cases recorded by the commission bordered on getting compensation and payment of retirement benefits as well as wrongful dismissal from service.
Others include difficulty in getting insurance companies to pay claims, failure to get refund of amounts over paid to tax authorities and complaints against law courts, he added.
“Permit me to use this medium to advise all aggrieved persons in Nasarawa State not to resort to unlawful means to obtain redress from whatever grievances they may have.
“They should rather channel those grievances to the commission for redress as the services of the commission are absolutely free,” he said.
Iyakwari however complained of lack of a befitting office accommodation, operational vehicles and lack of cooperation from some state and local government officials. (NAN)
BAB/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Judiciary

Justice for all critical to national security, says Supreme Court Judge

Justice for all critical to national security, says Supreme Court Judge
By Mohammed Lawal
Justice
Zaria (Kaduna State), Dec. 12, 2018 (NAN) Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, says justice for all is a critical element for national peace and security.
He made this known to newsmen shortly after declaring open the 19th Annual Judges’ Conference at Kongo Campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “Application of Islamic Financial Legislation in the Nigerian Judicial System: Challenges and Prospects”.
NAN also reports that the two-day conference was organised by the Centre for Islamic Legal Studies (CILS), ABU, in collaboration with National Judicial Council (NJC), Abuja.
Muhammad said: “The best path to ensure peace, stability and security of the nation is for judges to ensure justice for all irrespective of status or any other thing.
“As judges we must do everything possible to do justice between people, we must do what we are employed to do, if not we have broken our oath taken that we will be just in delivering judgment especially in Islamic Sharia law.”
On judges that take advantage of their position to harm one party in a case, the Supreme Court Judge advised those who felt cheated to report to the higher authorities for necessary action.
“We have several authorities in the judiciary whom if such a case is reported to, will definitely give orders for investigation.
“Any judge found guilty of such offence will be dealt with accordingly, if the gravity of his offence is big enough to be sacked, the judiciary will not hesitate to sack or demote him depending on the level of the offence.
“Therefore, it is not an excuse for somebody to keep mute while he is cheated in a court of law; if you feel you are cheated and you keep quite, you have cheated yourself,” he said.
Earlier in the conference, the Supreme Court Judge stressed the need for more collaborative input between CILS and NJI to enhance justice dispensation in Sharia and Area Courts, and the Nigerian Judiciary at large.
He said the theme of the conference was not only topical but also timely and suitable in view of the fact that it would allow discussion of nature and constraints of judicial proceedings involving matters relating to Islamic banking and finance.
The ABU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, described the occasion as the best place that provides solutions to issues affecting the judicial system especially in Islamic Sharia.
Garba, who was represented by the Director, Institute of Administration, ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Aliyu, expressed satisfaction that the Islamic Financial System was gradually gaining ground in Nigeria.
He said the establishment and growth of JAIZ Bank had clearly demonstrated the success of Islamic Financial System, noting that the conventional banks, such as Stanbic IBTC and Sterling bank, were also operating a unit of interest-free banking system.
The Director, CILS, Prof. Muhammad Usman, lamented that there was no statutory framework for Islamic non-interest based financial transaction in Nigeria except for the guidelines drawn by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) For Non-Interest Financial Institutions.
“Another gap in the area is that of jurisdiction of courts to sit over conflicts relating to Islamic financial issues. Are the Sharia Courts empowered to do so? Are the Sharia Court Judges sufficiently educated to adjudicate over such matters?
“Are the Conventional Courts such as the High Court or the Federal High Court empowered to sit over such cases? If the answer is in the affirmative, are there competent judges to satisfactorily serve justice in the light of the objectives of Sharia?” Usman asked. (NAN)
KLM/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

APC Primaries: Nasarawa stakeholders demand justice

APC Primaries: Nasarawa stakeholders demand justice

By Awayi Kuje
Justice
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Nov.b16.b2018 (NAN)Some Stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kokona West constituency of Nasarawa State have
called for justice and fairness in resolving disputes arising from the conduct of its nationwide primaries.

Alhaji Ahmadu Ogotoyi, the spokesman of the group, made the appeal at a news conference on Friday in Keffi.

Ogotoyi alleged that there was no primary election in their constituency.

He also alleged that the party just filed the name of one Mr Umar Osu as the APC candidate for the state House of Assembly seat for the constituency.

“We are protesting against what we described as kangaroo primary election carried out by the All Progressives Congress (APC) which will not stand the test of time.

“Name of an aspirant was just written and submitted to the party without primary election conducted,” he alleged.

According to him, Mr Abubakar Kana, the incumbent member is the preferred person that the stakeholders and the people of our constituency want but the party do otherwise.

He threatened that the aggrieved constituents would move or defect to other political parties if the national leadership of the party failed to address their grievance soonest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kana (APC-Kokona West), the incumbent member at the state House of Assembly, lost out during the party’s primary election to Osu.

NAN also learnt that Kana has petitioned the national leadership of the party over non-conduct of the primary election in his constituency.

However, the lawmaker said his complaint was yet to be addressed. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

awayikuje@gmail.com

 

Foreign

World Peace Day: Aisha Buhari canvasses justice, equity

World Peace Day: Aisha Buhari canvasses justice, equity
By Isaac Aregbesola
Peace
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has canvassed for a society where justice and equity reigns as the world marked 70th anniversary of UN Peace Day.
She made the appeal on Friday in Abuja at the 2018 UN Peace Day celebration organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
She was represented by a former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mrs Pauline Tallen.
She described this year’s theme, “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Right at 70’’, as apt in the light of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
According to her, peace is only possible when there is equal access to justice.
“’Peace is feasible only when we promote peace and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels,” she said.
The UNESCO Regional Director, Ydo Yao, who represented the Director-General of UNESCO, Audray Azoulay, noted that peace would remain elusive as long as cases of human rights violations still persist.
“There will be no peace on this planet as long as human rights are violated somewhere in the world.”
Axoulay explained that on this International Day of Peace, the words of René Cassin, one of the architects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, remind us that “peace will remain an unattainable ideal as long as fundamental human rights are not respected’’.
She said that respect for the fundamental human rights was a prerequisite for a peaceful society, in which everyone can fully enjoy equal and inalienable rights.
“Peace is imperfect and fragile unless everyone benefits from it; human rights are either universal or they are not.
“This intrinsic link between peace and respect for human rights is the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, as this year we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The ideals of peace and universal rights are challenged and violated on a daily basis,” she said.
The Royal Father of the Day, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, the Emir of Bade, Yobe State, said there was need for a role for traditional institutions in enthroning lasting peace in the country.
“I appeal to the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and her partners to consider the role of the traditional rulers as consequential to the recovery of peace and sustainable rulers in the country on conflict resolution.
“On daily basis we resolve many conflicts in our respective domains to ensure orderliness.
“I therefore urge the Federal Government to provide IPCR funds for the training of royal father’s in mediation and conflict resolution.
“We shall do our best as royal father’s to ensure peaceful coexistence among the people of the country,” he said.
The Acting Director-General of IPCR, Dr Bakut Bakut, had earlier said the institute had in pursuance of peace in Nigeria and beyond, established National Peace Academy, with the hope to produce peace advocates throughout the country.
Bakut said that the importance of peace in any given society could not be overemphasised, noting this underscored the fact that peace is necessary condition for any development to take place.
He called on political leaders and their followers to pursue peace at all cost as the nation moved closer to 2019 elections. (NAN)
IAA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Foreign

UN committed to bringing human traffickers to justice – Guterres

UN committed to bringing human traffickers to justice – Guterres
By Isaac Aregbesola
Commitment
Abuja, July 30, 2018 (NAN) The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has restated commitment to advancing action to bring human traffickers to justice while protecting and supporting their victims.
Guterres said this on Monday in his message to commemorate the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
The UN scribe’s message was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja by UNDP Country Office in Nigeria, Head of Communication Unit, Lucky Musonda.
Guterres said that member states had also resolved to prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration.
He said the members stressed this in their proposed Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to be adopted in December.
Guterres described trafficking in persons as a vile crime that feeds on inequalities, instability and conflict.
“Human traffickers profit from peoples’ hopes and despair. They prey on the vulnerable and rob them of their fundamental rights.
“Children and young people, migrants and refugees are especially susceptible.
“Women and girls are targeted again and again.
“We see brutal sexual exploitation, including involuntary prostitution, forced marriage and sexual slavery. We see the appalling trade in human organs,” he said.
According to him, human trafficking takes many forms and knows no borders.
“Human traffickers too often operate with impunity, with their crimes receiving not nearly enough attention. This must change.’’
He said that UN was committed to advancing action to bring traffickers to justice while protecting and supporting their victims.
“The rights of victims must come first be they the victims of traffickers, smugglers, or of modern forms of slavery or exploitation.
“On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us come together around the key issues of prevention, protection and prosecution to build a future where this crime cannot exist,” he said. (NAN)
IAA/MST
Edited by Muhamamd Suleiman Tola

Economy

FG promises even distribution of projects

FG promises even distribution of projects
By Cecilia Ologunagba
Projects
Abuja, June 14, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Government has promised to execute projects across the country to entrench justice and equity.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, made the pledge in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akpandem James, on Thursday in Kaduna.
He said the strategy would demonstrate the sincerity of purpose of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Udoma gave the assurance while inaugurating the soil erosion and flood control project in Kwoi town, Ham District of Jaba Local Government Area in southern Kaduna State.
The minister said that at this critical moment of nation building and economic recovery, proper execution of people-oriented projects, would provide a window of opportunity for economic growth of communities.
Udoma said execution of people- oriented projects would also unlock the potentials which were in tandem with the Buhari administration’s policy thrust, especially on agriculture and food security.
According to him, the Kwoi erosion and flood control project is one of the ecological intervention projects approved by Buhari in August, 2016.
He said that the contract for execution of the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Jan. 25, 2017.
“The project is expected to check flooding and erosion menace in the communities that had for so many years been experiencing untold hardship and neglect.
“It is also expected to enhance the wellbeing of the people as well as reduce dangers to lives and property,” the minister said.
Udoma said the negative impact of the twin ecological problems of erosion and flooding on the socio-economic lives of the people in any community could not be underrated.
The minister said the intervention of the federal government had brought a huge relief to the distressed people of the communities.
He said government’s intervention on the project was very timely given the previous devastating experiences in the area.
“The people are filled with joy that the federal government came to their rescue and no doubt, the reclaimed land could be put to use for other developmental purposes,’’ the minister said.
The approval of project by the President, he said, was a testimony to the present administration’s promise that no part of the country would suffer any neglect.
The Kpop Ham, Paramount Ruler of Ham Community, Dr Danladi Maude, thanked the federal government for embarking on the project.
Maude said the people were full of praises for Buhari “for putting a smile on the faces of Ham people”.
Gov. Nasir El’Rufai of Kaduna State, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Amina Sijuade, also appreciated the federal government for helping out on the project.
El’Rufai pledged cooperation with the federal government on other areas of intervention in the state.
Ambassador Lolo, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal service, who was the arrowhead of the intervention, was very grateful to the President and the federal government for the timely intervention.
Lolo said the community was persistently being harassed by erosion and was on the verge of being swept away by flood. (NAN)
CIA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation advocates justice for victims of aggression

Foundation advocates justice for victims of aggression
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Justice
Abuja, June 4, 2018 (NAN) The National Coordinator, Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, has advocated for justice for all victims of aggression especially children.
Olatosimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of Victims of Aggression.
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Innocent Children, Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4 each year.
The objective of day is to acknowledge the pains suffered by children throughout the world especially those who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.
The day affirms UN’s commitment to protect the rights of children.
He however advocated for safe space for children in communities, calling for an effective and efficient response system to assist children that are victims of aggression.
“The increase in the number of children that are victims of aggression in the recent years is a great concern and we must begin to look at the ways of protecting children from all forms of violence.
“This day, we remember all children that have lost their lives through violence in different communities in country.
“The Boko Harm insurgency and the ruthless and heartless activities of the herdsmen left behind horrific tales of children lives cut short,” Olatosimi said.
He said children in conflict areas were made to witness terrible crimes, which leaves mental print of horror, uncertainty and betrayal in their mind.
“Today, we stand with all children that have experienced violence at home, school and the community at large.
“And we plead with government to ensure that children are protected from this evil as it affects their mental and physical growth.
“No child should be a victim of aggression in any sphere,’’ he said. (NAN)
OEO/COA/MST
Edited by Constance Imasuen/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

NYSC promises justice in killing of corps member

NAN-H-40
Justice
By Temitope Salami
Ibadan, Dec. 18, 2017 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)  on Monday  promised to ensure that justice was done in the killing of a corps member, Modupe Tawose.

Mr John Okpo, the Ogun NYSC Coordinator,  gave the assurance  during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tawose was raped and killed on Dec. 9 in Ogun.

Tawose, 23, a 2017 Batch ‘A’ corps member serving with  the Ogun State Ministry of Housing in Abeokuta was allegedly lured to her death by  her driving instructor, Festus Udoh, 29.

Her decomposing body was discovered in a bush on Wednesday at Abule Ayo in  Odeda Local Government Area where she was tied by her hands to a tree.

The suspect, who had since confessed to the crime, is being remanded in prison while awaiting trial.

Okpo, who  said the NYSC  was deeply saddened by the occurrence,  prayed God to console the family and grant the deceased rest.

“The NYSC family nationwide is sad over  the raping and eventual murder of our beloved and patriotic corps member, Late Miss Modupe Tawose.

“We strongly condemn the act and will go to any length to defend and fight for the rights of our members and in this case, ensure justice is delivered.

“We will do all to ensure Mr Festus Udoh is brought to book as this will serve as a deterrent to other miscreants and evil doers in the society,” he said.

The NYSC boss used the opportunity to advise corps members to  be security conscious always and promptly report any security threat to the appropriate authorities.

“Corps members are to save the distress call centre numbers given to them during the orientation course in their various camps on the phones in case of emergencies.

“They are also advised to move in groups and not to follow strangers, even known people with questionable characters,” Okpo said.

Responding on behalf of the family, an uncle to the deceased, Mr Hakeem Okunola,  thanked the NYSC for the condolence visit  and prompt action to ensure arrest of the suspect.

“We thank the Ogun State Police Command for their swiftness in apprehending the accused and the NYSC  for their support.

“We already have some sort of justice for finding our daughter’s body and the suspect.

“Modupe did not die in vain going by the show of love poured her way by family and friends alike. She will be remembered for everything good.

“As she has been laid to rest, we leave every other thing in God’s hands to bring the accused to book through appropriate judgment,” Okunola said.

NAN  reports that the victim had  since been buried in line with the NYSC’s policy on death of corps members.

Tawose was an  HND graduate of Quantity  Surveying from The Polytechnic, Ibadan,  and is survived by her father, Adeshina  Tawose,  and mother, Titilayo, as well as  siblings. (NAN)
TDS/OJO
========
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Foreign

U.S. supports justice, security dialogue in Plateau

U.S. supports justice, security dialogue in Plateau

NAN-H-56

Support

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, March 8, 2017 (NAN) The U.S. Government is partnering with Plateau Government to promote peace and security in the state through a Justice and Security Dialogue project.

A statement by the Embassy said that U.S. Ambassador, Stuart Symington, and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau attended one of the dialogue events in Jos.

It stated that the participants included government officials, the military and police as well as religious leaders, traditional rulers and representatives of civil society.

The statement quoted Symington as commending the attendees for holding dialogues to promote a collaborative and inclusive approach to conflict resolution.

“This is a moment when all of you come together to talk about a profound bond – a bond between citizens and their nation, a bond between citizens and their future, a bond between citizens and their own security,” he said.

“We are lucky to have here in this room both citizens and the police, soldiers, and security forces who serve them.

“I think this tie between a people and a nation, a state, and a city, and you who are sworn to serve and protect them, is the most fundamental tie in any democracy,” he remarked.

According to him, peace is a path that has to be travelled constantly and maintained constantly, and used constantly for the good of the people.

He expressed satisfaction that the people were not just dedicated to talking about reconciliation, but to see people who are travelling the road to make it possible, to make it last.

The envoy said that the Justice and Security Dialogue aimed to improve the relationship between security providers and citizens.

“It will also help civilian security forces become more effective, accountable and responsive to community needs.

“The project is funded through the U.S. Department of State’s  Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and implemented by the United States Institute of Peace and the West Africa Network for Peace building,” he said.

He said the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Nigeria programme, provided equipment, training, mentoring and capacity building support to various Nigerian law enforcement and justice sector institutions. (NAN)

IAA/OMO/MST

Edited by Martins Odeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Prison congestion: Stakeholders advocate overhaul of criminal justice system

Prison congestion: Stakeholders advocate overhaul of criminal justice system‎

NAN-H-43 Prisons

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Lagos, March 3, 2017 (NAN) Stakeholders in the security and justice sector have called for an overhaul of the criminal justice system to address the challenge of prisons congestion in the country.

The stakeholders made the call on Friday in Lagos at a workshop on prison reform‎s organised by the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Dr Ifediorah Orakwe, a retired Controller of Prisons, said that overhauling the criminal justice system would ensure that awaiting trial inmates were not abandoned in the prisons.

He decried the situation whereby those awaiting trial constituted about 70 per cent of inmates in most prisons in the country, calling for a synergy amongst the Judiciary, Police and Prison authorities.

‎He said that‎ the prevailing situation of more awaiting trial inmates than convicts in prisons is a misnomer, as prisons are meant for convicts.

Orakwe said that the awaiting trial inmates, who are mostly brought in for minor offences, after long years in prisons become hardened criminals, adding that if cases of those awaiting trials are quickly dispensed with, there will be a drastic reduction in prison congestion.

‎He stressed the need to upgrade the country’s security and criminal justice system in line with international standards. ‎ The acting Executive, PRAWA, Mr Yinka Lawal, called for proper classification of inmates and not lumping first time petty offenders with condemned criminals.

He also called for better funding and facilities in prisons across the country, advocating for community service for minor offenders instead of putting them behind bars.

Mr Francis Enobore, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), said the service was working with relevant stakeholders to‎ address some of these challenges.

He also called for more funding for the NPS and the need for state governments to also support the various NPS commands. (NAN) MUYI/AO/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola