News
RSG Defends Agumagu’s Appointment As CJ …Condemns NJC’s Suspension Order
The Rivers State Government has reacted to a statement by the spokesperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC) purporting to suspend the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice P.N.C. Agumagu by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
In a statement signed by the state Commissioner of Information and Communications, Ibim Semenitari, the government said that, ”if this is true, then clearly, the NJC appears not to have taken into consideration the judgment delivered by Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High court, Port Harcourt in which it is a party.
“The state government finds this position of the NJC rather curious, especially as Justice Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and a very respected judicial officer,” the commissioner said.
She added that “the Rivers State Government had gone to the courts to seek interpretation of Section 271 (3-5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as regards the appointment of a chief judge of the state. That section of the Constitution clearly states that “A person shall not be qualified to hold office of a judge of a High Court of a state unless he is qualified to practice as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten years.”
Semenitari stressed that “to enable it act within the confines of the law, the Rivers State Government sought the court’s interpretation. The learned Justice Akanbi, in delivering his judgment, faulted the deliberate omission of Justice Agumagu’s name amongst the list of senior judges qualified to be chief judge of Rivers State.
“Justice P.N.C Agumagu is the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary and was seconded to establish the Customary Court of Appeal in 2008,” she stated.
The statement emphasised that “the Rivers State Government is well aware that there is no constitutional provision compelling the governor to appoint a chief judge based on his or her seniority or even the arm of the judiciary to which such a person belongs. What the constitution requires is a minimum of 10 years post-call qualification.
“This is evidenced even by the appointment of the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, who was appointed chief judge over his senior at the bench. At the time of Justice Ndu’s appointment, the Justice Sotonye Denton-West was the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary, yet the NJC did not compel the governor at the time to announce her as chief judge.
“The refusal of the NJC to abide by the recommendations of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of the state chief judge and its insistence on a particular candidate is a cause of worry for the Rivers State Government,” the statement indicated.
She said that “such insistence may appear to mark the NJC out as clearly partisan, self-interested and self-serving, in a case in which it is a party. The NJC has shown such over-weaning personal interest in this matter, thereby raising serious and fundamental questions as to how justifiable is it for NJC to interpose itself in a case in which it clearly has more than a passing interest. It is a well known principle of administrative law that a party cannot be a judge in its own cause.
“When Honorable Justice Akanbi of the Federal high Court struck down the decision of the NJC to preclude Justice Agumagu from consideration for the position of the chief judge, the Rivers State Government fully expected the NJC, as a law abiding institution, to choose the path of civility, and appeal if it was dissatisfied with the decision. Rather than do so, the NJC has chosen the path of unconstitutional bullying, lawlessness and injudicious racketeering. It is a dark day for our country when the most senior justices and lawyers in our country resort to high-handed self help instead of judicial redress,” she noted.
Semenitari explained that “the Rivers State Government reiterates its respect and admiration for the judiciary but will respectfully remind the NJC that it is a statutory body, not a court”.
The Rivers State Government, therefore, requested the NJC not to allow itself to become a tool in the hands of advocates of nepotism and sectional interest.
“The Rivers State Government will urge the NJC to respect the ruling of the Federal High Court, and indeed, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which it has a responsibility to uphold in the interest of justice, fair play and fair mindedness. By the way, it has acted; the NJC seeks to put itself above the law. We would respectfully remind the NJC that is not above the law. The path of legality for the NJC is to seek redress in the courts,” the statement added.
Governor Amaechi cut the tape to commission the ultra modern Eketta Igbodo Market in Etche Local Government Area, flanked by Hon. Barr Reginald Ukwuoma, Etche LGA Chairman.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”
A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.
-
Business3 days agoPaper Industry’s Economic Contribution Hits N398bn
-
News3 days agoPolice Attribute Societal Decay To Parents’ Too Much Love For Children
-
Sports3 days agoTennis: Abuja Set To Host Davis Cup
-
Niger Delta3 days agoHYPREP’s Livelihood Training: Dana Air Employs Three Ogoni Youths
-
Maritime3 days agoNavy Nabs 75 Stowaway Suspects In Eight Months
-
News3 days agoNLC Demands Creation Of State, LG Police
-
Editorial3 days ago
For Peace In The M’East
-
News3 days agoWomen Play Important Roles In Development Of The Society -Odu