News

CCT: Court Rules On Saraki’s Appeal, Today

Published

10 years ago

October 19, 2015

The Court of Appeal will today deliver judgment in the appeal filed by Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, challenging his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
Saraki is facing trial at the CCT on charges of alleged false declaration of his assets.
Justice Moore Adumein, who led two other justices of the court, fixed today for judgment after entertaining arguments from counsel to parties in the suit.
At the hearing, counsel to Saraki, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) raised five major issues for determination by the court.
Daudu averred that the CCT erred in law by proceeding with the trial of his client with two members instead of the mandatory three members as provided by the Constitution.
“The composition of the tribunal during the trial of my client violated paragraphs 15(1) of the 1999 Constitution by sitting with two members instead of three.
“My Lord we are seeking the court’s understanding to nullify the CCT proceedings of last month due to lack of quorum,’’ he said.
Daudu further held that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to try criminal matter which formed part of the charges.
He objected to the arguments of Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) Counsel to the Federal Government on the Interpretation Act.
He, therefore, urged the court to discountenance the prosecution’s argument that the Act could be used to resolve the constitutional logjam since the Constitution was silent on the quorum for membership of the tribunal.
Daudu insisted that the Interpretation Act could not override the Constitution being the supreme law.
“To ask that the Act of Interpretation be used to override constitutional provision is wrong and unheard off.
“That in itself will amount to product of misinterpretation because the Constitution is the supreme law and not an Act,’’ he argued.
The counsel also argued that the tribunal was wrong in assuming criminal jurisdiction against the Senate President when it was not a superior court of record.
Daudu, who cited several authorities, submitted that the tribunal could not assume concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal High Court, adding that the tribunal was by law inferior.
He, therefore, urged the appeal court to nullify the proceedings of the tribunal against Saraki and set aside criminal charges filed against him.
On his part, the prosecution urged the appellate court to dismiss the arguments advanced by the applicant’s counsel for lacking in merit.
Jacobs held that the Constitution was silent on the quorum of membership of the tribunal in handling of cases.
He urged the court to invoke the Interpretation Act to resolve the issue in favour of the respondent.
The respondent’s counsel also submitted that the tribunal had criminal jurisdiction because of the use of words like “guilty” and “punishment” in the law that established it.
The presiding Judge struck out an application by Saraki praying for a stay of further proceedings at the tribunal.
The Judge said the court was compelled to do that because the grounds on which the prayers rested had been overtaken with the hearing of the substantive matter.
“On the whole, the court has listened to all the issues raised; therefore, ruling is fixed for October 19,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr Umar Danladi had assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

News

Victory Over Insurgency Certain, Tinubu Assures

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.

The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.

He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.

Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.

“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.

“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.

The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.

Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.

He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.

“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”

The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.

Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.

News

US Embassy, Lagos Consulate Close Today For President’s Day

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.

According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.

The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.

In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.

Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.

News

Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.

Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.

The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.

“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.

The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.

Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.

The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.

In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.

“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.

Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.

He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.