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Lawyers Nomination For Supreme Court Sparks Controversy

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To qualify for appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the fellow must be a legal practitioner of not less than 15 years. The same applies to whoever is to be appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Section 231 subsection (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended distinctly states: “A person shall not be qualified to hold the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria or of a Justice of the Supreme Court, unless he is qualified to practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than fifteen years.”
The above provision opened up the window for any legal practitioner who has practised for not less than 15 years to be appointed as a Justice of the apex court. And that is exactly what the proponents of the argument for the appointment of members of the Bar straight into the Supreme Court capitalised on, in supporting their position.
Just recently, their crusade got the ears of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen who wrote to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), requesting that it nominates eligible  members of the Bar for consideration into the apex court bench. He also gave them a short notice within which to comply with the notice.
The NBA in response, quickly forwarded names of nine eligible candidates to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Justice Onnoghen, for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.
According to the NBA, the short-listing followed a rigorous selection process done by a  committee chaired by the president of the NBA, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), with eight other eminent lawyers as members.
Among the candidates nominated were former President of the NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Anthony Ikemefuna Idigbe (SAN), Yunus Ustas Usman (SAN), Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN), Miannaya Aja Essien (SAN), Awa Uma Kalu (SAN), Professor Awalu Hamish Yadudu, Tajudeen Oladoja and Ayuba Giwa.
The above-mentioned applicants were short-listed from a total of 89 expressions of interest that were scrutinised.But this action has already open up the hornets nest. A group of lawyers led by the octogenarian activist, Pa Tunji Gomez have in protest written to the acting CJN, expressing  their disapproval of the nominations and asking for its cancellation for not following due process.

In the letter, dated February 15 and addressed to the acting CJN, the lawyer said members of the Lagos NBA present at their meeting held on February 13, ‘overwhelmingly opposed the said nomination of lawyers for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.’

According to him, their grouse is that ‘due process’ was not followed in the nomination. They also complained that the procedure used was arbitrary and contrary to established procedure in appointing judges.

“The members present disapprove of the undue haste with which the nomination and recommendation was done. The period of three days given to interested lawyers to indicate their interest in the Supreme Court posts is to say the least, a farce and an unusual and unwarranted haste which to them, portray a predetermined agenda, because the procedure of appointing a High Court judge takes weeks, with full consultation of judges and the Bar for their input in the exercise. How is it then that the nomination of lawyers to the Supreme Court, the apex court in the land was limited to three days,” he queried.

He also argued that the appointment raised vital fundamentally issues affecting the profession and the judiciary. He asked whether such action would not indirectly declare justices of the appeal court as unfit or unknowledgeable enough to be elevated to the apex court?

“This is an unfair, demeaning and unjustifiable treatment of appeal court justices, some of whom have spent decades in the judiciary from high court to the appeal court only to be told that a lawyer who has not held any judicial post is preferable. This is unfair, disheartening and a slur on the efficiency of the court of appeal,” he stated, adding that it might affect their dedication, morale and commitment as there is no guarantee of their promotion to the Supreme Court since lawyers can be appointed from the Bar.

The Bar leader argued that there have only been two of such appointments since independence and that it happened under the military rule as exceptions. To now make it a rule that lawyers should be appointed straight to the Supreme Court, he said, is dangerous to the profession and the judiciary.

“It will create the wrong impression which is inimical to the interest of the profession that any SAN is better than a High Court judge and more knowledgeable, as a judge of the High Court cannot be automatically appointed to the Supreme Court, whereas a SAN can be so appointed if this nomination is allowed to become the order of the day,” he stressed.

Notwithstanding his position and that of his group, some eminent Nigerian lawyers have continued to praise the nomination, saying such is a welcomed development.

The senior lawyers whose views were sought by The Guardian said the development would improve scholarship, legal reasoning and judgments at the apex court and ultimately Nigerian judiciary, adding that the blend of regular Justices with those from the Bar would enrich adjudication at the apex level.

Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), said there’s nothing wrong in the appointment, adding that in Britain, only those who are Queen’s Counsel (QC), an equivalent of SAN are appointed into the high courts.
“Personally, I do not see anything wrong with appointing a practising lawyer into the Supreme Court of this country; there is nothing wrong with it at all. The practice in England is that only Queens Counsel that are appointed as even judges. It is in this country that members of the lower bench like magistrates and so on become judges.
“The reason a seasoned practising lawyer is a better judge is because he has seen it all. He has interacted with the clients and the courts and he knows the courts than a lawyer who left the law school and is appointment a junior magistrate and rises from that position up to the Supreme Court.

“There is no time that such a fellow has interacted with clients as a litigation lawyer. It is the experience and weight of the submissions of a lawyer that makes a judge to write a beautiful judgment. Therefore, if you appoint sound lawyers into the bench, they will always turn out better judges. I have always advocated that we should copy what they are doing in England. Now that they have listened, it’s all well and good,” he stated.

Constitutional lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN) said its a good development. “The constitution has provided the minimum qualification for appointment into the Supreme Court bench. Once anybody attains 15 years in active legal practice, together with other requirements, he qualifies. The new hierarchy of the Supreme Court is trying to comply with the provisions of the constitution.
“The appointments will definitely bring a fine blend between establishment justices and the private practitioners who are coming from outside. It will better the cause of justice in my own estimation,” he said.

Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) said it is the right step in the right direction. According to him, the judiciary has not had it so in a long while after the exit of late Justice Teslim Elias and Augustine Nnamani who were appointed straight from the Bar. “I believe that if their nomination is confirmed and they are appointed into the Supreme Court bench, they will do wonders like the Elias and Nnamani’s of this world. I welcome it wholeheartedly,” he declared.

Similarly, Ilorin based lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN) described it as a welcomed development. “It is always good to inject new ideas and perspectives to issues. We are applauding it because it is good for the judiciary and our country in general. Their presence will enrich the apex court, “ he said, adding that because those nominated are men of upright character, they would recuse themselves whenever there are clash of interests without being told.

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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