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Do Not Compromise Justice, Cleric Tells Judges
The Bishop of Evo Diocese, Anglican Communion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Bishop Innocent Ordu has called on judges, magistrates and other Judicial officers in the country’s temple of justice to disperse their sacred responsibilities without compromise.
Ordu made this call while delivering his sermon during the re-dedication service organised by the state Judiciary to kick-start the 2017/2018 Legal Year at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He stated that the society expects judicial officers to perform their responsibilities without fear and compromise, adding that they were expected to be bold and fearless in the discharge of their duties.
The Anglican bishop reminded the judicial officers, especially the judges and magistrates that their responsibilities were a sacred task, adding that in doing that, they were expected to exhibit Godly characters in dispensing justice in the society because they were representatives of God to exercise judgement on the guilty on earth.
According to him, “The task you are executing is God’s but the law has given you the responsibility to judge humans which is a sacred duty. Therefore, you have to be cautious and diligent.
“God expects you to deliver the sacred responsibility with all sense of commitment, honesty and truthfulness.
“Justice is a divine service; those who sit in judgement are co-labourers of God in their own rites. What you do, God is interested, and you must do it very well.
“Law and justice will promote discipline and civility in the society. Judgement is one of God’s attributes, and the judge is not expected to exercise the judgement in imagination. God uses the law enforcement agencies and courts to punish offenders and sanitize the society. Citizens who obey the laws and conform to the norms of the society have nothing to fear”, he stated.
Ordu, however, regretted that judges, magistrates and lawyers had for some time due to pressures and selfish interests derailed from the sacred responsibilities by dancing to the whims and caprices of the influential in the society.
He warned that the society was at the risk of collapse, if the Judiciary officers entrusted with the responsibility to dispense justice abandon their duties to human and societal demands that contravene their oath of calling.
The clergy remanded them of the grave consequences that await them should they derail from their sacred calling, adding that God expects them to dispense justice without fear and favour.
“The lawless in the society should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. You are expected to do the needful, be courageous. In delivering judgement, you must apply what God wants you to do. Keep learning, research and seek the face of God.
“In administering of justice in the society, God is interested and try to expedite justice honestly. Do not delay or deny justice because of your personal interests. When you dispense justice, do not be guilty of what you condemned others”, he advised.
The Tide reports that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike read the first lesson, while the state Chief Judge, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra read the second lesson at the service.
The climax of the event was the rededication of the state Judiciary officers to God.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.