News

Adherence To Rule Of Law ’ll Solve Problems -CJN

Published

7 years ago

July 9, 2018

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onoghen has declared that all problems of the country would be resolved through strict adherence to the rule of law.
Justice Onoghen also stated that if the country consistently respects the rule of law for four years, the building blocks of development would be firmly in place.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria spoke, last Friday, when he commissioned the ultra-modern National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Division building constructed by the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike.
The CJN also commissioned the Court of Appeal building re-modelled by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
Commissioning the National Industrial Court Complex, Justice Walter Onoghen said: “I believe that the solutions to our numerous problems lie in the adherence to the principles of the rule of law. If we do that for four years consistently, you will see that everything will fall back into place.
“The Constitution provides for each and every one of us. It has given us designated and special functions. If we adhere to these functions and discharge them to the satisfaction of our conscience, there will be development.”
He stated that in adhering to the rule of law, people would realise that there were societal taboos.
“For instance, locking up the courts; how can you in a democratic society think of locking up the courts? How can you say that you should deprive the judiciary of its funds, for instance?”, he asked.
He charged judges to be fair, firm and courageous in the discharge of their functions.
Onoghen said: “You know that a man of integrity cannot be intimidated. You don’t expect a man with integrity to be subservient. Sacrifices must be made if we are to come out of the woods”.
He said that the construction of the National Industrial Court by the Rivers State Government was a welcome development, urging other state governors to emulate the Rivers State governor.
“All other state executives should learn from what is happening in Rivers State”, the CJN said.
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony of the National Industrial Court, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said nothing can be more important to the country than for the nation to secure the independence of the judiciary and ensure that it was no longer threatened by political and other interests.
Wike said: “This is possible if our judges can stand firm on the Constitution under any circumstances and act consistently as morally autonomous agents with unshakable belief in the rule of law, human rights and the shared values of our democracy.
“I declare so because all through history, judicial independence is fought and won by the courage, commitment and vigilance of judges who would yield to nothing in defence of the Constitution and the rule of law.
“The challenge, therefore, is for the Bench and the Bar to resolve to stand firm against all forms of pressures, blatant or subtle, physical or venal, that interfere with, impair or impugn the character and content of judicial decisions,” the governor said.
Wike said until Nigerian judges are able to do justice in the face of threats; apply the law in the face of opposition from the government; resist peer pressures and be seen to be courageous, just and fair, only then can the nation’s judiciary be independent and Nigeria respected among nations.
He noted: “While I congratulate the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the ongoing reforms to strengthen our judiciary, I wish to remind you with respect, that on your shoulders rest the responsibility, hopes and expectations of a truly independent, impartial and proactive judiciary: a judiciary that can do justice even though heaven may fall.”
On the National Industrial Court constructed by his administration, Wike said that the administration was proud to be contributing to the dispensation of justice and making Rivers State the Judicial Hub of the region.
He said: “Against this background, permit me to further reiterate the point that our decision to spend hundreds of millions of naira in building a federal courthouse is not because we have so much money to throw after the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“But the court system, whether federal or state, serves the same purpose, and Rivers people are the primary beneficiaries of the services rendered by these courts, irrespective of ownership.”
In a goodwill message, former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) commended the Rivers State governor for his contributions to the dispensation of justice.
President of National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo placed it on record that this was the first time such a developmental gesture would be coming from a state government.
In her remarks, Chief Justice of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra and the Attorney General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) represented by the state solicitor general, lauded the investments of Wike in the development of the justice sector.
At the commissioning of the Court of Appeal building remodelled by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the facility.
Bulkachuwa said though she was initially sceptical about the proposal to remodel the Appeal Court by Wike because at the time, no such remodelling had been undertaken by a state government, she was convinced by the fact that the governor intervened in other federal courts and establishments in the state.
Further speaking, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike explained that the administration resolved to remodel the Court of Appeal because it had degenerated to an embarrassing level.
He said: “And so today, we are happy to have also delivered what is arguably the best and most functional Court of Appeal complex, outside the headquarters building in Abuja to the glory of God and for the progress of our state and the nation.
“With this courthouse delivered, we are the only state government in our country that has directly intervened and provided the most modern courthouses for all existing federal courts in the state; namely, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal”.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onoghen said every right thinking person would appreciate efforts put in place to make the judiciary function optimally.
He called for financial autonomy of state Judiciary across the country, saying that a judiciary driven by integrity cannot be timid.
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said that the courtrooms, offices and facilities were remodelled in a way that would promote security and performance.
In his goodwill message, former NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) said Wike has lived up to the expectations of the people as a member of the Body of Benchers.
The two ceremonies were attended by high profile judges and legal practitioners from across the country.

News

Ibas Inaugurates RSIEC, Service Commissions, Healthcare Board In Rivers …Charges Appointees To Embrace Principles Of Service

Published

11 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed Board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the State.

He emphasized that such commitment is critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in the State.

This was contained in a statement by the Administrator’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo on Monday.

Ibas issued the charge on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through excellent service.

Addressing the Chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.

“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.

“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism—even in the face of difficult choices,” Ibas added.

The Sole Administrator also charged the Rivers State Civil Service Commission on the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.

“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardized practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.

Meanwhile, Ibas urged the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission to ensure professionalism and discipline in local government administration.

“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity. Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.

In the same vein, the Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.

“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.

He emphasized data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.

He also assured the Board of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that board members would be held accountable for their performance.

The newly inaugurated members include: RSIEC: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.

Civil Service Commission: Dr. Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.

Local Govt. Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.

Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (Chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.

News

Rivers PDP Debunks Sale Of LGA Election Forms

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, has debunked claims that the party has commenced sale of forms for chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Yowika made the rebuttal in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, describing the publication on the social media as baseless and untrue.

He urged members of the PDP to disregard the claim, saying that official communication regarding the sale of forms would be disclosed through the appropriate channels.

“With reference to information trending on social media, it has been falsely claimed that the sale of forms for Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State will begin soon.

“However, the party has firmly denied these rumours, stating that they are baseless and untrue.

“The party has its own established methods of reaching out to its numerous supporters.

“The People’s Democratic Party, a law-abiding organisation, will patiently await the release of guidelines from the recently inaugurated Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) before considering any sale of election forms.

“The PDP is urging its members to remain calm as official communication regarding the sale of forms will be disclosed through appropriate channels,” the statement read.

Enoch Epelle

News

South-South contributes N34trn to Nigeria’s economy in 2024 – Institute

Published

13 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has stated that the South-South region contributes N34 trillion to country’s economy in 2024.

He made the remark at the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference in Calabar, yesterday.

He spoke on the theme, ‘’Building An Inclusive South-South: Economic Diversification as a Catalyst For Development.’’

Olanrewaju, who quoted the data from the Cable Data Index, said the feat was more than 21 per cent of Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The president described the growth as ‘’ impressive,’’ saying that it was not driven by oil alone but significant expansions in trade, services, and the creative industries.

According to him, to fully harness this potential, coordinated financial, technological, and policy support is essential.

“As we work to reposition the South-South for broad-based prosperity, the financial system must play a central role, not merely as a source of capital, but as a catalyst for innovation, ideas incubation, and inclusive economic growth.

“This conference, therefore, provides a strategic opportunity for stakeholders to reimagine the South-South economy, not merely as a resource belt, but as a region of diverse capabilities and resilient enterprises.”

Olanrewaju added that Nigeria must move beyond old models and chart a new course for the development of the South-South region, where financial institutions and stakeholder collaborate to diversify the economy for shared prosperity.

He, however, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his pledge of land for CIBN Secretariat in Cross River and being the first sitting governor to willingly undergo and complete the Chartered Bankers Programme.

On his part, Gov. Otu said that the conference discussion on the economic diversification in South-South region was timely against the backdrop of global trade and economic volatility that was affecting the nation’s economy.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, Otu said the South-South region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy while leveraging its shared natural endowment in agriculture and extractive resources.

“This conference must help develop tailored financial solutions that reflect the unique strengths and realities of states like Cross River in the south-south.

“Diversification should be evidence-based and must be backed not just by financial advice but project focused financing and real investment support,” he noted.

He said that Cross River had taken the bold step to invest in its agricultural sector by launching an Agro processing hub.

Otu further said that the state had invested in aviation by acquiring more aircrafts for Cally Air, construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and injecting N18 billion in its tourism sector.

Similarly, Mr Tolefe Jibunoh, Cross River Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that the region was blessed with natural resources, cultural diversities and immense human potentials.

Jibunoh, who was represented by Mr Segun Shittu, Head, Currency Control Office, CBN, Calabar, noted that strategic diversification could unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth in the region.

He added that the CBN remained steadfast to maintain monetary possibilities and promote a sound financial system as a catalyst for sustainable economic development for the benefit of all.