Niger Delta
Diri Lauds Judiciary On Bias-Free Justice Delivery
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has lauded the Judicial arm of government on commitment to administration of justice and protection of the oppressed and vulnerable in the society.
Diri gave the commendation in Yenagoa at the reception ceremony and launch of a book titled, ‘Astute Judgements and Essays’ written as part of activities commemorating the retirement ceremony of Justice Nayai Aganaba of the Bayelsa State High Court.
He described Justice Aganaba as an erudite, incorruptible and courageous jurist who triumphed even in the face of daunting challenges, noting that he has known the retiring jurist as a sound legal practitioner many years ago before he was appointed as a Judge.
The Tide learnt that the retiring Justice Aganaba was called to the Bar in 1982 and appointed as a Judge of the Bayelsa State Judiciary in the year 2001 by the first Executive Governor of the state, the Late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory, and that prior to his retirement after 20 years of meritorious service as a Judge, he had also at different instances served in both election and inquiry tribunals, respectively.
The state number one citizen who also condemned the April, 13, 2022 invasion of the state High Court and attack on the retiring Judge by hoodlums, described the dastardly act as having come from the opposition parties in the state, just as he called on the police and sister security agencies to partner the state and Judiciary by providing adequate security in and around the state Judiciary and for Judges to enable them discharge their Constitutional functions without fear of intimidation.
Diri, who also applauded the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri for her steadfastness and commitment to duty as well as efforts to ensure that Judicial officers and Judges were given their rightful places in successive administrations of the state noted that his administration and all arms of government of the state were partners in progress.
“I’ve known Justice Aganaba many years ago as a legal practitioner even in the old Rivers State before the creation of Bayelsa state. He is an astute, incorruptible, erudite and courageous Judge. That was why even when on the 13th of April, just last week when he was handling a case brought to his court by the other parties, amongst themselves even upon the intimidation and treats to his life, he remained courageous.
“I call on the police and other sister security agencies to partner the government in providing adequate security in our court premises and for all Judges to avoid the reoccurrence of what happened on the 13th day of April where hoodlums were reported to have attacked the now retiring Justice Aganaba in his court. I want to again commend the state Chief Judge, the Hon. Justice Kate Abiri for her commitment towards ensuring that Judicial officers and indeed all the Judges in the state Judiciary were properly catered for”, he said.
Speaking earlier at a valedictory court session held in honour of the retiring Judge, the state Chief Justice, Kate Abiri applauded Justice Aganaba,saying he was a respected Jurist who put in 20 meritorious years in service as a Judge, just as she described the Judiciary as the final arbiter of the law.
She also commended the state government for granting the state Judiciary financial autonomy,this was just as she reiterated that those who attacked the retiring Justice Aganaba in while on duty at his court recently would face the wrath of the law.
“As an arm of government,the Bayelsa state Judiciary have enjoyed autonomy. And I make bold to say that the state government has not held back any due us as a Judiciary since the financial autonomy status was granted us. For all those who invaded the sanctity of the court and attacked the retiring Justice Aganaba in his court, here in the state Judiciary,all of them would face the wrath of the law”, she said.
Meanwhile in a special thanksgiving service held as part of activities for the retiring Jurist at the St. Peter’s Deanery, Yenagoa, the Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Emmanuel Oko-Jaja has described retirement as synonymous with Biblical injunction.
In his sermon taken from the book of Numbers 5:10, the clergy with scriptural reference noted that retirement from ones vocation after years of meritorious service is in line with God’s plan for humans,this was even as he commended the state Judiciary for striving for excellence and for its delivery of unbias Justice, irrespective of whom the Judgement was to served.
In same vein,while speaking with Journalists shortly after the event, the retiring Justice Aganaba has reassured his readiness to continue serving the state and nation in any capacity befitting of a retired Jurist, describing himself as one who was naturally called to be legal practitioner and later a Judge.
“Two incidences happened in my life which made me knew that I was destined to be a lawyer: One was in Lagos in 1969 when after giving money to a blind beggar he prayed for me, telling me that I’ld be lawyer. While the second was when I read a book titled the incurruptible Judge and later acted as a Judge in a play during my secondary school years and acted very well as a Judge”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He commended the “Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation” for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the Chief Judge, and also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured”, he said.
The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.
It also pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on the occasion of his first year coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the monarch’s dedication to peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of Asaba.
He described Obi Azinge as a revered traditional ruler and academic whose leadership over the past year has brought renewed pride to the Asaba Kingdom and inspired confidence in traditional institutions across the State.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Your Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, on the joyous celebration of your first coronation anniversary.
“Your reign has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“As an accomplished academic and respected traditional ruler, you have brought honour not only to the Asaba Kingdom, but also to the entire Delta State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions and assured the Asagba of continued partnership in advancing the interests of the Asaba people.
He wished the monarch long life, wisdom, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Obi Prof. Azinge ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba in 2024, succeeding the late Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and has since been recognised for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage, peace and community development.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to tackle the challenges of epileptic power supply to the health sector.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his keynote address during the state launch on Friday in Uyo, saying that the project would be in collaboration with the EU.
According to the Governor, the project is to strengthen the state’s vision of universal, reliable and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Enyaenyi, stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).
He said those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM), one that is state-led, private-sector-driven.
According to him, it will be inclusive in all ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.
“Electricity is not just a commodity, it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.
“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors, including our hospitals and health centres”, Eno said.
The Governor further said the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that it would reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.
Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.
He said the committee, drawn from both the Ministries of Power and Health, would serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.
“Let me assure our development partners, the EU, NTU International, and the REA, that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary supports to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.
“This launch is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of intent”, he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector.
Iniobong stated that the Governor had prioritised his interest in power and health sectors to provide quality services to the people.
In his remarks, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ogiehor added that the solar project would also reach the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities”, he said.
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