News
A’Court Plans Speedy Disposal Of Electoral Disputes
The Court of Appeal has commenced measures that would enhance quick dispensation of electoral disputes that may trail outcome of the 2023 general election.
One of the measures is the proposed Electoral Judicial Manual which would enhance transparency in the dispensation of justice and improve the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
Already, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has inaugurated members of the Judicial Electoral Manual Committee (EJMC) in Abuja.
Performing the inauguration, Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that the objective of the EJM is “to provide a quick reference material for all strata of judges and all persons involved in the electoral adjudicatory.
“Our aspiration is that the manual will be a guide on frequently litigated electoral issues so that conflicting decisions can be drastically reduced if not totally eliminated”.
She noted that “in the past, the manual was titled Manual for Election Petition Tribunals which gives it a restrictive connotation thereby limiting its usage and discouraging other electoral stake holders from accessing and utilising its rich contents. The Electoral Judicial Manual is thus a vital quick reference guide and reference material for all levels of Judges in the discharge of their duties in the election year.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that members of the committee were carefully selected having regards to their experience and expertise not only in electoral matters but also in general judicial administration.
She charged them to consider the extant decisions of the courts and tribunals in the light of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the recommendations of electoral observers, including partners and other critical stakeholders.
This, she said, would ensure good collaboration, coherence and consistency in the electoral process.
The committee’s terms of reference includes comprehensive review and amendment where necessary of the third edition of the Manual for Election Petition Tribunals in light of the recent amendment to the Electoral Act, 2022 and decisions of the courts.
“Critically examine all the observations and reports made at the last General Elections of 2019, especially as proffered by International Federation for Electoral System (IFES) in its document titled,‘EPT Review Survey Key Findings (August 2020)’ and the vital observations of the European Union (EU) as expressed in the European Union Election Follow-up Mission Nigeria 2022 Final Report and to produce the 1st Edition of the Electoral Judicial Manual”.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Justice Ignatius Igwe Agube, of the Court of Appeal, appreciated the president of the Court of Appeal for the confidence that has been put in them while assuring that by the grace of God they would discharge their duties to His Glory and the glory of Nigeria.
He craved the indulgence the members of the committee to put heads together and do the best they can to execute a lasting legacy on the electoral process in Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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