Nation
Oyo Creates Special Court For Criminal Cases
The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, on Monday said the state government would create a Special Court to handle criminal matters.
Abimbola, who made this known during a special service to mark the beginning of 2022/2023 legal year of the State Judiciary in Ibadan, said it was due to an upsurge of criminal activities in the State.
He said the special court would be set up for speedy administration of criminal matters in order to have effective administration of Justice in the State.
“There is an upsurge in the number of cases filed in courts, particularly criminal matters, as a result of increase in criminal activities.
“A lot of criminal activities is happening, such as rape, assault, kidnapping and land grabbing.
“So, in order to have effective handling of those cases we are going to tell some judges to handle those cases for fast hearing.
“These are the kind of innovations that we are going to see this legal year,” Abimbola said.
He said there was going to be a proactive approach to administration of both civil and criminal cases in this legal year.
According to Abimbola, the 2023 Civil Procedures Rules will soon come to effect and party directions for effective implementation and speedy dispensation of criminal matters.
“I have looked at the statistics of cases at the beginning of the last legal year and the beginning of this legal year. Any area that needs to be addressed we shall do so,” he said.
The CJ said the issue of writing with long hand would soon be a thing of the past in the state Judiciary.
He also said visual and virtual audio recording have started in Court one and two and would be implemented in other courts before December.
The CJ said further that the ongoing renovation of the state Judiciary by the State Government would enhance the performance of judges in the statte.
In his remark, the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said the commitment of his administration to the rule of law necessitated the setting up of bodies such as the task force on enforcement of Real Properties Protection Law 2016.
Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, called on all stakeholders, especially the judiciary, to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the resolution of cases as the 2023 general elections approaches.
He said he was proud of the state judiciary and pledged the commitment of his administration to prioritise the welfare of Judiciary.
In his lecture, an Islamic Scholar, Dr Muhydeen Najimudeen, Chief Missioner Ar-mon Islamic organisation in the UK, urged judges and Magistrates not to be biased in Justice delivery.
“Everyone will account for their deeds either good or bad at the day of judgment,” he said.
The Tide’s source reports that special service was held at the Mosque and Church where prayer was offered for the state Judiciary, leaders and the nation.
The Niger Delta Diocese Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria(AYFN) has launched a N2.5 million youth empowerment scheme that will cover the 19 archdeaconries of the diocese.
Dieocesan President of AYFN, Festus Kalio made the plans public during the 2024 Annual Diocesan Bible Study Conference held at St Alban’s Anglican Church , Obuama, Kalabari West Archdeaconry recently.
Kalio explained that the scheme will cover scholarships, skills and other activities that will improve the wellbeing of youths in the diocese.
The AYFN president appealed to well meaning members of the church to support the project geared towards redirecting young people to fruitful ventures.
Calling on the Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara to make youth employment a priority, Kalio observed that, “the rate of unemployment of youths is quite alarming…The agricultural and digital sectors should be well utilised.”
He, however, lauded the governor for promotion and implementing N3O,000 minimum wage for local government workers, and the promotion of civil servants after eight years.
On the theme of the Bible conference, “ Stand Firm and Take Action,” Kalio urged christian youths to be steadfast in their faith just like Christ and others stood to defend their convictions.
Meanwhile, the AYFN has honoured over seven personalities for their support to the group over the years.
This include a staff in the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Ms. Tamunoitemem Barango,Head of Editorial Computer Unit.
Barango, who was also Mother of the Day at the 2024 Youth Bible Conference, according to the president has been a strong pillar of support to youth programmes and activities in the diocese.
Kevin Nengia
The Rotary International District 9141 Governor, Chinedu Ikegwuani, has called on members and Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central to give their full support to the new President of the club, Ifunanya Bertrand.
According to him, the new president needs their support to succeed and move the club to a higher level.
Ikwugwuani stated this recently in his remark shortly after the installation of Rtn Ifunanya Bertrand as the 38th President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central in Port Harcourt.
He said as prime movers, they are ready for the task ahead and to ensure development to the club, adding that Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Central is agenda friendly.
He congratulated the past president and also congratulated the new president while commending the former President, Joy Madukanya for increasing the club’s membership with four new members and returning four old members to the club.
“ I congratulate Joy and I want the directors and board members of the club to give their full support to Ifunanya for her to succeed.
“ She needs all the suppport for her to succeed.
“She has set goals for the club so we need to support her because Rotary needs all hands to make sure the club progresses”, Ikwegwuanu said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inducted President, Mrs Betrand expressed happiness over the mantle given to her to run the affairs of the club 2024 to 2025 year, adding that the year is full of promise and potential.
She said that during her tenure she will achieve great things in rendering services to humanity, adding that with the theme, of this year, Magic of Rotary, that she counts on every member of the club to support and achieve the club’s set goals.
She pointed out that all the projects she is going to develop and implement will also be in line with district emphasis for the year which is food, clothing and medicals, and also on the Rotary International areas of focus.
“ I am very happy to serve this great club and the society at large.
“One of the great things to achieve is service to humanity.
“Let us give our time in bringing succour to the society and you will experience the ‘Magic of Rotary” she stated.
Bertrand said her focus will be on community development, feeding of the less privileged and providing them with clothes and also to organise free medical outreach, basic education and literature development as well as to provide school desks for children in schools with dire need.
Highlights of the event include awards presentations, induction of new members and new board of directors of the club.
Kiadum Edookor
The Senate has passed a bill to ensure the tenure of Inspector-General of Police runs till the end of the tenure as stipulated in the letter of appointment.
The bill is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Police Act and for Other Related Matters.” got an accelerated passage following a mild debate on the general principles of the executive bill sponsored by the Senate Majority Leader , Senator Bamidele Opeyemi. The bill was read for the first time on same day .
Presenting the bill , the Majority Leader said the bill sought to enable a person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
“The bill aims to revolutionise police operation by enhancing accountability, modernising policing method and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community”, he said .
Contributing to the debate, ,former President of the Senate , Senator Ahmad Lawan ( Yobe North ) urged his colleagues to exercise caution on the amendment to avoid creating IGPs who may abuse the office relying on the provisions of the Act if signed into law . He also advised that the bill be stepped down for further consultations.
Sen. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) in his contribution said, “What this Senate is being invited to endorse is that by this appointment if passed, the person will stay in office for 10 years.
“This Senate should rather think of a holistic review of the Police Act aimed at strengthening the institution and insulating it from political pressures.
“We should elevate the office of the Inspector-General to a level of Justices of the Supreme Court.”
However , Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, said that there was no ambiguity in the intendment of the bill.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, thereafter called for a voice vote. The bill was read a third time and was passed.
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