Blog

NBA promises commitment to `pro-bono’ scheme

Scheme

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says it is committed to the implementation of the docile “Pro Bono’’ scheme to facilitate prompt decongestion prisons across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Pro Bono’’ scheme is aimed at offering free legal service to indigent persons seeking justice.

Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), President of the NBA, said this at the Sign-On Roundtable on Building A Culture of Pro Bono in Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

Usoro, represented by the Secretary-General of the association, Mr Jonathan Teidi, said NBA was committed to establishing “Pro Bono” centers in each of the Six-geopolitical zones to encourage access to justice at the grassroots.

He said the measure would complement the effort of the National Legal Aid Council, adding that the development would speed up decongestion of prisons.

“The large number of inmates that we have shouldn’t be there had they had legal representation. Part of the focus of the association would be to take the scheme to the next level,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the NBA president spoke on the theme: “Pro Bono Legal Services and the Nigerian Society: Bridging the Justice Gap’’.

Mr Dayo Apata, Solicitor-General of the Federal, said disproportionate percentage of inmates in the country’s prisons were awaiting trial because they could not afford legal representation.

Apata, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, said the ministry usually firmed out cases to private practitioners and external solicitors to provide legal representation to verified indigent inmates.

Apata, represented by Mr Julius Ajakaiye, a Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, said that aspect of the initiative was currently being undertaken through the Legal Aid Council.

“Moreover, as part of the prison decongestion programme, government and other key stakeholders provided funds to pay off the fines of indigent inmates languishing in prisons because they could not afford to pay fines.

“While acknowledging government efforts in this area, it is noted that funding constraints have adversely affected the efficacy of some of these initiatives.

“Permit me to say that one major lesson learnt over the years is that government cannot function optimally in isolation, but can only achieve maximum results with the support and cooperation of organised private sector.

“It is on this premise, therefore, that we are seeking your support as stakeholders in the justice sector and in the society at large to ensure that the initiative being birthed here today thrives.

“Let me at this juncture commend our partners, the Justice Research Institute and the Nigerian Bar Association, for this laudable initiative.

“I am encouraged by the prospects that this has the potential to galvanise all stakeholders in a united and concerted effort towards ensuring access to justice for all citizens, especially the indigent,’’ Apata said.

Mr Ikem Isiekwena, Executive-Director, Justice Research Institute, said the firm was using the roundtable to build a culture of “pro bono’’ in the country.

He said it was a start up meeting focusing on bringing justice to the underserved in the society.

Isiekwena said “pro bono’’ scheme was not being properly handled at the moment, adding that the institute was seeking partnership with relevant stakeholders to make the scheme more systematic.

According to him, about 200 legal firms have been introduced to the initiative in Lagos.

He said the institute had created a clearing house to serve as a market place where legal demand and supply would converge.

Isiekwena, however, said the initiative was not open to all, adding that focus was on the underserved and indigent who could not afford legal fees.

He also said the institute had signed an agreement with the NBA to ensure seamless operation and participation of lawyers in the country.

NAN reports that the event attracts dozens of legal practitioners, Human Rights activists and other rights related NGOs. (NAN)

OMO/WOJ

Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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China to invest N2.16trn in Africa in three years

Investment
By Victor Asije
Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The Chinese Government has expressed  readiness to invest N2.16 trillion ($60 billion) in Africa in the next three years.

The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr Chao Xiaoliang disclosed this in a post-summit article entitled, “FOCAC Beijing Summit: A New Milestone in China-Africa Relations”.

Chao said the new investment drive was one of the outcomes of the just concluded summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC).

He said China would also in the next three collaborate with African
countries in industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade
facilitation, green development, capacity building, healthcare,
people-to-people, peace and security.

“President Xi Jinping has announced that China will launch eight major initiatives in close collaboration with African countries in the next three years.

“The eight initiatives are in areas of industrial promotion,
infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development,
capacity building, health care, people-to-people, peace and security.

“To make sure these eight initiatives are implemented, China will extend 60 billion U.S. dollars (N2.16 trillion) financing to Africa in
different forms which includes 15 billion U.S. dollars (N5.4 trillion) grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans.

“China will also encourage Chinese companies to invest more than 10
billion U.S. dollars (N3.6 trillion) in Africa in the coming three years,’’ he said.

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Defection

Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) claim that six APC governors and some senators have concluded plans to join its fold is hallucination.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Yekini Nabena, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that by the PDP’s claim about the APC governors National Assembly members, “it is now clear that the party has assumed the role of comic relief ahead of the 2019 general elections.

“Nigerians have rejected the PDP and all that it represents – corruption, impunity, waste and greed.”

Nabena added that in the face of imminent defeat in 2019, the PDP had chosen to hide behind lies and false realities to save its face.

He said that while the PDP hallucinated on APC members’ defection to its camp, the APC was consolidating to go into the 2019 general elections as a smarter, more united and stronger political fighting force.

He said that while the PDP wallowed in its pains, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration was focused on improving the lives of Nigerians, addressing infrastructure needs and revamping the economy.

The spokesman said that the administration was also restoring the country’s rank in the comity of progressive nations, confronting its challenges and “generally repositioning in line with APC’s promised change agenda to Nigerians. (NAN)

EEM/OPI

Mentally sick lawyer causes stir in Yola High Court

Stir

By Yakubu Uba

Yola, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) A mentally sick lawyer, Ibrahim  Waley, on Thursday caused a stir during sitting at a Yola High Court when he joined his colleagues (lawyers) at the front row while clad in traditional dress as against the formal gown and wig.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent at the court reports that Waley, who arrived the jam-packed court hall while judgement was being delivered, took his seat at the wrong place, to the surprise of those in court.

As at the time of his arrival, judgement was being delivered on a suit filed by some aggrieved All Progressives Congress (APC) members seeking the nullification of the recent congresses conducted by the party in the state.

Looking confident that he was in the midst of his colleagues, Waley rebuffed entreaties  by a journalist who offered him alternative  seat, insisting that as a lawyer, he must sit in the front row like other lawyers.

Attracted by his noise, a court staff approach and pleaded with him to accept the offer of the  journalist, but he declined..

Attempt to convince Ibrahim to sit on other alternative seats, or move out of court room since all the front seats were occupied by lawyers, resulted in a heated argument, making Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri to suspend reading his judgement briefly, calling for order.

After being forced out of the court, Ibrahim continued to protest what he described as an infringement on his right to sit in the front row.

A judicial staff who spoke on condition of anonymity, told NAN that Waley was, before his mental problem, a known lawyer and politician. (NAN)

YMU/ASH

Bet
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Three customers of Bet9ja have petitioned the National Lottery Regulatory Commission,  claiming the betting company had not paid the over N3m stake owed them.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  who obtained a copy of the petition, reports that it was received at the zonal office of the commission on Tuesday in Ilorin.

NAN also reports that the petition was signed by the contact persons for  the affected customers, Emmanuel Ajiboye.

The petition stated that the trio had entered into a bet with the company under the category of “Transfer Market”, with bets placed on whether a player would go on transfer to another club or not.

The petitioners said a “ Loan Deals Do Not Count’’  transaction was  confirmed in an email by Bet9ja on Aug. 28.

They, however, expressed dismay that on  Aug. 31, Bet9ja “suddenly’’ turned around and reversed the rule of the transfer market by stating that “ Loan Deals Now Count’’ as contained in a mail the same day.

The petitioners expressed the belief that this was done in order to renege on payment  to customers  who had played and were going to win.

They described the company’s “contradictory”  statements as unprofessional by a leading bookmaker.

The aggrieved petitioners  said it was in their knowledge that players on loans still belong to their parent clubs and could  still be recalled before the end of their loan deal.

They said that the sudden change was not acceptable as it was against the terms and conditions given to customers.

The petitioners also threatened to explore  legal action should Bet9ja refuse to respond favourably to their complaint.

They urged the commission to look into the development and ensure justice was done.

Mr  Yinka Salau, an official of the  zonal office of the commission in Ilorin, confirmed the receipt of the petition.

He said the petition had  been forwarded to the commission’s head office in Abuja for further investigation.

Salau explained that the management of Bet9ja would be invited to state their own side of the case. (NAN)
OOH/NNO/OJO
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(Edited by Nick Nicholas/Mufutau Ojo)

Primary

By Kemi Ajayi

Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Tunde Giwa-Daramola, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Thursday expressed support for the indirect primary option adopted by the party’s leadership in the state.

Giwa-Daramola, a retired Navy Commander, vying for House of Representatives in Akoko North, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The APC chieftain said that by adopting indirect primary, the party’s leadership in Ondo State, led by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, had shown candor and vision which instilled confidence in the minds of all aspirants.

“There have been a lot of reactions from various states on the issue of indirect or direct primary election to fill positions, come 2019.

“I’m fully in support of the indirect primaries adopted in Ondo State by the leadership of the party.

“I have confidence that the Akeredolu-led APC government in the state will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants to contest for the respective positions,” he said.

The retired navy commander called on those who have reservations on the indirect primaries method to put behind all differences in the interest of the party in the state.

He appealed to the party delegates to vote responsibly at the right time for people with good track records and capacity to deliver on all electoral promises.

Giwa-Daramola, a former Commordore of the Nigeria Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos urged Akoko people to continue to support the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ondo State Chairman of APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin, says the state chapter will adopt the indirect primary. (NAN)

KOA/OOA/WOJ

Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Wale Ojetimi

APC

Aledare Akinwale

Lokoja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Mr Kayode Adekunle, Youth Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi, has appealed to the party’s national leadership to reduce nominations forms fees being charged aspirants.

Adekunle made the appeal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday, and urged that the fees should be made affordable for young political aspirants.

The APC fixed its presidential nomination form at N40 million and expression of interest form at N5 million. For governorship, the nomination form is N20 million and expression of interest is N2.5 million.

For the Senate, the nomination form costs N7 million while the expression of interest costs N1 million. Cost of form for House of Representatives aspirants is N3.5 million and the expression of interest form, N350, 000.

House of Assembly is N750, 000 for nomination form and N100, 000 for expression of interest.

The youth leader said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s intention of signing the “Not-Too-Young-to-Run’’ Bill had not been demonstrated in the costs of the nomination forms announced by the party.

He said that if the prices of nomination forms were reduced, it would encourage some youths to contest and be part of the electioneering.

He stated that youths should no longer be left out of political contests.

According to Adekunle, the percentage of youth population and their contributions to the success of the party’s electioneering in the forthcoming general elections need to be factored into the costing of nomination forms.

He appealed that forms for House of Assembly and House of Representatives should attract moderate fees to pave way for young aspirants into the legislative arm of government. (NAN)

WAL/OSA/OPI
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Edited by Shittu Obassa and Olisa Ifeajika

Jetty
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday stressed the need for the management of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to involve customs operatives in the opening of its jetties.

Mr Gbenga Idris, an Assistant Customs Comptroller (CAC) in charge of Enforcement, Onne Cmmand, Rivers, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Idris insisted that the influx of some contraband could be traced to some entry points where customs operatives were not manning.

The officer spoke against the backdrop of the NPA’s announcement on the establishment of private jetties to ease transaction at ports.

Idris said that “it is pertinent for the Nigeria Ports Authority, whose purview is to establish jetties, to get security concerns from security formations before embarking on such venture.

“We cannot sacrifice the security of the country on the basis of ease of doing business.

“Some of these jetties could pose security threats, especially if the security operatives’ angel is not considered before establishing them.

“Our country is currently facing security challenges. It will be a disservice if such is compounded, based on trade facilitation.’’

NAN reports that NPA has 246 jetties operating in the country in different facets of the nation maritime sector. (NAN)
EUC/AOM/DUA

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Dada Ahmed

Resume or lose your jobs, Council warns Oke-Ogun Polytechnic workers

Resumption

By Akeem Abas

Ibadan, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The governing council of Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, located in Saki area of Oyo State, on Thursday in Ibadan called on academic staff of the institution to resume work immediately or lose their jobs.

This is according to a communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Prof. Moshood Tijani; the Secretary and Registrar, Mr A.O Ojewole; and the Chairman, Council Negotiation Committee, Mr Musbau Ayinla.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communiqué was issued after an emergency meeting of the council held at the conference room of the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Ibadan.

Recall that the academic staff of the institution embarked on industrial action in conjunction with their counterparts across the state-owned institutions on Aug. 28.

The union based their agitation on poor welfare and non-payment of their salary arrears of several months.

The governing council, while directing the academic staff of the institution to resume work immediately, said recalcitrant workers should consider losing their jobs.

It called on the management to open a central register for academic staff to sign as from Monday, Sept. 10 and said the register should close by 4 p.m.

“We empower the management to maintain peace, law and order.

“We also stand on our earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the unions which took effect with payment of July 2016 net arrears,” the council said.

It also suspended the activities of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the institution.(NAN)

TAA/ GOM/SOA
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Oluwole Sogunle