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Opinion: CJN’s Bench Warrant: Taking A Joke Too Far

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By Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN,OFR,FCIrb,Ph.D,LL.D.

It’s quite saddening and abhorent to hear that the CCT has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of CJN Walter Nkanu Onnoghen.For God’s sake,this is bordering on the vendetta,the ridiculous and trivialization of the judicial process.I condemn this unwholesome step which puts the CCT in the public domain as being on a vengeful and extra- legal mission against the CJN. It must be pointed out that this latest step by the CCT which has argued it is solely under the president and not under the judiciary,appears to be teleguided by the dictatorial Executive,especially the presidency.These are my reasons for this strong view:
1.The NJC has since taken over the investigation of the CJN as provided for in sections 153,158,291,292(2) and section 21,parts A and B to the 3rd schedule to the Nigerian Constitution.
2.The EFCC has since written a petition against the same NJC,using the same evidence as that before the CCT.
3.The CCT has itself adjourned the CJN’s matter for argument on whether it even has jurisdiction at all to hear the case against the CJN.
4.There are at least 4 Court orders directing the CCT to halt further proceedings.
5.The CJN has not yet been physically arraigned before the CCT on the charges filed such as to give the CCT and jurisdiction over the CJN.
6.Under the Provisions of the ACJA,a person such as Justice Walter,can even be tried in absentia.He therefore does not therefore have to be humiliated by being bundled to the court for arraignment like a common criminal.So,it is not a question of one being above the law.
7.By virtue of section 8 of the ACJA,every suspect is to be accorded humane treatment,with dignity and no suspect is to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.
8.By virtue of section 3(d) of the CCB/CCT Act,the CJN ought not have been charged at all before the CCT, given his admission of mistaken non full compliance with the declaration of his assets.The section provides that he shall not be charged before the CCT once he admits non compliance.The matter ends there, as he shall be made to comply by being given fresh forms to fill and make full disclosure.
9.The earlier order made by the CCT that the CJN shall stepp aside has since been appealed against to the Court of Appeal and the appeal ought to be allowed to run its full course.
It is very clear to me that the CJN is being mob-lynched by the government and a section of the compromised or uninformed members of the public;is being harassed,intimidated and deliberately,painted with the paint brush of shame,all with a view to present a fait accompli.

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Tinubu Presents N47.9trn 2025 Appropriation Bill to NASS

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President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presented the proposed 2025 federal budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The N47.9 trillion budget saw a whopping N3.5 trillion allocated to the education sector.

Other sectors that got higher allocations include defence and security – N4.91tn, infrastructure – N4.06tn and health – N2.4tn.

“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of the National Assembly of Nigeria titled, ‘The Restoration Budget’ security peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu said as he concluded his 30-minute presentation at 1:10pm.

This budget highlights the government’s focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, in line with its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ aimed at boosting the economy and addressing key national priorities.

The live broadcast of the budget presentation today revealed the government’s plans for the next fiscal year. With a strong emphasis on human capital development, the president highlighted the budget’s commitment to improving the nation’s economic foundation.

Education sector receives major funding 

A significant portion of the 2025 budget is dedicated to education, with N3.5 trillion allocated to the sector. President Tinubu stated that part of this funding would be directed toward infrastructure development, including support for Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the establishment of nine new higher educational institutions.

We have made provision for N826.90 billion for infrastructural development in the education sector,” Tinubu said.

This allocation aims to improve educational facilities and support ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system.

Focus on human capital development 

During the presentation, the president emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria’s human capital. “Human capital development, our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are breaking record investment in education, healthcare, our social services,” he remarked.

Tinubu also pointed to the N34 billion already disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to assist over 300,000 students.

The budget includes continued investments in healthcare and social services as part of the broader goal of enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

Strengthening the economy and national security 

Tinubu highlighted that the 2025 budget is designed to build a robust economy while addressing critical sectors necessary for growth and security.

“This budget reflects the huge commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing the critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision; and secure our nation,” he said.

The budget aims to tackle key challenges and foster long-term economic stability by prioritizing infrastructure and development in key sectors.

Healthcare and social services allocations 

In addition to education, Tinubu focused on the allocation for healthcare and social services. The government plans to increase investments in healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure broader access to essential healthcare for Nigerians.

These investments are part of the administration’s strategy to improve overall living conditions and enhance public health across the country.

President Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget is said to reflect the administration’s commitment to achieving its development objectives, with a focus on economic growth, human capital development, and infrastructure improvement.

As the National Assembly reviews the budget, the president reiterated his administration’s resolve to address the nation’s most pressing needs.

Source: Nairametrics

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Ghana’s President-elect Mahama Visits Tinubu in Abuja

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Ghana’s President-Elect, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence, Presidential Villa, State House on Monday.

Mahama

Mahama won 56 percent of the votes in this month’s presidential election, compared to the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

Mahama

The landslide comeback for former president Mahama ended eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, an IMF bailout and a debt default.

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I Stand by What I Said, Kemi Badenoch Replies VP Shettima

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The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has lashed back at Vice President Kashim Shettima over the latter’s reaction to her comments about Nigeria.

Badenoch was born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents.

Badenoch, who attained age 16 in Nigeria before departing the country for the UK where she was elected Conservative Party’s leader, described Nigeria as a nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.

However, Shettima, while speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, December 9, 2024, accused Badenoch of “denigrating her country of origin” with her remarks.

The vice-president listed influential people whose families had migrated to other countries, commending former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a “brilliant young man who never denigrated his nation of ancestry.”

Reacting on Wednesday, Badenoch lashed back at Shettima, saying she doesn’t do “PR for Nigeria”.

Her spokesperson, as the Tory leader, according to UK Express, said: “Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the Leader of the Opposition in the UK.

“She tells the truth; she tells it like it is; she isn’t going to couch her words. She stands by what she said.”

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