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2023 PEPT Pronouncement, a ‘Judocracy’ Against Nigerians – Ozekhome

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Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a human rights activist on Thursday described the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court pronouncements in the petition filed by the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu as a ‘Judocracy’ against Nigerians.

Prof. Ozekhome stated this while delivering the 2023 and 22nd edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo lecture at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall,  MUSON Centre,  Onikan,  Lagos tagged:  “Nigerianisation Of Nigerians: A Look Inward”.

The  Bishop Mike Okonkwo annual lecture forms part of activities to mark the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).

The guest speaker who said the word ‘Judocracy’ was coined from his Neologism called ‘Ozekpedia’ lamented that politicians have deformed democracy in Nigeria where ‘Selectocracy’ of leaders has become the order of the day.

He described ‘Selectocracy’ as a ploy used by politicians to arm thugs who snatch ballot boxes to select leaders.

He decried the unchanging situation in Nigerian politics where people are encouraged to vote in elections,  where their votes will not count and the votes are counted they do not count.

Ozekhome emphasised the need to cure the country of political drawbacks,  saying Nigeria has continued to regress politically affecting the economy of the country.

The guest speaker described the term Nigerianisation as a deliberate policy by which governments take over the control and ownership of private enterprise due to economic,  political,  social and strategic reasons,  saying it was designed to fight against discrimination and colonialism.

Regrettably,  he said the reverse was the case in the country “Where nothing is ever fair,  where anything is possible, and where you have to pay your way through life by offering and taking bribes to facilitate many of life’s processes.”

He lamented that the only way to survive in Nigeria,  where there is so much distance between the government and the people in the form of widespread poverty, is incompetence in high places and established disregard for the rights of citizens.

Chairman of the occasion,  Pat Utomi, a  professor of political economy described democracy as practiced in Nigeria as lacking in character.

Prof Utomi decried the inability of the country to have a rationale public communication,  saying when wealth is lost, nothing is lost,  when hell is lost,  something is lost and when a character is lost,  everything is lost.

Utomi added, “The tragedy of Nigeria is that character is lost at all levels of government. “

He frowned at the degeneration in character among Nigerians, especially the political class, saying many users of the Twitter space should have their heads examined when contributing to national issues.

Bishop Okonkwo in his remark expressed disappointment in the attitude of the government and the governed,  saying the tide of political backwardness in the country must be reversed for the good of the masses and the country.

The event featured the presentation of an award plaque of N500,000 to Miss Ike Destiny from VIK International School, Akere Alagbado, in Ogun State who emerged winner of the Essay Competition.

Alexander Chibuzor of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, in Anambra State emerged as second in the 2023 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

The duo emerged winners from the 795 entries received for the 18th Bishop Mike Essay Competition for Secondary School students in Nigeria with the theme: “Nigerianisation of Nigerians: A Look Inward.”

Source: Opera News

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Osun LG Polls: Adeleke Warns Against Violence, Commends Residents for Keeping Peace

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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured all stakeholders of non-interference in the forthcoming local government election slated for February 22nd, 2025, promising non-interference from the state government.

The governor who hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of resorting to violence or arm twisting.

“As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have followed the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and we assure the public that we respect the independence of the commission to conduct credible elections.

“We are highly educated in Osun state. Our literacy level is at an all time high. This is not a state where residents can be lied to. They read and digest court rulings and political subjects without being hoodwinked. I urge our people to get prepared for February 22. It is an opportunity to vote for your preferred council chairmen and councilors.

“We are a nation governed by law. The judiciary, like it has been said recently, is the harbinger of hope. We must avoid misrepresentation and misinformation about court processes. We have a sacred duty to avoid fake news. It is an offence punishable under the law.

“We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.

“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass. Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known in peaceful manners. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we have the capacity to defend our democratic heritage,” the Governor noted in the statement.

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Lagos Workers Return to Offices As Work-from-Home Grace Ends

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The Lagos State Government has announced the termination of remote working for public servants.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, made the announcement through a statement shared on Tuesday.

Agoro said the decision aligns with the implementation of the new minimum wage in the public service.

The work-from-home initiative was introduced in February 2024 to mitigate the impact of the sudden removal of subsidies.

According to Agoro, its cancellation aims to enhance service delivery.

Agoro stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced various measures to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants.

“It is hereby notified for general information that the governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos State Public Service.

“The cancellation of the work-from-home initiative, which has been in place since February 2024, will take effect on March 31.

“Public servants are urged to rededicate themselves to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“Accounting Officers are instructed to give this circular the service-wide publicity it deserves,” Agoro added.

The Sanwo-Olu-led administration approved an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State on October 17, 2024.

NAN

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Rivers Govt Insists Oko-Jumbo Remains Assembly Speaker Amid Supreme Court Judgment

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The Rivers State Government has clarified that the withdrawal of Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s appeal at the Supreme Court regarding the 2024 budget does not affect the legitimacy of Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The appeal, which challenged lower court rulings to represent the 2024 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, was deemed unnecessary and withdrawn by the governor.

In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, explained that the appeal had become an academic exercise since the 2024 budget cycle had already concluded.

Johnson stated: “The 2024 budget became spent on the 31st December of 2024 fiscal year. The appeal is of no useful purpose. The only reasonable thing left to do is to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed.”

He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision does not invalidate the legality of the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, affirming that Oko-Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker. “The Supreme Court is a very busy court. It will be most unwise to belabour the Honourable Court with academic appeals without any practical or utilitarian value,” Johnson added.

He further dismissed claims by political opponents, stating: “That is the appeal that the urchins are celebrating. There is no Supreme Court judgment against Gov. Fubara, ignore the outdated political propaganda by some desperate politicians.”

Johnson reiterated: “Supreme Court ruled on the Appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov. Fubara because 2024 budget cycle have ended and no need wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented. Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo is still authentic speaker and nothing can change that.”

The clarification comes amid political tensions in the state, with the government reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the stability of the legislative process under Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo’s leadership.

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