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ONNGHEN: CCT Rejects Court Orders Stopping CJN’s Trial

Published

6 years ago

on

Eniola Olayemi

 

Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) held yesterday that it was not under any obligation to obey orders made by any High Court. Besides, it said that such courts, which are of equal status with it, lacked the powers to interfere with its proceedings.

The CCT said spoke in relation to four orders issued by the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) restraining it from conducting further proceedings in relation to the non-declaration of assets charge pending against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

It expressed its view in a majority ruling delivered after entertaining arguments from lawyers to parties in the case against the CJN.

The arguments were on whether the tribunal could proceed with the hearing of the case despite the subsisting orders made by the High Court and the fact that the Court of Appeal has fixed a date to hear the CJN’s motion for stay of proceedings.

In a split decision of two members to one, the tribunal elected to discountenance the orders, on the grounds that they were made by courts of equal status with it and therefore not binding on it. It said it would proceed to hear pending applications, particularly the one challenging its jurisdiction.

In a majority decision, the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar and the third member of the three-member panel, Mrs. Julie Anabor,  also refused the CJN’s request for indefinite adjournment.

The second member, William Agwadza Atedze, in a dissenting opinion, agreed with the CJN that, with the orders by the High courts and the appeal before the Court of Appeal, it was necessary for the CCT to adjourn indefinitely pending when the issue of jurisdiction was resolved.

At the commencement of yesterday’s proceedings, the lead prosecuting lawyer, Aliyu Umar (SAN) told the court that the business of the day was for the hearing of pending applications and the arraignment of the defendant.

Umar identified the applications as the one he filed, seeking an order to compel the CJN to step down from office pending the conclusion of his trial and the one filed by the defendant, which challenged the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear it.

He said since the CJN was absent and could not be arraigned, the tribunal should take the pending applications, a request the lead defence lawyer, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), objected to and informed the court that there have been intervening factors that now prevent the tribunal from further proceeding to hear the case.

Olanipekun, who led a retinue of lawyers, including 46 SANs for the CJN, drew the tribunal’s attention to the four restraining orders granted against the CCT and others.

He said the orders were made in four cases filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the National Industrial Court in Abuja and the High Court of the FCT by some groups and an individual.

The orders include, the one made on January 14 this year in a suit marked: ABJ/CS/29/2029, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative against the Attorney general of the Federation (AGF) and five others, including the CCT and its Chairman; the second also made on January 14 by the National Industrial Court in the suit marked; NICN/ABJ/07/19, filed by one Peter O. Abang against the AGF & six others.

The third order, Olanipekun said was given on January 15 by the High Court of the FCT in the suit marked:  FCT/CV/CV/771/19 with Motion No: FCT/HC/M/2016/2019 in the suit filed by the Foundation for the Defence of Consumers’ Rights against the AGF and six others. He added that the fourth order was given on January 21 by another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja in the suit by the Action People’s Party (APP) against the President of Nigeria and five others.

Olanipekun, who cited several judicial authorities and legal provisions, argued that the CCT could no longer proceed to hear the case in view of the existing four orders, stopping the tribunal from continuing to hear the case, and the fact that the Court of Appeal in Abuja has fixed a date to hear a motion in the appeal filed by the CJN seeking to stay further proceedings before the CCT.

He urged the tribunal to prevent the creation of a state of anarchy and chaos by respecting the orders and the hierarchy of courts by adjourning sine die (indefinitely) pending when all the cases and appeal are concluded.

Umar objected to Olanipekun’s request for an indefinite adjournment on the grounds of the orders from the High courts, which he argued, were not binding on the tribunal. He noted that the Court of Appeal did not make any order stopping proceedings before the tribunal.

On Olanipekun’s claim that the lawyer, who represented the AGF at the Monday’s proceedings at the Court of Appeal in Abuja undertook to abide by the orders, Umar said he was not aware of such undertaking.

Umar said the law empowers him to apply for a bench warrant against the CJN, who has continued to stay away from the tribunal despite being served with the charge.

He, however, said he was not willing to apply for the CJN’s arrest, but that he would ask the tribunal to make an interim order if it (the tribunal) was willing to accede to the request for indefinite adjournment. Umar was, however, silent on what he wants the interim order to be directed at.

After the lawyers’ argument, the tribunal rose for over one hour, and when it resumed sitting later, it was the Chiarman, Danladi Umar, who first read his lead ruling, which was supported by Mrs. Anabor.

Umar said: “The orders issued by the Federal High Court and the national Industrial Court are not binding on the tribunal. This is because the tribunal is established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and under the Third Schedule to the Constitution, it is empowered to adjudicate on matters relating to assets declaration.

“The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), under the Third Schedule of the Constitution, is vested with powers to refer matters of breach of the code of conduct by public officers to the tribunal to the exclusion of any other court in Nigeria. It is therefore right to state that tribunal is empowered by the Constitution to adjudicate on matters referred to it by the CCB to the exclusion of any other court.”

He said in view of the provisions of the Constitution, “any order from the Federal High Court or the national industrial Court cannot stop the tribunal from continuing with the proceedings before it as the Constitution so empowered the tribunal to do so.”

The Constitution is the grundnorm and it is superior to any law or order of any court.”

He referred to the provisions of Part one of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Section 143 of the Constitution and Paragraph 3(e) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (CCBTA) and stated that the CCT “has unqualified or original jurisdiction to determine breach of the code of conduct for public officers as referred to it by the CCB.”

Umar, who noted that the CCT runs coordinate to the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court by virtue of the fact that appeals lie from both courts and the CCT to the Court of Appeal, said no superior court of record can give order to another court of record as they are of coordinate jurisdiction.

In further faulting the orders made by the High Courts, Umar noted that the orders were obtained by “busy bodies,” individuals and groups there are not parties in the case before the CCT.

“The orders by the Federal High Court and the NIC are hereby discountenanced as they are of no binding effect on the tribunal,” he said.

On the pendency of the motion before the Court of Appeal, he said Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) states that application for stay of proceedings in criminal matters shall not be entertained. He noted that the CJN case before the CCT “is criminal in nature.”

Relying on the provision of Section 18(4) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and Section 246 (1)(a) of the Constitution, Umar said, since appeal from the decision of the CCT lies only to the Court of Appeal, it was only such appellate court that has the power to give order to the tribunal.

He said the tribunal would continue to hear the case and ordered the defendant to move its application challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

In his dissenting opinion, Atedze agreed with Olanipekun that the order of court is binding until set aside, even if the order is a nullity.

He said by the provision of Section 287 (1) of the Constitution, the CCT was under the obligation to give effect to any order of court no matter how defective such order may be, until it is set aside.

Atedze said since the CCT is not operating in isolation, it must obey orders made by courts to prevent the creation of a state of anarchy.

He agreed to the request for an indefinite adjournment until the issue of the tribunal’s jurisdiction was resolved by the Court of Appeal.

After the ruling, Olanipekun said he could not move his application, as order in the majority opinion, because he needed time to read and respond to the prosecution’s response to his application, which he said was served on him late.

Olanipekun said he was entitled to two days. He reminded the tribunal that the parties would be before the Court of Appeal tomorrow. He asked that the case be adjourned to a later date.

It consequently adjourned to January 28 for the hearing of the CJN’s application, challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

As proceedings were ongoing, before the tribunal, a crowd of placard-bearing men, women and youths gathered at the main entrance to the tribunal’s sitting venue.

Some hailed the trial; others urged the government to discontinue with it.

Those in support of the trial, acting under the group –“Our Nation First”, asked the CJN to step down. They argued that the sanctity of judiciary must be protected and should not be dragged in the mud because of the interest of a certain individual.

Another set of protesters under the banner of the “Coalition of United Political Party (CUPP) and of Advocate for Peoples’ Rights and Justice (APRJ)”, asked the government to stop the CJN’s trial as it was an attempt to subjugate the judiciary.

 

 

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NITDA, SECDOJO, SIGN MOU TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA’S CYBER RESILIENCE

Published

1 week ago

on

April 16, 2025

By

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In its continued effort toward the implementation of the present administration’s agenda of strengthening national security by committing to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure as well as contribute to the overall peace and prosperity of the nation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SecDojo, SAS, a Cybersecurity training and upskilling company with headquarters in France, to strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, and Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo, Mr. Younes Benzagmout at the signing ceremony, which took place during GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.

August24news.com Editor gathered that the signing ceremony took place during GITEX Africa 2025 event in Marrakech, Morocco, with the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, and Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo, Mr. Younes Benzagmout, representing both organisations.

This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes, development of customised curricula and educational resources, and facilitation of research, knowledge sharing, and professional exchange programmes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Inuwa expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a secure digital future.“We just signed an MOU with SecDojo, which is a cybersecurity capacity-building provider, and this is one of our efforts to strengthen our national cybersecurity to enhance our cyber resilience,” he noted.

He asserted that as Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital is paramount, describing people as the technology component of any innovation ecosystem.

inuwa also noted the growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and emphasised Nigeria’s potential to fill the talent gap, given its large and youthful population.“Globally, we have the gap, and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness, well, we can train them and connect them with the global value chain to provide cybersecurity services and also to fill some roles and gaps in the global cybersecurity market,” he averred.

While pushing for digital skills integration into Nigeria’s formal education system, the DG called for deeper collaboration between technology stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Education to embed digital literacy and cybersecurity training into Nigeria’s formal education system.

He stated that, there is an urgent need to shift from short-term skills acceleration programmes to long-term, systemic integration of digital skills into academic curricula at all levels, from primary to tertiary education.

“For me, this goes beyond NITDA. I see a national opportunity, one that involves the Ministry of Education, to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education,” he said. “Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

But to prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he added.

Highlighting successful models such as Cisco’s academic integration, which allows students in over 100 Nigerian universities to earn both degrees and professional certifications simultaneously, he stressed the benefits of a dual-track learning system that equips graduates for immediate relevance in the digital economy.

He noted that while Cisco has led the way, the ecosystem must be open to multiple partners, especially those aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework, and encouraged tech firms and content providers to collaborate, offering open-source or customized content that can be adopted nationally.

“We don’t want to limit this to a single vendor. The opportunity is open to all.

Google has shown interest, and we welcome more partners. There are committees already working with the Ministry, and we’d love to see more stakeholders at the table,” he concluded.

In his remark, Mr Benzagmout, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He noted that the collaboration aims to bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals while contributing to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

“We sincerely thank NITDA for their trust and partnership and we are excited to begin this journey and look forward to building a successful and impactful collaboration,” he assured.

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Transcorp Hilton Announces Great Offerings For Coming Easter Holidays

Published

1 week ago

on

April 16, 2025

By

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Announces Great Family Offerings This EasterAs families across Nigeria prepare for the Easter holidays, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is positioning itself as the premier destination for a memorable and stress-free getaway.

With spacious accommodations, a delectable Easter Sunday Brunch, engaging activities for all ages, and a commitment to safety and convenience, the iconic hotel is ready to welcome families seeking quality time together in the Federal Capital Territory.

For families traveling with children or extended relatives, Transcorp Hilton Abuja offers a diverse range of thoughtfully designed rooms and suites.

These expansive accommodations provide ample space for relaxation and connection, ensuring a comfortable stay where families can truly unwind and enjoy each other’s company without feeling confined.

Each room is equipped with modern amenities to cater to every need.

A highlight of the Easter celebration at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is the highly anticipated Easter Sunday Brunch at the hotel’s Bukka Restaurant.

Renowned for its authentic local flavours and international cuisine, Bukka will present a special Easter spread featuring traditional delicacies alongside a tempting array of classic and creatively themed Easter desserts.

This promises to be a delightful culinary experience for the whole family to share.Beyond comfortable lodging and exceptional dining, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is dedicated to creating fun and engaging moments for guests of all ages.

The hotel will feature a lively DJ-led poolside experience, allowing adults to relax and soak in the festive atmosphere. Younger guests will be thrilled with the hotel’s well-equipped playground, providing a safe and exciting space to expend energy while parents can relax nearby.

This balanced approach ensures a fulfilling experience for every family member.

Recognizing the paramount importance of safety for traveling families, Transcorp Hilton Abuja maintains a secure environment with professional and attentive staff. From the hotel premises to guest interactions, every aspect is designed to provide parents with peace of mind, allowing them to fully relax and enjoy their time together.

To further ease the complexities of family travel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja collaborates with reputable third-party ticketing and logistics operators.

Guests can conveniently arrange transportation, book local excursions, and plan their Abuja adventures directly through the hotel’s trusted partners, eliminating the stress of independent planning.

The ambiance at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is described as a harmonious blend of luxurious comfort and warm, welcoming hospitality. Guests can unwind by the inviting pool, explore the hotel’s serene gardens, and enjoy the attentive service of the dedicated staff.

The overall atmosphere encourages relaxation and the creation of cherished family moments.More than just a place to stay, Transcorp Hilton Abuja aims to be the backdrop for unforgettable family experiences this Easter.

With its comprehensive offerings and commitment to guest satisfaction, the hotel invites families to create lasting memories in a comfortable, fun, and secure environment.

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Technology, Neutral Tool for Socio-Economic Development-DG NITDA

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 7, 2025

By

Technology, Neutral Tool for Socio-Economic Development-DG NITDA


AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasised the significance of perceiving technology as a neutral instrument that can accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.


Speaking during a virtual panel session titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” Inuwa outlined the importance of leveraging technology to balance cultural preservation with economic growth.


The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore the dynamic role of technology in shaping cultural and economic transformations.


Inuwa who was represented by the Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, stressed that technology is inherently neutral—it is neither beneficial nor harmful in isolation but depends on the intent and strategy behind its usage.


He advocated for implementing robust policies and fostering collaborations to ensure technological innovations align with Nigeria’s cultural heritage and developmental goals.


As global cultures and economies are increasingly influenced by digital innovation, Inuwa pointed to creative tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, which incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences.

He underlined the need to equip Nigerians with digital skills to utilise these tools effectively for economic progress.


He said, “To this end, NITDA has established digital learning centers nationwide, providing education in Emerging Technologies.

The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) is also playing a pivotal role by offering training programs and creating tech hubs aimed at improving productivity and skill acquisition.”


Additionally, Inuwa unveiled Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a framework designed to position the nation as a frontrunner in AI adoption.

This strategy focuses on intellectual property rights and prioritises efficiency and transformation across critical sectors, especially through its emphasis on social inclusion and development.


According to him, NITDA’s commitment to digital security and intellectual property protection has also resulted in the launch of a National Blockchain Policy.

This initiative supports creative industries by enabling artists, musicians, and filmmakers to tokenise their works, ensuring proof of ownership and curbing copyright violations.


“Technology is a tool—it all depends on how we use it,” Inuwa remarked. “Our objective is to create an environment that allows technology to contribute to Nigeria’s economic and creative development.”


In his remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman described the event as a timely opportunity for stakeholders to chart a course for Nigeria’s future progress.


With participation from government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders, the discussions centered on tackling challenges and identifying opportunities within the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors.


Among the key sub-themes that formed basis for the discussion included leveraging technological advancements, fostering innovation, and formulating policies to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.


As technology continues to redefine the creative landscape, the summit underscored the role of digital tools, Artificial intelligence, and Blockchain in preserving cultural heritage, driving economic empowerment, and creating jobs.


It is anticipated that actionable outcomes from this event will help shape the future of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, solidifying their role as essential contributors to national development.

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