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Supreme Court to get constitutionally prescribed 21 Justices – CJN, Ariwoola

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, announced on Monday that the Supreme Court is set to, for the first time in its history, reach the constitutionally-prescribed number of 21 justices very soon. This decision is in response to the recent wave of retirements that had reduced the number of Justices to a historic low of 10. Justice Ariwoola made this declaration during the commencement of the 2023/2024 legal year of the Court, coinciding with the inauguration of 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the Supreme Court Complex.

He disclosed that the effort to attain the required 21 Justices had been initiated by his predecessor but had not succeeded before the end of their term. However, since assuming office on June 27, 2022, Justice Ariwoola has actively pursued this goal, emphasizing its urgent and critical necessity.

While addressing the fate of the judiciary, Justice Ariwoola stressed the need for statutory protection of the judiciary’s independence, not only at the federal level but also at the state level. He affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and institutional independence, expressing confidence in the public’s trust in the judiciary.

The CJN urged judicial officers to prioritize integrity, hard work, and impartiality, cautioning against fear, favor, bias, or prejudice in their judgments. He provided statistics on the Supreme Court’s performance in the last year, highlighting the number of cases heard and judgments delivered.

In his advice to the newly inaugurated SANs, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the responsibility of assisting the Court in achieving justice, equity, and fairness. He urged them to maintain integrity, self-discipline, and high standards of advocacy, reminding them that the conferred privilege does not make them superhuman.

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The CJN concluded by encouraging Nigerians to embrace alternative dispute resolution methods to reduce the burden on the courts. He called for a change in attitude to create a robust legal framework that aligns with the nation’s interests without importing foreign laws into the judicial process.

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Why I may not hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in 2027.

The former Vice President, currently in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, indicated he would back Obi if the Labour Party nominates him for the next election.

According to The Sun, Atiku made this statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

It was recently reported by DAILY POST that Obi and Atiku had a closed-door meeting, sparking rumors about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the efforts of opposition parties to align in order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

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Atiku added that if the new party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and chooses Peter Obi, he would not hesitate to support him.

“I have said repeatedly, and even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku explained.

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I once struggled with pornography – Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac

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Isaac Oyedepo, son of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has admitted to having struggled with pornography at one point in his life.

Isaac revealed that he became involved with pornography during a trip to a European country.

Speaking on the podcast “Confession Box,” Isaac shared that he overcame this challenge with God’s help.

He explained: “My confessions are positive and meant to help others. I struggled with pornography before.

“I remember how it began; we traveled to a country, and I was alone in my room. I turned on the TV, and that’s how it started.

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“But God helped me overcome it quickly. Many people still struggle with it, and I think if someone who had previously struggled with it had approached me and showed me how to break free, I would have overcome it sooner.

“Some topics are often avoided, but today, many pastors and church members still struggle with this issue.

“You might be anointed and performing signs and wonders, but that doesn’t mean you are living right.

“There’s an old saying that if it works, it means you’re standing right, but I found out that’s not always true. There were times I realized I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me.

“For the sake of someone genuine in the congregation, God can bypass you to reach that person; this is my confession.”

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Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

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Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

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The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

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