NEWS
Alia Swears in Six new Judges in Benue
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Monday, sworn in four High Court Judges and two Customary Court of Appeal Judges for the Benue State Judiciary with a charge on them to dispense justice without fear or favor, affection or ill-willHe assured all Benue citizens of his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to ensure that it remains a pillar of democracy and justice.
Performing the ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the Governor charged the new judges to carry with them not only the weight of their past experiences but also the hopes and expectations of the people. He explained that their appointment is a testament to their dedication, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law, as well as the recognition of the high standards they have maintained throughout their careers as legal practitioners.The Governor advised them to be impartial arbiters, defenders of justice, and protectors of the Constitution, saying they should dispense justice without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, as the people of Benue State look up to them to ensure that the law is applied with fairness, equity, and a deep sense of humanity.He said, “Judges are the guardians of justice, ensuring that the rights and liberties of all individuals are protected and upheld. “They also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our legal system and ensuring that justice is served.”He assured the Benue State Judiciary that his administration is committed to ensuring the independence of the judiciary and will not do anything nor take any steps to undermine its independence. He said, “We shall continue to uphold the constitutional provisions on the rule of law and the principles of separation of powers.”The Governor reminded the new judges of the importance of their role, as aptly captured in the judicial oath, and the trust that has been placed in them to remember that the decisions they make will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the fabric of our society. They must ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.He stated that his administration has demonstrated its commitment to these tenets by fully granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and the legislature in Benue State, saying, “Indeed, the fruits of this giant move have begun to spring forth, as evidenced by the numerous transformative projects undertaken by the judiciary.””The transformative projects include, among others, the creation of the Benue State Judiciary Website, which is fully functional as part of the ongoing automation of the entire judiciary management system to meet international standards; acquisition of a large property behind the Catholic Youth Centre for a new complex to replace the property ceded to the Court of Appeal; renovation of judges’ residences in Makurdi, Otukpo, Okpoga, and the one recently burned at Zaki-Biam; ongoing construction of new courts at Igumale and Jato-Aka; ongoing court renovation at the Court Headquarters – Courts 5, 6, and 11, North Bank, and Daudu; renovation of the judiciary guest house; and construction of a lawn tennis court.”Those sworn in as High Court Judges are Kor Vincent Tersoo, Esq., Ikwulono Maigida Maimuna, Esq., Adagba Nguhemen Julie, Esq., and Tor Damian Tersugh, Esq., while the Customary Court of Appeal Judges are Onche Ogah Inalegwu, Esq., and Igba Theophilus Terhile, Esq.The Governor promised continuous capacity building for judges through the sponsorship of judges for international conferences and the sponsorship of magistrates to attend the NBA Annual General Conference, which his administration has commenced since inception and will continue.
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
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