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Acting CJN Mohammad Confirms Buhari Has Power to Suspend, Remove CJN
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has said President Muhammadu Buhari, as the appointor of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, has the power to remove or suspend any person occupying the office.
Muhammad stated this in defence of Buhari’s suspension of the erstwhile CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on January 25, 2019, and his immediate appointment by the President as the Acting CJN.
This is contained in a counter-affidavit which he filed to oppose a suit seeking to stop him from being appointed as substantive CJN.
The suit was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by Malcom Omirhobo Foundation, through its lawyer and promoter, Chief Malcom Omirhobo.
It prayed for, among others, a declaration that Justice Muhammad “is not a proper and fit person to be recommended by the 2nd defendant (the Federal Judicial Service Commission) to the 1st defendant (the NJC) and by the 1st defendant to the 5th defendant (Buhari) for appointment to the Office of the CJN.”
This, the plaintiff said, was because Muhammad in accepting to be sworn in as the Acting CJN, “conducted himself in a manner that cast doubt of confidence in his integrity and impartiality of the judiciary and having made himself a tool used in the violation of the Constitution of Nigeria.”
The seven defendants to the suit are the National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Justice Muhammad, the Federal Government, Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Senate.
In his response contained in the counter-affidavit filed on his behalf by the law firm of Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Muhammad maintained that Buhari, acting on an ex parte order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, rightly suspended Onnoghen.
The counter-affidavit was deposed to by Sadiq Ahmad, a lawyer in Fagbemi’s law firm, who also stated that he with “the 3rd defendant (Muhammad) carefully studied the plaintiff’s application for interlocutory injunction.”
He also said he did not commit any wrong by submitting himself to be sworn in in acting capacity following the order of the CCT and the vacuum left behind by Onnoghen’s suspension.
He recalled that Onnoghen had subsequently, after his suspension by the President, resigned from office.
On April 18, 2019, the CCT convicted Justice Onnoghen on charges of false and non-declaration of assets, and as punishment, ordered his removal from office, barred him from holding public office for a period of 10 years and ordered the forfeiture of the proceeds of the bank accounts he was said to have failed to declare.
Muhammad stated that apart from the constitutional procedure for the removal of a person from the office of the CJN based on age or retirement or by an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate, “any public officer found guilty of the breach or violation of code of conduct can be ordered to vacate the office he is holding as the consequence of the breach or violation of the code of conduct.”
He added that the President also had the power to remove or suspend any occupant of the office of the CJN.
“I also know as a fact that the 5th defendant has the power to remove or suspend any person occupying the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria being the appointing authority,” the affidavit read in part.
Justifying Onnoghen’s suspension by Buhari, the counter-affidavit stated, “That I also know as a fact that as at January 25, 2019 the order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal also directed the 5th defendant to swear in the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“That it was pursuant to the said order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal that the 5th defendant appointed the 3rd defendant as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“That in the circumstance, I know as a fact there was no need for a recommendation of the 2nd defendant (FJSC) to the 1st defendant (NJC) or of the 1st defendant to the 5th defendant (Buhari) before the erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria could be suspended from office.
“There was also no need for the 5th defendant to approach the 7th defendant for support by majority of two-third votes, before the erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria could be suspended from office.”
It stated that Buhari “followed due process of law in the appointment of the 3rd defendant as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria,” adding that “there has not been any negative impact on the Nigerian judiciary as there is renewed belief by the common man in the judiciary as his last hope.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo has fixed Friday for the hearing of the suit.
The Punch
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SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
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Gatmash Partners Access Bank to End ‘Period’ Poverty in Nigeria with ‘PAD Me a Girl Initiative’
Access Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, is partnering the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of GATMASH MEDIA, to launch a ‘Pad Bank’ aimed at providing free sanitary pads to girls and women in need.
The groundbreaking initiative is founded by Theresa Moses, a renowned journalist and Editor-in-Chief of GATMASH NEWS. The project seeks to address the pressing conundrum of ‘period’ poverty, which is affecting millions of girls and women in Nigeria.
The initiative will help address pads deficit among the less privileged members of the society as its aim is to promote menstrual health and hygiene, as well as provide educational materials, and support girls and women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative is also partnering with several organizations, including Checkers Custard, Empowered Girls for Christ Foundation, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, Vita Baites Foods, and many more.
This is a unique and innovative concept, designed to store and distribute free sanitary pads to the needy. The ‘Pad Bank’ will be stocked with sanitary pads donated by Access Bank, other corporate organizations, and individuals. The idea is to collect and distribute over 1 million sanitary pads annually.
“We are excited to partner with Access Bank to launch the Pad Bank,” said Theresa Moses, Convener of the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative.”
“Access Bank is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. Therefore, Access PAD Me A Girl project is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society that every girl and woman deserves access to sanitary pads.
“The Pad Bank is a game-changer in the fight against period poverty, as it will provide a safe and accessible space for girls and women to access sanitary pads, promoting dignity and empowering them to reach their full potential.”
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
In addition, the initiative will provide educational materials and support (Exercise books and pen), thereby helping to promote literacy and educational attainment, in consonance with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empowering all women and girls to reach their full potentials.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project, which includes the launch of the Pad Bank, will kick off on April 3rd, 2025, in Gofye Community, Kuje Area Council, New Kunchingoro, Opposite Games Village, Kaura, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and on April 5th, 2025, in Ortese IDP Camp, Guma LGA, Benue State.
Ondo State is historically a giant in agriculture which is the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria. This is despite being listed as one of the states rich in crude oil and other minerals in Nigeria.
For a long time, Ondo State has been the biggest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. Further, the state is blessed with large fields of fertile soil which supports high yield of oil palm, rubber, cassava, among others cash and food crops.
This is why the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has vowed to continue to support initiatives which will bring back the glory days of Ondo State in agriculture. His efforts are beginning to yield immense gains as one of the largest agricultural investments in the recent history of the state has just been established. This is the JB Palm Plantation and Processing Mill, Ore, Ondo State which is bankrolled by the Managing Director/CEO of JB Farms limited, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu, MON in the oil-rich State.
The remarkable investment by Mr. Ajibola Adebutu is a significant milestone in Ondo State’s progression towards taking back its pride of place as leader of the agricultural revolution in Southwest Nigeria, nay Nigeria as a whole. This huge investment in oil palm production which is needed for food products like cooking oil, margarine, soaps, cosmetics, and biofuels will undoubtedly set Ondo State as the hub for agricultural production and processing.
On the other hand, this grand investment by Ajibola Adebutu may also help to reverse the trend of kidnapping and criminality in Ondo South Senatorial district where it is located. The place was a hiding haven for criminals as it used to be a thick forest.
Paying a working visit to the JB Farms in Ore, the visibly elated Executive Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated: ‘This is a very large plantation. It is the biggest I have seen. So much has gone into this place including road infrastructure. This is about 400km of roads leading to the various clusters in this farm. They have taken it to another level. We have to support large scale mechanized farmers. We will give them all the required support, security, and enabling environment.’
While appreciating the Governor for his visit, Mr. Adebutu noted that this oil palm investment ‘is capable of producing about 800 tonnes of palm fruit everyday. With this, security wise, kidnappers will not have a place to hide. We are encouraging people. We are challenging people to invest because this is part of the future of Nigeria.’
Governor Aiyedatiwa also planted a palm tree in the Farms to affirm his unrivalled commitment to promoting food sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and profitable agribusiness in the state.
Culled from Trek Africa Newspaper
