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Lebanon’s government steps down in wake of Beirut blast

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August 10, 2020

Lebanon’s government steps down in wake of Beirut blast

Lebanon’s government stepped down on Monday night, less than a week after a massive explosion in Beirut killed more than 160 people and sparked days of violent protests.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab addressed the nation, announcing his resignation and that of his government in the wake of the blast, which he called a “disaster beyond measure.”

In an impassioned speech, Diab berated Lebanon’s ruling political elite for fostering what he called “an apparatus of corruption bigger than the state.”
“We have fought valiantly and with dignity,” he said, referring to members of his cabinet. “Between us and change is big powerful barrier.”

Diab compared Tuesday’s explosion to an “earthquake that rocked the country” prompting his government to resign. “We have decided to stand with the people,” he said.

Three cabinet ministers had already quit, along with seven members of parliament.

Violent protests erupted outside the prime minister’s office in the run-up to the scheduled speech on Monday evening.
Dozens of protesters hurled stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at security forces who responded with several rounds of tear gas. Some demonstrators tried to scale the blast walls outside Parliament Square.

Source: CNN

We Don’t Play Any Role In Judges’ Appointment – Senate

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August 10, 2020

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We Don’t Play Any Role In Judges’ Appointment – Senate

The Senate has said it does not play any role in the appointment of judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

It described the forwarding of the names of 11 nominees to it by the President Muhammadu Buhari for screening and confirmation as merely ceremonial and meant to enhance inter-governmental relations.

The senate and its president, Ahmed Lawan, stated this in their joint response to a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging Buhari’s forwarding of the names of the nominees to the upper legislature, and the anticipated screening and confirmation of the candidates by the chamber.

The suit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Oladimeji Ekengba, joined the senate president and the senate as the 3rd and 4th defendants, respectively.

The PUNCH reports that also joined as defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; the Clerk of the Senate; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad; and the National Judicial Council, as the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th and 7th defendants, respectively.

The plaintiff, in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/733/2020, argued that Buhari’s forwarding of the names of the 11 candidates to the senate for screening and confirmation, is in breach of Section 256(2) of the Constitution.

However, Malami, in his own response, justified the action, saying it was within the “discretionary power” of the President to so do.

But the senate and Lawan in their counter-affidavit filed in response to the suit, conceded that they “have no say in their status as judges”.

The counter-affidavit filed on their behalf by a litigation officer, Umoru Jibrin, stated, “That the President’s letter to the 3rd and 4th defendants was a mere ceremonial presentation of the judges in furtherance of their cordial working relationship to strengthen the judiciary in the Federal Capital Territory.

“That this ceremonial gesture by the 1st defendant (Buhari) has no significance than inter-governmental relations.”

The NJC had recommended 33 candidates to Buhari for appointment as FCT judges.

Buhari forwarded 11 of the names to the senate for screening, which Ekengba described as unconstitutional.

Justice Inyang Ekwo has fixed August 12, 2020, for the hearing of the suit.

Unilorin wins $80,000 grant for research into Disability Rights in Nigeria

Education

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August 10, 2020

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Unilorin wins $80,000 grant for research into Disability Rights in Nigeria

The University of Ilorin says its Department of Jurisprudence and International Law recently won the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) $80,000 {approximately N30.3 million} grant.

It said the grant was meant to deepen the study and practise of laws relating to the physically challenged persons in the country.

The institution’s management disclosed this in its bulletin issued on Monday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

It said the grant would assist the department in its service delivery capacity as well as deepen the study, practice and understanding of laws related to the rights of the disabled in the country.

The publication said a letter of offer was addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Abdulmumini Oba, by the Executive Director of OSIWA, Ayisha Osiri.

It stated that the grant was offered to the University to enable its Department of Jurisprudence and International Law proceed on a project titled: “Advancing Disability Rights Through Legal Education”.

OSIWA added that the grant would enable the university to build capacity and advance the institutional commitment to develop and introduce a module on disability law in the curriculum at the undergraduate level.

“The letter added that the approval of the grant for the project is also intended to develop a loop of lawyers with specialised knowledge and skills in disability rights as well as conduct research to inform the development of disability policy at the national level,” it said.

Mr Oba expressed the appreciation of the University to OSIWA for the grant.

He said: “The grant from OSIWA is a great development for us. It will help the profile of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law.”

The dean reminded members of the faculty that the OSIWA grant was not the limit and that stakeholders must continue to strive for excellence in order to attract more funding from within and outside Nigeria.

Also commenting, the Programme Manager of the Project, Onuoro Oguno, expressed satisfaction with the grant.

He said the gesture was a testimony of the development and a mark of excellence obtainable at the University of Ilorin.

The Programme Manager said Unilorin is the only university in Nigeria and one of the three in West Africa working on disability rights awareness using education.

He added that everything would be done to ensure that the essence of the project was achieved through media enlightenment programmes, workshops, interface with religious bodies, law enforcement agencies and the traditional institution.

Mr Oguno listed other programmes to be featured in the project to include debate and quiz among secondary schools and moot court competition for university undergraduates.

Source: NAN

JUDGMENT: Industrial Court dismisses suit against Federal University Dutsinma for lacking merit

Judiciary

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August 10, 2020

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JUDGMENT: Industrial Court dismisses suit against Federal University Dutsinma for lacking merit

The Presiding Judge, Kano Judicial division of the National Industrial Court, His Lordship, Hon. Justice E. D. Isele has dismissed the suit filed by suspended Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutsinma, Professor Haruna Abdu Kaita against the University in its entirety for lacking merit.

The Court held that suspension of the Prof. Kaita pending investigation does not amount to a breach of his right to a fair hearing.

From facts, the Claimant- Prof. Kaita had submitted that he was appointed by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for a single term of Five (5) years effective 11th February 2016 as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

He further averred that the Defendants did not observe the principles of due process and fair hearing in any way or manner in the process leading to his suspension from office.

In defence, the Defendants maintained that the main purpose of constituting the investigative committee was to investigate the various allegations labelled against the Claimant with a view to determine the truthfulness or otherwise of the allegations and report back to Council of its findings.

The Defendants insisted that asking the Claimant to step aside pending the investigation and the outcome of the Committee’s investigation which was to be submitted to the 1st Defendant for consideration did not breach any right to fair hearing and is a normal Civil Service process.

In reply, Claimant’s learned counsel A. Addau, Esq. with Aliyu Abdullahi, Esq charged that the University had introduced their new nomenclature variously referring to the words, stepping down and stepping aside which impliedly admitted that Prof. Kaita was suspended or punished before being heard, without being afforded fair hearing and further that the constitution of the Investigative Committee by the Governing Council is irregular and illegal as the Chairman of the Governing Council by law is to be a part of the Committee of which he was not.

After careful consideration of the submissions of both counsel, the presiding Judge, Justice Isele held that suspension of the Appellant pending investigation can never amount to a breach of his right to fair hearing.

“The act of suspension, in this case, is an administrative act intended to ensure good and stable administration of the University and the Vice-Chancellor acted within his powers to suspend the Appellant.

“On the whole, the issue whether the Claimant’s right to fair hearing was breached is answered in the negative.”

APC candidate Wins Nasarawa Central Constituency Bye-election

NEWS

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August 9, 2020

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APC candidate Wins Nasarawa Central Constituency Bye-election

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Ismail Danbaba, has won the bye-election for the Nasarawa Central State Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Mr Iiyasu Umar, announced the result of the bye-election conducted on Saturday in Nasarawa.

Announcing the result, Umar said the APC candidate scored 7,475 to defeat Mr Bage Nuhu of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 4,608 votes.

He said during the bye-election, 12,217 votes were cast, while 12,083 valid votes were recorded with 134 rejected votes.

“By the power conferred on me as the Returning Officer of this election, I hereby declared the APC candidate the winner, having scored the highest number of votes cast,’’ he declared.

INEC scheduled the Nasarawa Central bye-election following the death of the member representing Nasarawa Central constituency at the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, on April 30.

Source: NAN

Onoja At 46, A ray of hope to the youth in Kogi — Omoluabi

NEWS

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August 9, 2020

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Onoja At 46, A ray of hope to the youth in Kogi — Omoluabi

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Political Matters, Hon. Omoluabi Olabode Adeyemi has congratulated the State deputy governor, Chief Edward Onoja as he marks 46.

Describing Chief Onoja as a rare breed, Omoluabi in a congratulatory message he personally endorsed in Lokoja on Sunday stated that the deputy governor has brought honour to the youth community where he belongs.

According to Omoluabi, the deputy governor is a perfect specimen of an upwardly mobile young man who has exhibited uncommon loyalty to the government and people of Kogi through selfless service, hard work and commitment.

“His Excellency Chief Edward Onoja as I celebrate you today, needless to emphasise that you have not only brought a glaring ray of hope to the community of young people, but your story is a perfect demonstration that loyalty and patriotism pays.

“In fully keying into the dream of our leader, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, you have preached and demonstrated that the era of tribal jingoism and ethnic supremacy is gone in our state. As a man well travelled, cosmopolitan in the real sense of it, you have never fallen short of treating everyone irrespective of religion or race with fairness, equity and dignity.

“You are a dedicated servant of the people of Kogi whose trust you have jealously guarded, positioning is a model figure among our younger generation. Your brilliant disposition in handling the affairs of our state has been a significant value addition in the actualization of a Kogi our dear governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello had envisioned when he gunned for the number one seat in the land. Posterity has a pride of place for you.

“I join your friends, associates and the APC political family to raise a toast of prosperity, growth and endless divine providence as you mark your birthday today. For your visible efforts in enthroning a Kogi next generations shall be proud of, you shall be celebrated in a long time to come” Omoluabi noted.

He also prayed God to continually use Chief Onoja and his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello to change the Kogi narratives for good in their avowed commitment to leave developmental legacies in the state.

Grassroots Mobilizer, Salaudeen Tijanni throwns weight behind Elder Ayodele Akande for Akoko North West LGA Chairman

NEWS

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August 9, 2020

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Grassroots Mobilizer, Salaudeen Tijanni throwns weight behind Elder Ayodele Akande for Akoko North West LGA Chairman

One of the Aspirants of the last 2019 Ondo State Assembly election and a grassroots mobilizer, Hon. Salaudeen Adesina Tijanni, MNSE has thrown his weight and political structure behind the All Progressive Congress Chairmanship Candidate, Akoko North West Local Government, Elder Ayodele Samson Akande, FCA for the forthcoming Local Government Election scheduled to hold on Saturday 22nd August 2020.

In his remark, Hon Salaudeen confidently expressed that the good people of Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State in the recent times have understood and felt the positive impact of governance under his tenure as the caretaker.

He stated that as far as Akoko North West is concern, only Elder Ayodele and APC as a Party can further bring development to the council because Ayodele’s knowledge of governance and development erudition remains unbeatable.

“I know him and can vouch for his integrity, knowledge and transparency to governance. Please, lets vote for him. Believe me, he will do more than expected.” Hon. Salaudeen stated.

salaudeen endorse ayodele akoko north west

Nigerian Elite Seek To Control Appointment Of Judges – Osinbajo

Judiciary

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August 9, 2020

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Nigerian Elite Seek To Control Appointment Of Judges – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said the elite in Nigeria desperately attempt to control and sway the appointment of judges in the country.

Osinbajo said this at a webinar tagged: ‘Selection and appointment of judges: Lessons for Nigeria’, which was organised by Justice Research Institute on Saturday.

According to the vice president, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the Nigerian elite do all they can to influence the appointment of judges to suit their own purpose.

He stated that the country’s judicial system is under severe pressure from the elite who want to get ahead at all costs.

He said: “We have an elite and when I speak of the elite, I speak of the Nigerian elite both political, religious, commercial/business, etc. Everyone wants to get ahead, we want to own things, we want to control things and we want to own the judges too.”

“The Nigerian elite want to be sure of all the outcomes and they want all the outcomes to favour them. That is the same pressure that we have with respect to the federal character.

“So the federal character is no longer necessarily seen as choosing the best from a particular zone or a particular state; it is the interest in that state or that zone who want to further their own purposes that would want to come together to ensure that the person who is appointed is not necessarily the best, but he is the one that is most suited to their own purposes. This is the problem that we have.

“And I want to say that this is a natural human feeling. Most people in the world would rather have a situation where everything worked in their favour.”

Osinbajo said there must be an honest conversation among the legal profession, the judiciary, the executive, the legislature and the elite on why it is important to appoint the best judicial officers.

“If we leave it to the system that is going on at the moment; we are clearly headed in the wrong direction because interest whether private, political or group influences how judges are appointed.

“We must agree to an objective process to rigorously examine, test and interview all of those who want to come forward as judges,” the vice president said.

Buruji Kashamu mentored me in Politics – Abati

NEWS

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August 9, 2020

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Buruji Kashamu mentored me in Politics – Abati

Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesman, has said late Buruji Kashamu mentored him in partisan politics.

Kashamu, who chose Abati as his running mate during the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died from COVID-19 complications on Saturday.

In a statement on Saturday, Abati said Kashamu taught him the ropes in politics and linked him with the grassroots.

He also said the former senator loved Nigeria and was grossly misunderstood.

Abati described him as a humorous and generous person, noting that his death is a reminder that COVID-19 is real.

The former presidential aide stated that Nigeria and Ijebu-Igbo have lost an illustrious son.

“I am completely heartbroken. Senator Buruji Kashamu was my political mentor. Now he is dead at the relatively young age of 62. I feel like an orphan all over again,” Abati said.

“I may have worked with the PDP government at the federal level, but he was the man who brought me into direct, partisan politics. He was one of the most generous men that I have ever known. He was determined to groom me and he did. He taught me the ropes. He linked me with the grassroots. I learnt a lot from him.

“He was a very simple man who was grossly misunderstood by his political opponents. His persona, his politics was indeed grossly misunderstood but those who knew him personally met a man who loved Nigeria dearly and was unapologetically public-spirited.

“He enjoyed giving other people opportunities. He was humorous, kind-hearted, large-hearted and genial. With his death, Nigeria, Ogun state, Ijebuland and the people of Ijebu-Igbo have lost an illustrious son, who demonstrated courage, talent and creativity in everything to which he applied his energy.

“His death is yet another confirmation that COVID-19 is real, capricious and wicked. It is also a sober reaffirmation of the maxim that “man proposes, but God disposes.