News
Falana Takes Legal Action: Advocates for Minors’ Education Rights After Protest Release
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Femi Falana, has announced his intention to sue the federal government for neglecting the educational rights of minors who were detained following protests against poor governance. This declaration came during the launch of Judicial Terrorism: A Macabre Trial and Death Sentences on Major General Zamani Lekwot and 5 Others on the Zangon Kataf Crisis, a book by Mr. Richard Akinola, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
At the event, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed concern that “32 years into Civil Rule, the country’s judicial system still harbors military parasites.” He recalled how the Buhari administration undermined Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, through the Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2019, leading to Onnoghen’s removal under dubious charges that only saw him acquitted in November 2024.
Falana shared his recent courtroom experience where he represented 119 Nigerians, including 29 minors. He noted that the government withdrew the frivolous charges against them, feeling too ashamed to continue in open court. “While the minors have been released, ending the trial is just the beginning. These children, who should be in school, must be rehabilitated. If the government neglects its duty, we will take legal action as mandated by the Child Rights Law, which guarantees free, compulsory education up to junior secondary school, and we will fight to extend this to senior secondary school,” he asserted.
In his address titled “Military Terrorism in Judicial Robes,” which was read by Comrade Owei Lakemfa, Odinkalu stressed the significance of remembering historical injustices, warning, “If we forget yesterday, we cannot remember today, and our tomorrow suffers.” He recounted the aftermath of the 1983 coup, highlighting how military tribunals were misused to settle scores, leading to the execution of individuals for non-capital offenses.
Reflecting on the Zangon Kataf case, Odinkalu criticized the judicial decisions pre-determined by the regime, asserting that the remnants of military rule continue to taint the judicial system, where “military logic overrides justice.”
Mr. Richard Akinola added that Justice Benedict Okadigbo’s actions during the Zangon Kataf tribunal represent a low point in Nigeria’s judicial history, lamenting the current political influences on judges that erode public trust. He quoted Lord Denning, stating, “When a judge sits on a case, he himself is on trial,” calling for greater accountability in the judiciary.
General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, clarified that while some instances of judicial terrorism exist, they do not represent the entire military establishment, emphasizing that “misuse of power does not reflect the ethos of the military as an institution.”
In closing, Bishop Hassan Kukah, who contributed the foreword to Akinola’s book, urged Nigerians to unite and overcome internal divisions, appreciating the nation’s stability compared to those suffering from war or displacement. He encouraged a spirit of forgiveness, reminding the audience that everything occurs under God’s will.
The 114-page book, structured into seven chapters, pays tribute to General Zamani Lekwot, who attended the launch in person.
News
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
News
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
News
Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget
-
News16 hours ago
DHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News16 hours ago
Japa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News14 hours ago
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News15 hours ago
OUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News15 hours ago
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News16 hours ago
I’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News16 hours ago
Simon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News16 hours ago
Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize