News

FG okays restorative justice system in FCT

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Government, on Monday, said it has okayed the use of restorative justice system in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

It said the new justice system would focus on addressing the plight of victims of crime instead of merely punishing the offenders.

The Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, in a keynote address he presented at the opening session of a two-day workshop for facilitators on the implementation of restorative justice in the FCT, said the system would help to decongest the prisons.

According to him, the system, which is an alternative to the formal court procedures, is a paradigm shift that would not only ensure speedy resolution of cases but also enhance the process of “repair, resolution and reintegration.”

“The concept of Restorative justice goes to the root of our Africaness, which believes that we cannot come back from court and remain as good neighbours.

“Today, we are here to explore how we, as key stakeholders, can work together to successfully implement this innovative model in the FCT.

The goal of restorative justice is to create outcomes that are not only fair but also healing for everyone involved.

“By focusing on accountability and empathy, we aim to reduce recidivism, alleviate the emotional toll on victims, and strengthen the fabric of our society.

“Therefore, for restorative justice to be successful, it requires the active participation of a wide array of stakeholders.

“Whether you are from law enforcement, the judiciary, traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society, or the community at large, your involvement is critical to ensuring that restorative justice takes root and thrives in the FCT.

“There is often skepticism about new approaches to justice, especially when they deviate from the traditional punitive model. Some may ask, can restorative justice truly hold offenders accountable? Will it undermine the authority of the courts? Can it be applied to serious crimes? These are valid concerns, and it is our job to provide clear answers and evide

“The public needs to understand that restorative justice is not a ‘soft’ option or a soft landing but a rigorous process that emphasizes accountability, responsibility, and active participation in repairing the harm caused.

“Restorative justice offers a chance to humanize the justice system, making it more responsive to the needs of victims and offenders alike. It offers a way to address the root causes of crime and conflict, rather than merely punishing the symptoms and most importantly, it offers a path to healing for individuals and communities,” the DPPF added.

In his remarks, a representative of traditional rulers in the FCT, the Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo, while commending FG for the initiative, stressed that it should be replicated across the federation.

He bemoaned the fact that most correctional centers in the country are overcrowded, saying for restorative justice system to achieve its purpose, traditional rulers and heads of communities must be carried along.

On her part, the Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, said the new system which she described as a progressive reform, “offers an inclusive approach that seeks to heal rather than simply punish.”

“It engages offenders, victims, and the community in a meaningful way, promoting accountability, healing, and rehabilitation,” she added.

LawblogNG.Com

News

WATCH Gov Sanwo-Olu turns conductor at train station

Published

4 mins ago

October 16, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

A video clip showing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu conducting activities at the Red Line Train Service.

It’s indeed ‘Eko oni baje’ fully loading in centre of excellence.

Kudos to LASG!

Watch clip below;

News

Tax Reforms: No cause for alarm, FIRS assures Nigerians

Published

32 mins ago

October 16, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

The chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has allayed the fears of Nigerians on the possible introduction of new taxes through proposed tax reform laws.

Mr Adedeji, during an interactive session with members of the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that the tax reform laws would not entail the introduction of new taxes or an increase in the already existing ones.

“Tax reform will not introduce any tax or increase the percentage of the existing ones, but it will reduce the number of taxes being paid by Nigerians.

“No agency will be merged in the process of carrying out the reform, and no job will be taken from anybody.

“The tax reform basically seeks to increase the simplicity and efficiency of tax administration in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Adedeji said there were four executive bills already forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly to legalise the reform.

According to him, the bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Act (amendment) bill, Nigeria Revenue Service bill, and Joint Revenue Board (establishment ) bill.

Mr Adedeji said the four bills, when passed, would, among others, help to harmonise the multiple tax laws in the country.

“They will drive efficiency and modernisation, simplify tax laws and ensure synergy among the agencies involved.

“The bills will also increase efficiency and effectiveness in government savings, promote transparency and integrity in revenue collection, align with international standards and broaden Nigeria’s tax base,” he said.

When asked why FIRS, as contained in one of the bills, would be changed to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Mr Adedeji said the present name of the agency did not cover the scope of its services.

“Like the Value Added Tax (VAT), 85 per cent are remitted to states while the federal government gets the remaining 15 per cent,” he said.

In his remarks, the committee chairman, Sani Musa, said the purpose of the interactive session was for the FIRS to update the committee on what the tax reform bills were aiming at.

He commended the FIRS boss for meeting the revenue targets set in the fiscal year, even as he urged him to go beyond the target.

Source: ibomfocus

News

Oyedepo Bombs netizns over Abioye, Aremu’s retirement, Says It’s none of your biz

Published

38 mins ago

October 16, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has blasted those criticizing the church’s decision over change of leadership to mind their business.

Bishop Oyedepo said critics should refrain from questioning the decision to retire some of his assistant pastors.

Nigerians have been criticizing Oyedepo over the retirement of his two Vice Presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye.

Both clergymen would be retiring after serving three and four decades in the ministry.

Their retirement was said to be in line with the operational guidelines of the church.

However, Oyedepo faulted the criticism that greeted the church’s decision.

Delivering a sermon at the valedictory service for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, on Tuesday, Oyedepo revealed that the church’s Administrative Policy of 1998 was reviewed in 2001, while The Mandate of 2012 was revised in 2024, stressing that the ministry operates by divine order.

He said, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”

Quoting the Bible in Genesis 49:26, Bishop Oyedepo stated that no one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor.

He encouraged him to maintain a mindset focused on growth, saying, “There’s no such thing as the best today or tomorrow; what matters is your pursuit of God.”

Oyedepo urged Aremu to remain connected for the continued flow of grace, advising him not to be distracted by baseless criticism.

Source: ibomfocus