News

AGF asks police to transfer case file of end to bad governance protesters to his office

Published

9 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Following the national outrage that greeted the collapse of four teenagers in court today, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called for the case-file of the minors that were arraigned for participating in the EndBadGovernance protest.

The AGF, in a statement he made available to newsmen Friday night, ordered the Nigeria Police Force to transfer the case-file to his office before Saturday.

He further directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) to immediately put machinery in motion to ensure the matter which was adjourned till January next year, is brought forward.

The Justice Minister said there were issues that his office would need to look into to enable him make an informed decision regarding the trial of the defendants.

He, however, stressed that it was not within his powers to vary the court order that remanded the protesters in detention centers.

The statement, which was personally signed by the AGF, read: “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the endbadgovernance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.

“There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.

“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January.

“It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January.

“I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case-file to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.

“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date).”

It will be recalled that police had on Friday, arraigned 72 persons that included minors, before the Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in the recent nationwide protest.

The 10-count charge against the defendants bordered on treason.

Four minors who were cited as defendants in the case collapsed before the charge could be read to them in court, a development that prompted their exclusion from the trial.

News

BREAKING: FG Releases Funds For NASU Salaries, Retirees’ Benefits

Published

2 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

After strike, the Federal Government has released funds to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities and pay benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

In a statement on Saturday by Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed that payments to NASU members have commenced, with many already confirming receipt.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.

According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.

“The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.”

The OAGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.

On Monday, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike over its four months of withheld salary.

Since then, activities have been grounded in universities across the country.

In an earlier interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President of SSANU, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, did not receive salaries for four months.

He said as a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made.

News

EndBadGovernance: Suspects deliberately fainted in court to draw negative media— IGP Egbetokun

Published

2 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has alleged that six suspects who fainted in court before their arraignment on Friday, November 1, did so deliberately to draw negative media attention.

However, he said that medical help was given right away, highlighting the police’s dedication to the welfare of those in custody.

In a statement on Friday, he said: “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.

Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face

While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.

This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.”

News

Bill Seeking Provision Of Guidelines for Judgment Debts Payment Scale Second Reading 7

Published

5 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking the provision of guidelines for the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its agencies.

The bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to provide guidelines for the payment of Judgment Debts Owed by the Federal Government and its agencies and for other related matters thereto,” was sponsored by Rep. Miriam Onuoha, member representing Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Onuoha noted that over the years, the country faced increased financial liabilities from judgment debts.

According to he, These payments have been managed without consistent guidelines, proper documentation, or transparency, and this has led to government agencies paying judgment debts on a discretionary basis, without due consideration for the order of judgments, public interest, or the need to respect court orders.

She said, “The current lack of a legal framework in handling these obligations has created room for

negligence and misconduct. Often, the actions of public officers, unchecked by clear consequences, lead to avoidable litigations.

“Therefore, the Judgment Debt (Payment Guidelines) Establishment Bill, 2023 is a necessary response to these challenges. It introduces a structured approach to managing judgment debt payments by the Federal Government and its agencies, ensuring accountability, compliance, and financial discipline.”

The objectives of the bill include to “Establish guidelines and procedures for the payment of judgment debts by the Federal Government and its agencies;

“Deter negligence and promote professionalism within government agencies, ensuring that officials act responsibly to avoid unnecessary litigation and foster transparency and accountability by mandating that judgment debts are included in the annual budget, subject to the oversight of the National Assembly.”

The lawmaker clarified that the bill does not intend to repeal the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, rather, “It complements existing legislation by providing specific

guidelines tailored to the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its

agencies.

“This Bill is narrowly focused on ensuring that payments are managed transparently, fairly, and with respect to established priorities, without undermining the broader framework of the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act,” she added.

Contributing to the motion, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, sought clarification in the difference between the provisions of the bill and the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, particularly in relation to the personal responsibility of government officials.

He said, “Let us get the clarification so that the bill does not become superfluous. It appears to me that the bill she is proposing has been taken care of by the Sheriff and Civil Processes Law.

“If an officer of government leaves office and another one comes in, who is going to be held responsible for debt entered into” he asked.

The duo of Rep. Ahmed Jaha and Rep. Iduma Igariwey, from Borno and Ebonyi States respectively however urged their colleagues to support the bill, saying more clarifications on the bill would be made at the committee level or during public hearing.

“Let us not terminate this bill at this level. Stakeholders will give further clarifications on areas that are not very clear during the public hearing on the bill,” Mr Jaha said.

But Rep. Igariwey said, “Let us allow the bill to go through a second reading so that when we get to the committee level, officials of the Ministry of Justice can provide the needed clarifications.”

Providing further insights, Mrs Onuoha added that the bill would help make public officers sit up and be more accountable.

She added, “Judgment debts have been shielded in secrecy. As a parliament, we have not had the privilege to scrutinise debts-how much is owed, how much is to be paid and all that. This bill will help build inclusivity and public trust.”

Following its adoption, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Justice for further legislative action.