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Falana Takes Legal Action: Advocates for Minors’ Education Rights After Protest Release

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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.

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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.

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The 114-page book, structured into seven chapters, pays tribute to General Zamani Lekwot, who attended the launch in person.

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Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest

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Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

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“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

See also Bauchi: Head teacher bags 11 years jail term for sexually assaulting 6-year-old pupil
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)

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A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.

He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.

“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.

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“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.

“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.

“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”

Amiloadednews

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SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

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The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

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According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.

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