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The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the regulatory body governing the practice of engineering, has said that Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024.
The President of COREN, Sadiq Abubakar, made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
The news conference is themed, “The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times – A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”
Mr Abubakar said that from January to 14 July, at least 22 cases of building collapse were reported in Nigeria with Lagos accounting for 27.27 per cent, Abuja and Anambra 18.18 per cent each.
He added that Ekiti and Plateau followed with 9.09 per cent each and Kano, Taraba and Niger states accounted for 4.55 per cent each.
“Records also showed that Lagos takes the lead in the incidences of building collapse.
“As a matter of fact, over 91 buildings have collapsed resulting in the death of over 354 persons in Lagos from 2012 to date.
“Similarly, in Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed from 1993 till date resulting in the death of more than 64 persons and injury of many.
“The most recent occurrences of building collapse close to DMGS Onitsha, Anambra State on 12 June and that of a school (Saint Academy) in Plateau on July 13 where 22 students died and 134 injured as well as the building collapse in Kubwa, Abuja.”
He said that the incidents were worrisome.
According to him, the incidents call for deep reflection and collaboration of all stakeholders in stemming the tide.
’’While we commiserate with all victims and families, we want to commend the efforts of all emergency and security services for their prompt response at the time.’’
According to Mr Abubakar, the leading causes of building collapse vary from one location to the other.
He said some buildings collapse as a result of aging, and based on investigations and research conducted over time, the use of substandard construction materials and structural failure were also responsible.
He said that other factors included illegal change of use of buildings, illegal addition of floors, quackery, and inadequate or lack of supervision and oversight.
He added that other factors included faulty foundations, a lack of soil/geotechnical investigation, and sharp and corrupt practices.
Mr Abubakar also commended the respective affected state governments for constituting a panel of inquiry to investigate the various cases, finding the immediate and remote causes, and preventing future occurrences.
’’This is not the time for apportioning blame or contest of superiority within the built environment but a time for all stakeholders to unite and proffer workable and lasting solutions, particularly in the prevention of building collapses.
’’All professionals within the built environment have a role to play in this.
’’In this regard, we have identified and categorised many stakeholders that we will be engaging shortly,’’ he said
The president said that the proliferation of illegal miners even within residential areas, as reported in some quarters, was a danger to the structural stability of buildings.
He added that the council had, therefore, urged affected states to take urgent steps to reverse the trend, adding that it was also time to enforce the compulsory insurance of some buildings under construction.
He said that COREN had taken some steps in monitoring and preventing building collapses by training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors.
Mr Abubakar added that COREN had reconstituted its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) and added an additional role of enforcement to its responsibility in line with the amended COREN Act.
He said that COREN had constituted an ERM&E Task Force at regional levels, including Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe, and Lagos, among other steps to tackle building collapse.
(NAN)
Ghana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred its ruling on a request to restrain parliament from transmitting a highly contested anti-LGBTQ bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his final approval.
The ruling means debate around the bill, which has dominated Ghana’s political discourse since parliament passed it in February, will be sidelined from the campaign for December’s presidential election race.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, chairing the five-member Supreme Court panel, said the court will expedite the case. But the case has been adjourned indefinitely, with no date set for further rulings.
Ghana’s Attorney-General Godfred Dame welcomed the court’s decision, telling the media: “I think the court is fair in coming by that approach.”
Two lawsuits are challenging the passage of the so-called “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill”, which has faced widespread international criticism for curbing human rights.
Broadcaster Richard Dela Sky is contesting the constitutionality of the bill, arguing it violates several provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
Amanda Odoi, the other plaintiff, is seeking a restraining order to prevent the parliament speaker, the attorney-general, and the clerk of parliament from sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo for approval.
The bill, which stipulates jail terms of six months to three years for engaging in LGBTQ sex and sentences of three to five years for promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities, has drawn condemnation from rights activists but gained wide support in the conservative West African state.
It has significant support among MPs and is backed by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders.
Ghana’s finance ministry has warned that the country, emerging from its worst economic crisis in decades and under a $3 billion loan programme from the International Monetary Fund, risks losing close to $3.8 billion in World Bank financing due to the bill.
[DailyTrust]
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called for a political solution to the protracted crisis rocking Rivers State.
Governors on the platform of the major opposition party also renewed PDP’s bid for power shift in 2027, urging other leaders to work for its return to power at the centre.
The governors who met in Enugu, capital of Enugu State, under the aegis of the PDP Governors’ Forum, reiterated their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is locked in a lingering feud with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had proposed a political solution to the Rivers logjam. But the peace deal was not totally implemented as Fubara later pointed out that the proposals were not legal.
The battle of supremacy has shifted to the court where the three-member House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, and the 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are making claims and counter-claims.
The Fubara/Wike rift was on the agenda of the Enugu meeting, apart from other critical national issues, the crisis in the PDP and its proposed national Congress.
At the meeting hosted by Governor Peter Mbah were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Umo Eno Akwa-Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara States), Ahmed Fintiri (Adamawa), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
Mohammed, Chairman of the forum, who read thd resolutions at the Government House, Enugu, said the governors have resolved to resolve the Rivers logjam without further rancour.
He said: “The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State PDP and commits to supporting the governor of Rivers State and also resolved that the issue be solved through political solution and other measures.
“All the leaders and organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal pressure and without rancour”.
The governors expressed support for what they described as the efficacy of the local government system and the import of bringing governance closer to the people as provided in the constitution.
They vowed to support the local government autonomy as enshrined in the constitution.
The resolutions reads:”In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party, who adopted internal democracy as fundamental principle, which our party was built, the congresses leading to the election of our leaders at the various tiers must be all inclusive, transparent and must confine with the constitution of our party.
“We must ensure the successful conduct of congresses across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.
“In the off season elections in Edo and Ondo, we admonish all the parties to ensure that the elections and campaigns are issue- based, violence free and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The forum urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field, transparent, fair elections as any act of bias will be totally rejected.
“The forum urges Mr President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining or making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.
“On the economy, the forum notes with dismay and great concern, the mismanagement of the economy by the APC led federal government.
“On minimum wage, the minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In view of the attendant hardship on the people, we have resolved that the labour demand on salary increase is justified and therefore commands the total support of the forum.
“While the forum fully support labour in their demand, agreement and consideration must be made in the ability to pay between the federal government, state government and third tier of government
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restrain in utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of the law and order and the collapse of the economy.
“The forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought to the people as provided in the constitution. The forum will continue to support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“The forum regrets that 16 years of growth and tremendous development of the country under the PDP led government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions, and higher standard of living for every Nigerian, has been eroded during the lifespan of the lackluster APC led federal government.
“The forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back the old good days of low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows, resulting in high naira value and create equality of human life as recorded.
“The forum commended the governors of the PDP controlled states for their innovative approaches to governance in many fields especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.
“The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State of the party and commi8ts to supporting the governor of Rivers state and also resolved that the issue be solved through political solution and other measures. That all the leaders and organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal pressure and without rancor.
“The forum called on all Nigerians to refrain from any anarchy as we march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027”.
PDP will bounce back in 2027, say governors
The forum vowed to reclaim leadership positions occupied by other political parties in 2027.
Governor Mohammed said the Enugu meeting underscored the intention of the governors to showcase their perseverance.
He said: “Today, we are here to unify ourselves, discuss issues that affect the party and various matters within ourselves.
“Our agenda will go through governance across party administration, discuss inter-party affair, congress and other things we need to do in providing credible alternative to Nigerians.”
Mohammed said the assessment undertaken by the governors, the National Working Committee (NWC) and other party organs showed that Nigeria was drifting toward anarchy.
He said PDP would not allow the country to drift because it shared an aspiration for a better future.
Reiterating the party’s agenda for power shift, Mohammed said:“It is high time the party reclaimed its leadership position in all the states that are currently being occupied by other parties.”
[TheNation]
THE Lagos State government, yesterday, has given a three months extension for owners and developers of existing buildings without Planning Approvals in the state.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, who disclosed this in Alausa, Ikeja, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the extension of the programme by another three months, starting from August 1 to October 2024, to allow more people to benefit from the programme.
How 'pregnant' passenger stole my car, made me unconscious - 43-yr-old man narrates experience
Recall that in April, the Lagos State government had announced the provision of an amnesty period of 90 days, from May 2 to July 30, 2024 to enable owners and developers of existing developments obtain Planning Permits without payment of statutory penal fees, which erecting buildings without approvals would have attracted.
Olumide said: “The Sanwo-Olu administration instituted the amnesty programme to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship on the built environment sector and equally enhance compliance to Physical Planning regulations to guarantee a livable, organised, orderly and sustainable built environment.”
[Vanguard]
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as head of the civil service (HoS) of the federation.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that Walson-Jack’s appointment will take effect on August 14.
Ngelale said Folasade Yemi-Esan, the outgoing HoS, is set to retire from the civil service on August 13.
“Mrs Walson-Jack was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several ministries,” the statement reads.
“The new appointee will take over from the incumbent Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024.
“President Tinubu, while thanking the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship, tasks the incoming Head of Service to discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.”
WHO IS DIDI ESTHER WALSON-JACK?
Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Lagos. She was called to the bar in 1987.
Before joining the federal civil service, she was the solicitor-general of Bayelsa and also served as the permanent secretary of the state ministry of justice.
She was first appointed as a permanent secretary in 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. She was deployed to the office of the head of the civil service of the federation.
She had served as permanent secretary at the ministries of Niger Delta affairs, power, water resources and sanitation, and education.
In 2023, she was conferred with the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In her early days, she attended the Federal Government Girls’ College in Benin City, Edo state, and the Federal Government College in Ilorin, Kwara state.
She is married to Nimi Walson-Jack, a former general secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
[TheCable]
Former media Aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad has condemned the removal of Ali Ndume as Chief Whip.
According to him, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is on the verge of implosion.
Ahmad specifically said the APC is repeating the mistakes made by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, between 2011 and 2015.
His statement comes after the Senate announced the removal of Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume representing Borno South as Chief Whip on Wednesday.
The Senate has also replaced Ndume with Senator Tahir Mungono, representing Borno North.
Recall that Ndume’s removal followed his recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He had in an interview with journalists last week stated that the President is not in the know of what is happening outside the Aso Villa.
Ndume also alleged that Tinubu was fenced off and caged.
“The government is not doing anything about the food scarcity and it needs to do something urgently. We don’t have a food reserve. There is an unavailability of food. The food crisis is the worst crisis that any nation can encounter. If we add that to a security crisis, it will be severe,” Ndume added.
However, following his removal as the Senate Chief Whip on Wednesday, Ahmad fears that his party might have taken the wrong step.
In a post on his X handle said: “I am afraid that our party, the APC, is on the verge of repeating the mistakes made by the PDP between 2011 and 2015. As a political party, we should be open to welcoming individuals, especially those who can contribute to our electoral success, rather than doing the opposite.”
Phillip Shaibu has hailed the court judgement reinstating him as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
He said it is God's doing that his prayers were answered.
We had earlier reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, nullified Shaibu’s impeachment.
Justice James Omotosho, who gave the judgment, ordered his reinstatement to office on the grounds that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the impeachment.
Reacting, Shaibu while addressing journalists at the Court’s premises, said the development was a product of prayers offered by Nigerians.
The embattled Deputy Governor dedicated his victory to God, stressing that it wouldn’t have been possible without the prayers of concerned Nigerians.
He said, “I want to thank Justice James Omotosho for his courage, he has restored the confidence that truly, the judiciary is the last hope of a common man and as a common person, justice has been done.
“Many Nigerians told me that they were praying for me. I want to tell them that God has answered our prayers. I dedicate this to God. I trust God that this judgement has reaffirmed the foundation of democracy in Nigeria”.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions, NASU has announced plan to embark on a nationwide protest on Thursday.
The protest which is expected to kick off from the Unity Fountain Abuja by 8am will see the affected staff matching to the Office of the Minister of Education, Mamman Tahir to further ventilate their grievances over the non-payment of their four months’ salary when they joined ASUU for industrial action in 2022.
Although President Bola Tinubu gave a directive that the affected staff be paid their salaries, SSANU and NASU members have yet to receive their payment several months after the directive was issued.
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading, an amendment to the 2024 Appropriation Act to the tune of N6.2 trillion for capital and recurrent expenditure for the 2024 fiscal year.
The amended bill was presented to the Senate by Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, indicating that the sum of N3.2 trillion is for capital expenditure, while N3 trillion goes for recurrent expenditure, to be spent before the end of 2024.
In his contribution, Senator Adamu Aliero representing Kebbi South, said the amendment, which would create opportunity for funding of critical projects that were not captured in the principal Act, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reminded the Senate that the amendment will take care of the minimum wage that is being discussed with labour, adding that it was important that senators expeditiously pass it into law to avoid strike.
Speaking on the bill, Senator Seriake Dickson differed, saying that the Senate should not pass the bill in a hurry to avoid pitfalls.
He recalled the backlash from the public over a bill he said was previously passed in a hurry, noting that legislators should avoid public ridicule in the handling of legislative activities.
Dickson also disagreed with suggestions that the amendment to the Appropriation Act and the amendment to the Finance Act, 2023, be lumped together, stating: “I don’t believe we lumped the two bills together in a way and manner we are doing and if I have my way Mr President, I like to suggest that we step the Finance bill down.
“Let it not be that without the experts and critical stakeholders participating in public hearing. I think that we should be very cautious when we are discussing taxation and even these banks we intend to generate N500 billion are all running around to meet recapitalisation. These are two critical bills.”
Senator Sani Musa representing Niger North on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress maintained that banks earn enormous profit which can be inferred from their end of the year reports.
He said the profit was made possible due to robust policies of the government, hence, it should not be difficult for banks to be taxed.
He said: “Money bills are very important bills. The point is that if you look at the end of year report, you discover that commercial banks are making so much money despite the hardship pervading the country.
“I think banks should be well taxed because they make this profit out of the pronouncement made by this government. The reason for removing oil subsidy, the reason for abridging the gap is for the good of this country.”
After contribution by other senators in favour of amendment to the Act, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary called for voice votes and it was passed for second reading.
The governor of Taraba State Agbu Kefas has appointed 1,270 executive aides.
A total of 1,075 were appointed within 24 hours between Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th July 2024.
In a press statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government Gebon Kataps, the appointees are to serve as either special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, constituency special assistants, or members of boards, commissions, and agencies of the Taraba government.
As of Monday, the state government released a total of 573 names and subsequently released 502 Tuesday night.
The number adds to the previous 195 earlier approved by the state government. The appointees are yet to be given portfolios.
The appointment is however in addition to the five others appointed with portfolios in his cabinet on assumption of office.
The last batch of appointees is awaited as the state government says the appointment is in four phases.
More...
Assembly Appeals Judgement
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, months after he was impeached by the state assembly.
In the Wednesday judgment, Justice Omotoso declared the impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
The court held that the said impeachment was in gross violation of the provisions of both sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The judge held that the impeachment was in gross violation of the Constitution.
Aside from restoring Shaibu, the court also ordered that his salaries and allowances should be paid to him from April when he was impeached as the deputy governor of the state.
The court issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from stopping Shaibu from performing the functions of his office.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to restore his security details.
Meanwhile, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgement of the High Court and has filed a motion for a stay of execution pending appeal.
Wednesday’s verdict came about three months after the lawmakers impeached the embattled 54-year-old as the state’s deputy governor.
In a move that was seen as the culmination of the long-drawn battle between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki, the lawmakers after investigations said they found Shaibu guilty of disclosure of government secrets.
The seven-man panel set up by the Edo State Assembly therefore recommended his impeachment on that ground.
The assembly then upheld and approved the recommendation of the seven-man panel and subsequently impeached him as the state’s deputy governor.
Eighteen out of 19 members present at plenary voted for Shaibu’s impeachment. Only one abstained from the headcount and voting process, ending the process.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has forwarded a letter to the Senate, seeking their approval to add ₦6.2trillion to the ₦27.5trillion 2024 budget.
The President’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Details of the letter show President Tinubu seeks Senate approval for the withdrawal of ₦3.2 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, for capital expenditure.
The President, in the second leg of the request as contained in the letter, seeks approval for the withdrawal of another ₦3 trillion from the consolidated revenue fund for additional recurrent expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December , 2024.
He also requested in the letter, an Act to amend the Finance Act, 2023, to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and to provide for the administration of the tax and matters related thereto.
Naija News understands the President’s requests have already been listed on the Order Paper as Executive bills for consideration by the Senate.
The president said, “Pursuant to section 58 (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I forward herewith the above-named bills for consideration and passage by the senate.
“The appropriation act amendment bill seeks to amend the principal act to provide the sum of N3,200,000,000,000 for Renewed Hope Infrastructure Projects and other critical infrastructure projects to be undertaken across the country and the sum of N3,000,000,000,000 to meet further recurrent expenditure requirements necessary for the proper operation of the federal government.
“They shall be funded by accruing to the federal government of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the proposed amendments to the Finance Acts 2023 are required to a one-time windfall tax on the foreign exchange gains realised by banks in their 2023 financial statements to fund capital infrastructure development, education, and healthcare as well as welfare initiatives all which are components of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
[POMR PRESS RELEASE] Obi @63 on Friday: "Celebrate me by channelling resources to the poor and the needy"
Admin![[POMR PRESS RELEASE] Obi @63 on Friday: "Celebrate me by channelling resources to the poor and the needy"](/media/k2/items/cache/e2b07ac9ac3e1d3abc905ce071254766_XS.jpg)
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi will be 63 years old on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Reacting ahead of the day, the LP standards bearer directs all those well wishes planning to celebrate him to direct the resources to the poor and the needy in the society.
Writing on his X handle on Wednesday ahead of the day Obi said he would wish for a solemn celebration as usual especially now that the poor and the needy are swelling in our midst.
"On Friday, July 19th, I will be celebrating my 63rd birthday. As usual, it is a time for personal reflection and thanksgiving to Almighty God, who has graciously granted me life, good health, and the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of humanity. I am humbled by the numerous well-wishers, both locally and internationally, who have already begun sending birthday wishes and organizing events in my honour.
"My appeal to my well-wishers and supporters, particularly in Nigeria and Africa, is to use this occasion to fervently pray for our nation and respective countries. Let us present ourselves, as political leaders, to God, so that He may touch our hearts to make sacrifices, utilize public resources for the greater good, and prioritize the needs of the poor and marginalized. Let us also provide better opportunities for our youth to thrive.
"To those organizing events and spending funds in celebration of my birthday, I kindly request that you redirect those resources towards supporting the needy, particularly those in hospitals and schools. Your contributions can help pay medical bills and school fees for the less privileged.
"I also appeal that all gifts intended for my birthday be donated to care homes, schools, and hospitals, which will greatly benefit from your generosity. I have therefore personally, redirected the resources I would have used for celebrations towards supporting critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation. I firmly believe that through these sacrifices, God Almighty will grant your heartfelt wishes for me and answer our prayers.
"Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I urge you all to remain faithful to Nigeria, our beloved country, and your respective nations. May God Almighty protect, bless, and prosper you and your families, and may He bless our dear nation.
Signed
Yunusa Tanko
POMR SPOKESMAN
July 17, 2024.
Press Statement by the Honourable Attorney-General of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, FCIArb. UK, on the Supreme Court Judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2004 - Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Ors, Del
Admin
RE: Supreme Court Judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2004 - Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Ors
I wish to address the recent Supreme Court judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2004 - Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Ors, delivered on the 11th of July, 2024.
This judgment, which has garnered significant public interest, is indeed a matter of great importance to our legal system and the country as a whole. It is with utmost diligence and dedication that we have been actively pursuing the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order from the Supreme Court.
Despite the challenges faced in obtaining these documents, I wish to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to secure the necessary materials. We must have access to a complete and accurate record of the judgment to thoroughly study its contents and implications.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court's decision in this case was not unanimous, with a split judgment of 5 against 2. Furthermore, the majority of the Justices even disagreed on the reliefs sought by the Federal Government. This complexity underscores the need for a careful and comprehensive analysis of the judgment.
As we await the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order, we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. Our efforts are focused on understanding the intricacies of the judgment and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation, while also ensuring that the administrative apparatus of our Local Government is appropriately manned with suitable personnel throughout the transitional phase.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the steadfast and industrious Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorneys General of the 36 States of the Federation for their dedication and professionalism in handling this complex matter. Their commitment to justice and the rule of law is commendable and sets a high standard for the entire legal community.
I urge the public to remain patient as we navigate through this process with diligence and transparency. Rest assured that the Government of Ondo State, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and will carefully examine the judgment and promptly set the necessary mechanisms in motion, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to fully implementing the rule of law in all our endeavours.
Thank you.
Wednesday, 17th July, 2024
E-Signed,
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, FCIArb. UK
Honourable Attorney-General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice