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Benue Assembly Rejects Senate’s Intervention On CJ’s Sack
The Benue house of assembly has rejected the intervention of the senate on the removal of Maurice Ikpambese as the chief judge of the state.
In a letter dated March 5 and addressed to the chairman of senate committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters, Aondona Dajoh, speaker of Benue assembly, said the National Assembly has “no oversight authority” over the state legislature.
On February 18, the Benue house of assembly recommended the removal of Ikpambese over alleged abuse of office and gross misconduct.
The resolution was made after a letter from Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, was read during the plenary.
Twenty-three out of the 31 lawmakers in the house reportedly voted for the removal of the chief judge.
After the plenary, 13 lawmakers distanced themselves from the removal of the chief judge.
Subsequently, the Benue assembly imposed a three-month suspension on the 13 lawmakers.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had said Ikpambese would remain in office until an investigation into the petition against him is carried out.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) faulted the removal of the Benue CJ, saying the decision was laughable.
During plenary on February 20, the senate ordered its committee on judiciary to probe the removal of the CJ.
In a letter addressed to Dajoh, Adegbanmire Ayodele, chairman of the senate committee, said the removal of the Benue CJ was carried out without due regard to the provisions of the law in respect to the tenure and removal of judicial officers under the provision of Section 292 of the 1999 constitution.
Ayodele asked members of the Benue assembly to address the situation.
Responding to the senator’s letter, the Benue speaker said the assembly understands the constitutional provisions surrounding the tenure and removal of judicial officers as enshrined in Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Benue speaker argued that matters concerning the appointment and removal of judicial officers fall within the jurisdiction of the state government and are subject to constitutional requirement.
He urged the senate to consider the doctrines of federalism and separation of powers, adding that the upper chamber can only play an advisory role.
He said any directive or resolution from the senate breaches the constitutional autonomy of the state assembly.
“A careful examination of the constitution and relevant national assembly statues does not expressly vest the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters with direct supervisory or oversight authority over state houses of assembly in matters that are exclusively within their jurisdiction. See Section 4(2) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution,” the speaker said.
“The Benue State House of Assembly recognizes the sanctity of the judiciary and the necessity of ensuring that all actions conform strictly to the due process provisions of the constitution.
“To this end, the House remains steadfast in ensuring that its resolutions align with constitutional provisions.”
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has designated 17 individuals and organizations over their alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
Those named on the list include Simon Ekpa, Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, and Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali.
Others are Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, Ogomu Kewe, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Group.
According to a document obtained from the committee on Thursday, the list was approved by the President upon the recommendation of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee held a meeting on March 6, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for designation following their involvement with terrorism financing.
“The Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List.
“In accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, you are required to:
(a) Immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession and report the same to the Sanctions Committee.
“(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
“(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) to the NFIU for further analysis of the financial activities of such individuals or entities.
(d) Report as an STR to the NFIU all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list.”
The committee ordered the immediate freezing of bank accounts and financial instruments associated with the listed individuals and entities across multiple banks, payment platforms, and financial institutions.
“Freezing measures should be extended to all accounts associated with the designated subjects. For designated entities, this should include accounts linked to their signatories and directors to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions regime,” the document added.
The committee also stated that financial institutions and relevant stakeholders have been instructed to enforce the sanctions and submit compliance reports to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng and
info@nigsac.gov.ng.
News
KAMRUM FARMS TO PARTNER WITH NUHU BAMALLI POLYTECHNIC’S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE FOR AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT
In a strategic move to enhance agricultural education and production, Kamrum Integrated Farms has announced plans to collaborate with the School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Samaru Kataf.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kamrum Farms, Mr. Rijo Shekari, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the school’s management in Samaru Kataf, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He explained that the partnership aims to revitalize the underutilized institution and equip students with modern agricultural skills.
Shekari emphasized the importance of collaboration between private-sector investors and academic institutions, especially in light of the ongoing global agricultural revolution.
He highlighted the farm’s efforts in crossbreeding cows to improve livestock productivity and expressed confidence in attracting international investment, particularly from a Brazilian company set to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
> “Our goal is to bring modern farming techniques to the institution and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s agricultural industry,” Shekari stated. “This partnership will not only improve the school’s capacity but also open doors for more students to benefit from quality agricultural education.”
Shekari added that, in a show of commitment to education, Kamrum Farms has already awarded full scholarships to nine students at the University of Jos.
Furthermore, the farm aims to assist the School of Agriculture in acquiring advanced knowledge and technology, which could help reposition it as a Faculty of Agriculture in the future.
In his response, the Director of the School, Dr. Thomas Kanai Emmanuel, welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the institution’s willingness to work with Kamrum Farms.
He noted that the school faces challenges such as poor funding, declining student enrollment, and outdated farming techniques.
Dr. Emmanuel lamented that the institution was originally established as a farm training center, along with three other similar institutions across Nigeria, all of which have since been converted into federal universities.
He further revealed that student enrollment has dropped significantly, with only 53 students currently registered.
He attributed this decline to high tuition fees introduced by the previous Kaduna State administration under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, inconsistencies in admission requirements by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Despite offering specialized courses in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Technology, Crop Production, Animal Production, and Agricultural Extension and Management, the school has struggled to attract students.
With the promise of improved funding, enhanced training, and stronger industry-academia collaboration, the partnership between Kamrum Farms and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic’s School of Agriculture could mark the beginning of a new era for agricultural education in Kaduna State.
The African Union (AU) has appointed Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, to serve a four-year term on the AU Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.
This prestigious appointment recognizes his extensive experience and dedication to advancing democratic governance and technological innovation across the continent.
The Advisory Group was established following a resolution by the AU Peace and Security Council in June 2024 that mandates the AU Commission to establish an advisory group to study the impact of and harness the potential of AI in peace, security and governance.
Samson Itodo is a renowned community organizer with extensive expertise in African politics, elections, social movements and youth development.
Samson has been pivotal in advancing electoral integrity and democracy in Africa.
He has also been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of young people in politics.
One of his most notable achievements is the successful #NotTooYoungToRun global campaign, which significantly lowered the minimum age for elective office in Nigeria.
Samson serves on the boards of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Kofi Annan Foundation.
Samson holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
As a policy advocate, he provides strategic policy advice to parliamentary committees, electoral commissions, political parties, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.
His current research spans social movements, election law, democratic innovation and African politics.
The 9-member AU Advisory Group is tasked with supporting the AU Commission in conducting a comprehensive study on the impact and implications of AI on peace, security, stability, democracy, and development in Africa.
The Group will also propose strategies to mainstream AI in elections, peace, and governance processes, leverage AI for reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, and develop new approaches to address emerging challenges.
Additionally, the Group will guide data protection and transparency while proposing options for a continental AI governance framework.
The AU Advisory Group operates under the auspices of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, whose office is pivotal in addressing the continent’s political stability and security challenges.
The establishment of the Advisory Group attests to the vision of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
It is impressive that the AU under PAPs emphasizes proactive strategies to harness AI’s potential for promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.
Samson Itodo’s appointment not only brings honor to Nigeria and West Africa but also signifies the nation/region’s active participation in continental initiatives aimed at harnessing technology for sustainable development.
His involvement is expected to foster collaboration among African nations in leveraging AI for the betterment of society.
In response to his appointment, Samson Itodo expressed his gratitude, stating:”I am honoured to serve and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through responsible AI governance in advancing elections, democracy and governance.
This is a pivotal time to ensure technology enhances peace, security, and democratic processes across the continent.
“With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and the common good, Samson Itodo brings a wealth of knowledge to this advisory role.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for his professional journey and Africa’s ongoing efforts to harness the transformative power of AI for peace, security, and democracy.