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CJN decries persistent allegations of inefficiency, delayed justice, bias, in judiciary

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said it is worrisome that in spite of concerted efforts, allegations of corruption, delays in justice dispensation and bias still persists in the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts of record.

“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist; Allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern,” she said.

The CJN said the impact of the challenges was being felt deeply within the judicial system.

“They undermine public confidence, weaken the judiciary’s authority, and create a dangerous gulf between the courts and the society they serve.

“The onus is therefore on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence,” she said.

While noting that the judiciary served as the guardian of justice, the final arbiter in disputes, and the ultimate custodian of constitutional order, she added that it however, did not exist in a vacuum.

“Its authority and effectiveness are inextricably linked to the trust and confidence that the public reposes in it.

“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired.

“However, public trust is neither assumed nor conferred, it must be earned and safeguarded through judicial integrity, professionalism, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

“As judicial officers, we bear the solemn responsibility of ensuring that justice is dispensed with fairness, impartiality, and efficiency.

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“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial. The perception of bias or impropriety can be as damaging as the reality itself,” Kekere-Ekun said.

Speaking, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi said that the theme of the course, “Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary,” was apt.

He said this was because public trust was the very foundation upon which the judiciary’s legitimacy was built.

“However, trust in the Judiciary, like any cherished value, is neither automatic nor enduring without deliberate action.”

He told the participants that public confidence must be earned through conduct that exemplified impartiality, integrity, and diligence.

Abdullahi said that the course would afford the judges the opportunity to reflect and deliberate on diverse issues, which had the capacity to diminish the trust and confidence reposed in the Judiciary.

“It will inevitably foster the proffering of workable solutions to address identifiable challenges, and also aid the mapping out of actionable strategies for bolstering the citizenry’s faith in the judicial system,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the refresher course is part of the institute’s effort at ensuring continuous professional development of judicial officers.

NAN also reports that participants include judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court and State High Courts, as well as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal and judges of the Customary Court of Appeal. (NAN)

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

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A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

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“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

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Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.

Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.

A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”

She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.

“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.

Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.

“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”

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She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.

“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”

Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.

“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.

“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”

She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”

‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’

Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

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“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.

“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”

She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.

“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”

She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.

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