Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Saturday 30th July 2022
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 30/07/22
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Thousands Of Ukrainians Sign Petition To Give Embattled UK Leader, Boris Johnson Citizenship, Make Him Prime Minister Of War-torn Country
Boris Johnson
Amidst political disturbance due to the Ukraine-Russia crisis, Ukrainians are signing a petition to grant the United Kingdom’s outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson citizenship and make him the Prime Minister of the war-torn country.
The petition has garnered over 2,500 signatures hours after it was started.
It was gathered that the petition, however, does acknowledge one negative side of such an appointment: its non-compliance with Ukraine’s constitution, Times of India reports.
PM Johnson is much regarded in Kyiv because of his pro-Ukrainian stand against Russian aggression. Moreover, he is nicknamed “Johnsoniuk” by locals to show their love for him.
The petition that was posted on Ukraine’s official petitions site lists Johnson’s strengths as “worldwide support for Boris Johnson, a clear position against the military invasion of Ukraine, (and) wisdom in the political, financial and legal spheres”.
The petition, addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, lists Johnson’s strengths as “worldwide support for Boris Johnson, a clear position against the military invasion of Ukraine, (and) wisdom in the political, financial and legal spheres.”
However, president Zelenskyy has not responded to the petition but he is obliged to officially respond if it receives 25,000 signatures.
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Why Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Sent Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong To Jail
Facts have emerged as to why the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State High Court, Justice Ekaette F. F. Obot sent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong to one month in prison.
SaharaReporters reported earlier that Justice Obot allowed armed policemen wielding AK-47 rifles into the courtroom on Wednesday, June 30, after threatening to jail Effiong for accusing her of being bias and asking her to recuse herself from the case.
It reported that on Wednesday, July 27 in fulfilment of her threat, the judge jailed the lawyer for one month for asking her to recuse herself from a libel suit filed against a fellow lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong by the state governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in Suit No. HU/279/2019.
Udom Emmanuel had sued Ekpenyong for defamation of character over a publication in which he accused the governor of “buying judgment” from the 2019 National Assembly Election Tribunal.
However, Justice Obot on December 15, 2020, gave judgment in favour of the governor, the Claimant/Applicant. The court found the Defendant liable for defamation and subsequently awarded N1.5 billion against him.
Effiong however challenged the judgement and one other involving a former senator, Effiong Bob and successfully persuaded the court to set them aside.
“You don’t stand before me and talk nonsense,” Justice Obot in December 2021 told the human rights lawyer.
“I’ve been on this side of the law for over 30 years and you don’t come and teach me the law from there.”
Effiong who urged the court to give priority to his application for extension of time had cited the Supreme Court’s position on the matter, “Notwithstanding that preliminary objection is on jurisdiction, provided there is an application before the court for extension of time that application must be taken first.”
Refusing Effiong’s application, the judge had said, “Preliminary objections are taken first in every proceeding, especially when it touches on jurisdiction. If you have replied to that objection, why are you afraid?
“Is anything the matter with you? This is the court of law and things are done according to rules here. Sentiments do not overrule that.
“You are not on Channels Television, neither are you on Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Television.”
Following the manifest bias, the Defendant (Ekpenyong) through his Counsel, Inibehe Effiong, filed a Motion on Notice asking Justice Obot to reassign the case to a neutral judge, having shown bias.
Inibehe had argued that since the Chief Judge had already entered a default judgment in the suit against his client in the manner and circumstance, her mind was prejudiced or likely to be prejudiced against the Defendant/Applicant.
He had stated that “the animosity and hostility exhibited by Her Lordship, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. F. Obot, towards the Defendant/Applicant’s counsel predates the instant case and there is no indication that it will abate anytime soon.” Citing a case in “Suit No: HU/MISC.4/2019 between MR ENEFIOK EKEFRE VS. GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE & ANOR, which was before the judge, she had cautioned and pointedly said to Inibehe Effiong, Esq: “stop fighting my governor.”
Justice Obot in the “course of the proceedings in that case, just like in the instant case, derided the Applicant’s counsel.”
The lawyer also cited that Justice Obot attended on June 11, 2022, the wedding ceremony of one Ms. Eyakena Abast Effiong Bob; the daughter of Senator Effiong Dickson Bab, a notable political figure in Akwa Ibom State.
The insistence of Inibehe to ask the Chief Judge to recuse herself was also based on the alleged hatred Justice Obot had exhibited against him several times in open court for defending his client.
The Chief Judge was alleged to have openly asked a lawyer, Mr Augustine Asuquo why he was practising in the same law firm with his colleague, Inibehe Effiong, and openly derided him in the most uncomplimentary terms and gone further to impress on Asuquo to leave the law firm (Inibehe Effiong Chambers) and look for “a senior lawyer” to work with so that he can learn.
She was also said to have accused Inibehe of evading service and “running away from the bailiff on the streets of Uyo”. She also accused him of bringing an “herbalist” to the court during a court sitting in the case.
It was gathered that Justice Obot saw the application to reassign the case as a threat to her career in the judiciary.
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BREAKING: Nigerian Senate To Invite Central Bank Governor, Emefiele Over Rising Inflation, Naira Devaluation
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday said it would invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over rising inflation and naira devaluation which have made lives difficult for Nigerians.
The senators lamented that the exchange rate of the US dollar to naira had now risen to N700 which was described as very sad. They, therefore, called for immediate attention.
Devaluation is an official reduction of the value of a domestic currency to the value of the foreign currency, particularly those currencies accepted internationally for transactions like the US dollars.
Devaluation is a deliberate action of the monetary authority. It can be reversed to appreciation through the same market forces when an economy improves.
A major issue of concern and challenge for most individuals and companies is the widespread surge in prices of goods and services due to this devaluation.
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BREAKING: Nigerian Senate To Invite Central Bank Governor, Emefiele Over Rising Inflation, Naira Devaluation
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday said it would invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over rising inflation and naira devaluation which have made lives difficult for Nigerians.
The senators lamented that the exchange rate of the US dollar to naira had now risen to N700 which was described as very sad. They, therefore, called for immediate attention.
Devaluation is an official reduction of the value of a domestic currency to the value of the foreign currency, particularly those currencies accepted internationally for transactions like the US dollars.
Devaluation is a deliberate action of the monetary authority. It can be reversed to appreciation through the same market forces when an economy improves.
A major issue of concern and challenge for most individuals and companies is the widespread surge in prices of goods and services due to this devaluation.
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BREAKING: Nigerian Senate To Invite Central Bank Governor, Emefiele Over Rising Inflation, Naira Devaluation
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday said it would invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over rising inflation and naira devaluation which have made lives difficult for Nigerians.
The senators lamented that the exchange rate of the US dollar to naira had now risen to N700 which was described as very sad. They, therefore, called for immediate attention.
Devaluation is an official reduction of the value of a domestic currency to the value of the foreign currency, particularly those currencies accepted internationally for transactions like the US dollars.
Devaluation is a deliberate action of the monetary authority. It can be reversed to appreciation through the same market forces when an economy improves.
A major issue of concern and challenge for most individuals and companies is the widespread surge in prices of goods and services due to this devaluation.
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E2%80%99s-impeachment-over-alarming BREAKING: #Buhari-Must-Go: Nigerian Senators Demand President’s Impeachment Over Alarming Insecurity, Killings
Senators across the party divides on Wednesday called for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari over the escalation of terror attacks in the country.
The lawmakers, who angrily stormed out of the plenary around 2.10pm, were all chanting “Buhari must go” repeatedly.
Addressing journalists at the Senate Press Corps (SPC) Centre, the Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda, said they gave President Buhari six weeks’ ultimatum within which to resolve the heightened insecurity in the country or face impeachment.
Aduda, who was flanked by many other lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); People’s Democratic Party (PDP); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the newly formed New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), expressed displeasure at the daily occurrence of kidnappings, killings, extortions by the terrorists and bandits across the country.
There was a mild drama that played out during the plenary in the upper chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
It was gathered that the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Phillip Aduda, had raised a point of order asking the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to discuss the security situation in the country and the impeachment of President Buhari.
However, Senator Lawan, who presided over the plenary, declined the request of the minority leader, saying the point of order raised, fell flat on its face.
SaharaReporters had earlier today reported that the Northern Elders Forum spokesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, also advised Buhari to resign due to the current state of Nigeria.
The NEF spokesman had said this in a series of tweets.
He lamented the failures of Buhari as a president despite his huge resources and power.
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E2%80%93-northern-elders-forum Buhari Should Resign; Enough Is Enough In Nigeria – Northern Elders Forum
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Northern Elders Forum has again advised President Muhammadu Buhari to resign due to the alarming insecurity and socio-economic problems facing the country.
The NEF spokesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, stated this in a series of tweets.
He added that 2023 might be the worst year so far for the country, considering the present state of the economy and security.
He lamented the failure of Buhari as a president despite the huge resources.
Baba-Ahmed said, “When you have a President with huge powers like ours has, NOBODY leads anything. He is everything. He sets standards.
“He determines how those below him work. He determines how those below him work; even VP, governors, Legislators, Ministers etc. He can’t pass the buck. Where you a near-total collapse, he is responsible. This is MY PERSONAL opinion; I am terrified by the state of Nigeria. I am more terrified by what it will be by May 2023.
“If there are people he listens to, they should ask him to consider resigning. Any lawful option is better than his continuing. Raise your voice, Nigeria. It’s enough.”
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E2%80%99-attacks Nigerian Government Directs Abuja Private Schools To Close Over Scare Of Terrorists’ Attacks
The Nigerian government has directed the closure of all private schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, over the rising insecurity and fear of terrorists’ attacks.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Nigeria, Abuja, stating that the directive to shut down schools came from the FCT Education secretariat.
The message reads, “Dear school educators, instruction reaching me now from the Ag. Director DQA is that the FCT Education secretariat has directed that schools are to make sure all examinations going on should be ended by Wednesday, July 27, 2022, and all students including those in boarding should be allowed to go home for the holiday.”
The directive comes amidst threats of attacks in the capital city.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the government ordered the immediate closure of one of its Unity Colleges, the Federal Government College Kwali, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
It had also been reported that security agencies got a security report that the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram planned to attack Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina and Zamfara states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The decision to close the federal schools was taken after a reported terrorist attack on the neighbouring Sheda community in the Area Council, which is close to the college.
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Nigerian Police Officer Allegedly Rapes, Impregnates 15-Year-Old Niece In Nasarawa
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A police officer attached to the State Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force, Nasarawa State command, has allegedly raped and impregnated his 15-year-old niece who resided with him. .This was revealed by the State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Mrs Rabiatu Addra, during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital on Wednesday, Daily Trust reports.
Mrs Addra stated that a whistleblower had reported the incident, stating that the victim was allegedly raped by her uncle, who is an inspector in the Nigeria Police Force.According to her, the suspect has been arrested.She further restated her commitment to follow up on the case and ensure that the suspect was being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other residents of the state.Addra also appealed to the police command in the state to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter should be followed to the later.She said, “On receipt of the information by the whistleblower, FIDA in conjunction with the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response team, facilitated and mobilised police officers to get the suspect arrested.“Our team with the police took the victim to the hospital and paid for her treatment but unfortunately she lost the six-month-old baby. The state ministry of Justice further paid the bill for a DNA test as part of the ongoing investigation to ascertain the real culprit.”Mrs Rabiatu Addra, however, said that the victim had been discharged from the hospital and taken back to her family.
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E2%80%93-aac-party-demands Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Displayed Judicial Shamelessness, Recklessness – AAC Party Demands Immediate Release Of National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong From Prison
The African Action Congress Party (AAC) has condemned in the strongest terms, the arrest and remand of its National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot.Justice Obot committed Barrister Effiong for contempt while representing a client against whom the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, had filed libel charges, when he (Effiong) prayed the judge that heavily armed policemen be asked to leave the courtroom, after the same judge ordered journalists out of the court.
The judge subsequently ordered that Effiong be remanded in Uyo Prison.Reacting to the development, AAC in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, demanded the immediate release of the lawyer from detention, failure of which, the party warned that it would carry out a mass action.The party also demanded that a disciplinary action be taken against Justice Obot for what it described as reckless abuse of judicial authority and desecration of what ought to be the hallowed temple of justice.The statement read, “The parody of democracy that Nigerians live under has again been brought to the fore with the distressing news of the remand of Mr Inibehe Effiong in prison while carrying out his legitimate duty as a lawyer and officer in the temple of justice. This is shocking to all members of the African Action Congress (AAC) and lovers of human rights globally.“Barr. Inibehe was committed for contempt and ordered to be remanded in Uyo Prisons by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot in a reckless abuse of judicial authority and desecration of what ought to be the hallowed temple of justice.“According to reports from Mr Inibehe and other eye-witnesses, our party’s legal adviser who was representing a client against whom the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel had filed libel charges, only prayed the judge that heavily armed policemen be asked to leave the courtroom, after the same judge had ordered journalists out of the court in what ought to be a public trial.“It is obvious that all these intimidation tactics are the machinations of the state government, under Udom Emmanuel, the Akwa Ibom State Governor who has continued to act like a tyrant in a supposed democracy and suborned the judiciary.“The action of the Chief Judge acting the script of the tyrant Governor against a lawyer in the legitimate pursuit of his duties is pure judicial rascality, judicial shamelessness and judicial recklessness. It is a fruitless conspiratorial attempt to intimidate a counsel, a fighter of human rights in the legitimate activity of representing his client.“We call for the immediate release of Inibehe Effiong now! Failure to release him with immediate effect would be met with serious mass actions.”
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