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Adeleke Credits Judiciary with Key to Survival of Nigeria’s Democracy
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has highlighted the importance of equitable, just and fair administration of justice as a condition for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
He made the declaration at the 2026 annual national conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua held at Ile Ife where he tasked judicial stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and ethical conduct on both the bar and the bench.
Represented by the Deputy Governor for Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, the governor recalled the current challenges facing the democratic process and concluded that the survival of the democratic process can be further enhanced when judicial officials and legal practitioners uphold the ethics of profession.
The governor spoke further in the keynote address: “The legal profession occupies a unique position in every democratic society because it serves as the bridge between power and justice, between authority and accountability and between the government and the governed.
“The theme of this conference, “Advancing Constitutional Democracy, Accountability and Responsible Governance: The Role of Law” goes to the heart of the challenges confronting our nation and indeed, every democratic society.
“Enduring democracy can only flourish where the rule of law reigns supreme. No society can attain sustainable peace, development or prosperity where laws are applied selectively, justice delayed or where citizens lose confidence in the institutions established to protect their rights.
“The Constitution remains the supreme expression of the collective will of the people. Institutions of Government, public office holders and the citizens are subject to its provisions. The strength of our democracy therefore lies not merely in the existence of laws but in our willingness to obey them and our determination to enforce them fairly and impartially.
“The judiciary has rightly been described as the last hope of the common man. However, for the judiciary to remain the hope of the ordinary citizen, its decisions and processes must continually inspire public confidence. The strength of the courts lies not in physical force but in the trust and credibility they command among the people.
“Our judges must therefore continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence, courage and impartiality. They must remain guided solely by the law, the facts before them and the dictates of justice.
“Similarly, legal practitioners must see themselves not merely as advocates for clients but as ministers in the temple of justice whose ultimate responsibility is the preservation of the legal system and the advancement of justice.
“As a society, we must continue to insist on accountability within our justice system. Every perception of bias, favouritism, corruption, undue influence or sentiment in the administration of justice weakens public trust and diminishes the moral authority of the courts.
“Our nation cannot afford a situation where citizens continue to doubt the capacity of the legal system to protect their rights or resolve disputes fairly. Public confidence in the judiciary is one of the most valuable assets of any democracy and must be protected at all costs”, the governor posited.
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Gov Adeleke said the issue of judicial transparency has even become more critical in our electoral and democratic processes, noting that “judicial interventions in electoral matters must continue to be guided by law, evidence, fairness and constitutional principles.
“The confidence of citizens in democratic governance depends substantially on their confidence in the institutions responsible for interpreting and applying the law. When justice is seen to be fair, transparent and impartial, democracy is strengthened. When judicial outcomes inspire confidence, political stability is enhanced and national unity is reinforced”, the governor said in his keynote address.
He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to lawful conduct, democratic values and peaceful engagement, advising that “political competition should never undermine respect for the law or the integrity of our institutions”.
Saudi Arabian shares fell in early trading on Sunday after drone strikes targeted the kingdom’s vital East-West crude oil pipeline, raising fresh concerns over regional oil supplies and infrastructure security.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index dropped 1%, weighed down by declines in major companies. Al Rajhi Bank fell 0.8%, while Saudi Arabian Mining Company declined 2.4%.
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Oil giant Saudi Aramco also slipped 1.1%, while Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company plunged 7.3%, making it the session’s worst performer.
The sell-off followed the precautionary shutdown of the East-West pipeline after aerial strikes on Thursday hit installations across the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing several injuries.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq both traced the attacks to Iraqi territory, where Iran-backed militias operate. The Iraqi government subsequently dismissed a senior military commander on Saturday.
Riyadh has so far held off on immediate military retaliation following an appeal from Iraq’s prime minister, while asserting its right to defend its sovereignty and critical infrastructure.
The tensions escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump directly blamed Iran for the strikes on Saturday.
The East-West pipeline is a critical route for Saudi Arabia because it provides an alternative for crude exports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest disruption has highlighted the vulnerability of regional oil infrastructure.
Previous attacks on Saudi energy facilities cut the kingdom’s crude production by 2.3 million barrels per day to about 6 million barrels per day, its lowest level in three decades, according to the International Energy Agency.
Elsewhere in the Gulf, Qatar’s benchmark index rose 0.2%, bucking the regional trend, helped by gains in petrochemical producer Industries Qatar.
Meanwhile, Gulf foreign ministers are planning to meet their Iranian counterpart as part of an Oman-backed effort to secure an interim agreement on managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Cross River State Command, has raised concerns over congestion and other challenges facing custodial centres across the state, appealing to the state government for urgent intervention.
CSC Effanga Etim, psc, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Cross River State Command, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday.
According to the statement, the Controller of Corrections, Cross River State Command, CC Aniekan Archibong Nya, psc, pcc, had concluded the Third Quarter Routine Inspection of the six custodial centres and facilities under the Command.
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The inspection covered the Calabar Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ikom Custodial Centre, Obubra Custodial Centre, Ogoja Custodial Centre, Obudu Custodial Centre and the NCoS Correctional Farm Centre, Adim.
The statement further disclosed that the routine exercise was aimed at assessing the general condition of the custodial facilities, ensuring compliance with established correctional standards, reviewing the welfare of staff and inmates, and identifying areas requiring urgent attention and intervention.
During the inspection, the Controller toured the custodial facilities, cells, sanitation and living areas, while also assessing correctional and vocational activities being undertaken by inmates.
He interacted with staff and inmates to receive first-hand reports and complaints concerning welfare and operational challenges.
The Controller emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe, secure, humane and rehabilitative custodial environment in line with the mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He assured staff and inmates that all concerns raised would be properly documented and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Nya also urged staff to remain committed, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties, while encouraging inmates to take advantage of available educational, vocational, agricultural and rehabilitation programmes.
He reiterated that the welfare, security, reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates remain top priorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Command appealed to the Cross River State Government to intervene in the myriad of challenges facing the Service in the state.
These include the provision of adequate bedding, reliable water supply, operational vehicles for court duties and measures to address congestion in the facilities.
The Command reaffirmed that the Service remains committed to working to ensure the safety and protection of Cross River State through effective custodial management, reformation and rehabilitation of persons in custody.
It also appreciated the continued support and cooperation of the Cross River State Government, relevant stakeholders, development partners and members of the public in addressing identified challenges and improving custodial infrastructure and welfare across the state.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Calabar Medium Security Custodial Centre, DCC Vitalis Ogechukwu, assured that the Calabar Custodial Centre remains committed to strengthening correctional administration and ensuring that persons in custody are treated with dignity while upholding public safety and national security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa and prominent businessman, died on Saturday, at the age of 90, three days before his 91st birthday.
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In a condolence message on Sunday, Shettima described his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria and Africa.
“I am deeply grieved by the passing of our father, mentor and one of Nigeria’s greatest institution-builders, Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, CON, the Tafidan Adamawa.”
Shettima praised Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector, recalling his leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
“He did not just clear the congestion; he built for the future.”
The Vice President said Tukur helped deliver the Tin Can Island Port Complex and modernised several major ports, including Apapa, Warri, Calabar, Sapele and Onne.
He also highlighted Tukur’s political career as Gongola State governor, Minister for Industries and PDP National Chairman between 2012 and 2014.
Shettima further described Tukur as “Africa’s pride” for his role in the African Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group, saying his advocacy for intra-African trade helped inspire ideas that have blossomed into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“He was a true global citizen — an Adamawa son who sat on the Ghana Investors Advisory Council, advised the President of Benin Republic, and was honoured by Côte d’Ivoire and Togo for his continental service.”
Shettima extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Adamawa State Government and the people of the state, praying that Allah grants the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family the strength to bear the loss.
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