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Executive Lawlessness: Wike, Others Risk Jail Term
It appears that the Judiciary is fed up with executive lawlessness, which has seen some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) flout court orders.
The National Industrial Court (NIC) might be leading in instituting the rule of law, as it moved on Wednesday to make an example of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and some of his executives, at the FCTA.
It was gathered that the NIC, Abuja has begun contempt proceedings against Wike, and others over what it termed ‘disregard of series of court orders’.
One of the reasons Wike would be standing trial is Managing Director/CEO, Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), Faruk Abubakar tenure.
One of the instances which incurred the irk of the NIC was Wike’s inclusion of Abubakar in the list of heads of agencies dissolved on September 27, 2023.
Recall that Wike had, on September 27, 2023 through a statement, relieved the heads of 21 parastatals, agencies and government companies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of their appointments with immediate effect, including AMML.
The contempt charge, filed by Abubakar also joined the FCTA, AMML and the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively, including the former acting managing director of the AMML, Engr. Yakubu Abbas.
In the Form 48 marked: NICN/ABJ/62/2023, which was dated and filed on November 3, 2023, the application was titled: “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court.”
The application was brought pursuant to Section 72 Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004; Order IX Rules 1-3 of the Judgment Enforcement Rules and Under the inherent jurisdiction of court.
The application reads, “Take notice that unless you (the defendants) obey the orders and directions contained in the judgment of court on July 20 and the order of this Honourable Court made on July 26, you will be guilty of the contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
It was gathered that that Abubakar’s counsel, Faruk Khamagam, had, following the dissolution, formally apprised Wike on September 28, 2023 about the peculiar situations that surrounded the agency’s headship and the legal tussle that preceded his appointment as minister.
Khamagam, in the letter, informed Wike of series of court judgments that affirmed Abubakar’s status as substantive managing director of the AMML.
The contempt proceeding would be standing on the allegation that Wike and others had been acting in disobedience to the orders of the industrial court made on July 20, restraining them from giving effect to the purported letter of termination of the employment of Abubakar as the managing director or the AMML.
Justice R. B. Haastrup had restrained the defendants from giving effect to the termination of the employment of Abubakar as the managing director of the AMML, which order was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2023, until the hearing and determination of the counterpart motion on notice.
The judge also ordered the defendants not to, in any way, interfere in the management, business and corporate affairs of the AMML and that status quo ante be maintained until the counterpart motion on notice was heard and determined.
In the same vein, Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had, on July 10, 2023 in a judgment, restrained the FCT Minister, the FCTA and others in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/499/2023 from dissolving and reconstituting the Board of the AMML by political fiat or press statement, without first following the procedure of CAMA, 2020.
According to the court, doing so would be ultra vires the powers of the FCT Minister and the FCTA.
The court had also affirmed Abubakar as the managing director of the AMML.
Khamagam, who said the AICL and FCTA had continued to insist on the termination of Abubakar’s employment as contained in their July 17, 2023 letter, also averred that Abbas had been parading himself as the acting managing director of the AMML in contravention of valid court orders and judgment.
He said, “Engr. Yakubu Abbas himself, has been parading himself as the acting MD of AMML and has been signing and issuing documents in that capacity, in the name of AMML from unknown locations.”
On his part, Legal Adviser and Secretary, AMML, Felix Edache, alleged that on Monday, the policemen stormed the AMML’s head office in Gudu on the order of the FCT commissioner of Police.
According to Edache, the officers were led by DSP Bello Adamu, who disclosed that they were deployed to maintain peace and workers’ safety.
“When I resumed, I saw a flood of armed policemen all over the premises.
“Upon getting to the office, I was told that they had come to ensure safety of the place but I told them that I am not aware that AMML made any complaint to the police to that effect.
“In fact if there should be any of such complaint, it should have come from me,” he said.
He was rattled, however, when later in the evening the same policemen tendered a memo from the FCTA signed by the General Counsel, Salman Dako, purportedly written on behalf of the FCT Minister asking the CP to prevent the MD, Abubakar, and the Legal Adviser from gaining entrance into the office.
He continued, “Although, the memo by Dako cited the termination of Abubakar’s employment as the eason for the request, it did not say why the police is being asked to prevent me from entering the office.
“We are law abiding citizens. We will never do anything to subvert the law.
“However, any attempt to trample our right would be resisted with every legal tool.
“It is time for the Minister to reassess his legal team at the ministry so that they don’t end up misleading him into running foul of the law which he also swore to protect as both lawyer and public servant.
“I am hopeful that the minister will act accordingly.”
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
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He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
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While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.
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