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House Passes Bills to Set Timeline for Civil, Criminal Cases

House Passes Bills to Set Timeline for Civil, Criminal Cases

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading bills seeking to set a timeline within which civil and criminal cases are heard and the conduct of census.

The proposed legislations sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and some other lawmakers were passed at the plenary on Thursday.

The Bill seeks to provide for the alteration of the Constitution to set time within which the matters are heard and determined at trial and appellate courts in order to eliminate unnecessary delays in justice administration and delivery.

According to the synopsis of the bill, “In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial superior court of record shall deliver its judgement in writing within 270 days from the date of the filing of civil or criminal matter.

“In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial inferior court of record or tribunal shall deliver its judgement in writing within 210 days from the date of the filing of the civil or criminal matter.

“Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section – (a) a trial superior court of record may deliver its judgement in writing within 330 or more days having regard to the circumstances of the matter and in particular to the complexity of the matter, number of parties, number of witnesses, number of documents or other exceptional circumstances; and a trial inferior court of record may deliver its judgement in writing within 270 or more days having regard to the circumstances of the matter and in particular to the complexity of the matter, number of parties, number of witnesses, number of documents or other exceptional circumstances.

“Appeal arising from a civil or criminal matter except in election petition shall be heard and judgement delivered in writing by an appellate court within 180 days from the date of filing of the appeal, or such number of days not exceeding 270 days, having regard to the circumstances of the appeal and in particular to the complexity of the appeal, calling of fresh evidence or other exceptional circumstances.”

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has passed for second reading bills seeking to set a timeline within which civil and criminal cases are heard and the conduct

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National Security: Senate Set to Block Sale of Lafarge Cement to Chinese Firm

National Security: Senate Set to Block Sale of Lafarge Cement to Chinese Firm

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday directed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to immediately halt the planned sale of Lafarge Cement Plc to a Chinese company on grounds of national security and economic sovereignty.

The Senate  explained that this would ensure that the divestment process prioritises national security and economic sovereignty. The company is located in Ewekoro Local Government Area in Ogun State.

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central, noted Lafarge Cement Plc strategic importance to Nigeria’s construction and industrial sectors, stressing that it  is not just another company but a key pillar of Nigeria’s infrastructure development which provides jobs and supports economic growth.

He noted that Holcim AG, which holds an 83.8 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa, is set to sell its shares to Huaxin Cement Co., a Chinese cement manufacturer, in a deal valued at $1 billion in a transaction that is set for completion in 2025, pending regulatory approval.

According to him, there are concerns, as the deal could lead to capital flight, job losses, and reduced regulatory oversight over a sector vital to national development.

Afolabi added:  “We cannot afford to wake up one day and realise that our cement industry, one of the backbones of our economy, is entirely in foreign hands. Local investors have shown willingness to participate, yet they face unnecessary barriers. This is a matter of economic patriotism.

“This is about protecting Nigeria’s economic future. We must ensure that strategic assets like Lafarge Cement remain in the hands of those who have the country’s best interests at heart.”

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, in his remarks, said:  “What we are asking for, this is one company that has been in existence for over 50 years. This is one company that is the largest cement company in the whole of Nigeria and sub Saharan  Africa.

“This is one company that in one way or the other, has impacted on Nigeria’s economy through various involvements in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. The company is about to be divested and the transaction has been shrouded in secrecy. What the motion is simply asking for is that we want this transaction to be as transparent as possible.

“Where Nigerian investors and stakeholders can be given equal level of participation in the sale of this all-important company.  We are seeking the leave of this Senate to get involved to the extent of involving our various committees in the Senate which includes the Committee on Capital and Security and Exchange Commission.

“The Committee on Trade and Investment should look into  this transaction to ensure that all that needs to be done to the level that every Nigerian who is capable and who is also interested can be given a level playing field.

“By the time the eventual sale of this company is done, we will be fully satisfied that it has been done with much level of transparency, much level of cooperation and to the extent that Nigeria’s economy will be protected.”

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim said as good and as well crafted as the motion was, the Senate must be guided. He said: “Whether we are in tandem with the submissions made, we have to be guided as a Senate. We cannot convert the Senate to a sales company or Bureau of Public Enterprise.

“The laws are very clear, agencies of government have been established by law, one of which is the Bureau of Public Enterprises and we cannot sit as a Senate to judge them as being unfair or transparent in commercial transactions.

“I do think that there should also be the right to enter into a contract freely and the right to leave at will. The Senate should not be an impediment to a free flow democratic sale of any company in Nigeria. The Senate should converge to see the sanctity of contracts, not to be an impediment to the contract or be a sales agent.

“Our Committee has no business whatsoever. When a company wants to divest, it can divest freely but the issue of transparency of government shares can be captured by our oversight functions but individuals selling have nothing to do with the Senate.

“It is on this ground that I want to say very clearly that we must be very careful, because I am from the private sector and I have a lot of experience in sales and buying of government assets and I know the consequence that comes with it.”

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Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate yesterday directed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to immediately halt the planned sale of Lafarge Cement Plc to a Chinese company on grounds

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US Pauses Financial Contributions to WTO, Trade Sources Tell Reuters

US Pauses Financial Contributions to WTO, Trade Sources Tell Reuters

The United States has suspended contributions to the World Trade Organization, Reuters was reporting late yesterday night claiming information from three trade sources.  As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up efforts to cut government spending.

The Trump administration is retreating from global institutions it sees as at odds with his “America First” economic policies. It plans to quit some, such as the World Health Organization, and has cut contributions to others as part of a broad review of federal spending.

 The WTO has already been hobbled by a U.S. move in 2019 during Trump’s first term to block new judge appointments to its top appeals court, which left its key dispute settlement system only partially functional. Washington had accused the WTO Appellate Body of judicial overreach in trade disputes.

The Geneva-based trade watchdog had an annual budget of 205 million Swiss francs ($232.06 million) in 2024. The United States was due to contribute about 11% of that based on a fees system that is proportionate to its share of global trade, according to public WTO documents.

A U.S. delegate told a March 4 WTO budget meeting that its payments to the 2024 and 2025 budgets were on hold pending a review of contributions to international organisations and that it would inform the WTO of the outcome at an unspecified date, two trade sources with direct knowledge of the meeting said.

A third trade source confirmed their account and said the WTO was coming up with a “Plan B” in case of a prolonged funding pause, without elaborating.

All three sources asked for confidentiality because the budget meeting was private and the U.S. funding pause has not been formally announced.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the WTO in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

WTO spokesperson Ismaila Dieng referred questions to U.S. authorities.

“Generally, arrears can impact the operational capacity of the WTO Secretariat. But the Secretariat continues to manage its resources prudently and has plans in place to enable it to operate within the financial limitations imposed by any arrears,” he said.

As of end-December 2024, the United States had arrears of 22.7 million Swiss francs ($25.70 million), according to a WTO document obtained by Reuters marked “RESTRICTED” and dated February 21.

Under WTO rules, any member that fails to pay its dues after more than a year is subject to “administrative measures” – a series of punitive steps that get progressively stricter the longer the fees go unpaid.

The country is now classified as being in the first of three such categories, two of the trade sources confirmed to Reuters, which means its representatives can no longer preside over WTO bodies nor receive formal documentation.

Reuters could not immediately establish if the WTO was already applying these measures to the United States.

WTO spokesperson Dieng confirmed that the chair of the budget committee had informed WTO members that the United States was currently in “Category 1 arrears”, along with other countries.

“It remains the responsibility of WTO Members to implement the consequences associated with arrears,” he said.

As of end-2024, five other member countries – Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Gabon and Gambia – were in that category, the WTO restricted document showed.

A total 38.4 million Swiss francs ($43.47 million) of contributions were outstanding, including unpaid fees from 2024 and prior, it showed.

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The United States has suspended contributions to the World Trade Organization, Reuters was reporting late yesterday night claiming information from three trade sources.  As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration ramps

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Award-winning Journalist, Stephanie Busari, Makes History with Groundbreaking ‘Her Story’ Project

Award-winning Journalist, Stephanie Busari, Makes History with Groundbreaking ‘Her Story’ Project

Mary Nnah

In a memorable night, award-winning journalist Stephanie Busari, alongside co-visionary Ifeanyi Abraham, officially launched the groundbreaking project, “Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change”, at the prestigious Balmoral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday.

This monumental event celebrated the extraordinary contributions of over 40 trailblazing women across Africa, the Middle East, and the diaspora.

These women, who have broken barriers and redefined leadership, were honored through a powerful convergence of leadership, storytelling, art, and recognition.

The book launch was led by Chief Launchers Tonye Cole, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Ms. Aiki Odiawa, Executive Director of the Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation, representing His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III.

In a historic gesture, the Oba pledged a seven-figure donation towards the ‘Her Story’ initiative and announced that copies of the book would be distributed across schools in Lekki, ensuring that young girls have access to the stories of pioneering women who have paved the way before them.

The event was a proof of the impact that women can have when given the opportunity to lead and make a difference.

From government leaders to business innovators, philanthropists to creative powerhouses, educators to activists, the women featured in Her Story have paved the way for future generations.

The evening also featured the Her Story Art Exhibition, which raised over 10 million Naira, with a percentage of proceeds going directly to girl-child education initiatives.

The art pieces on display were thought-provoking and inspired by female resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength and determination of women.

Adding to the momentous occasion was the launch of HerStoryGlobal.com, an innovative platform that will serve as a hub for mentorship, leadership development, and storytelling. The site will also offer access to Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change, allowing a global audience to purchase the book and engage with its powerful narratives.

One of the most touching aspects of the evening was witnessing the raw emotions of the women featured in the book as they held their stories in print for the first time.

Many expressed deep gratitude, reflecting on how their journeys – filled with challenges, resilience, and triumph – had now been immortalized in a way that would inspire generations to come.

Reading their words aloud in the presence of family, friends, and global leaders was a profound moment, as tears of joy, pride, and reflection filled the room.

For these women, Her Story is more than a book – it is a celebration of their legacy, their struggles, and their victories.

Another powerful and profound moment was when Stephanie Busari brought Yana Galang, the woman leader of the Parents of Missing Chibok Schoolgirls Association, on stage, honoring her resilience as a mother, advocate, and unwavering voice for the Chibok schoolgirls.

This poignant moment served as a reminder of the impact that women can have when they come together to support a common cause.

The launch of Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change is a significant milestone in the journey towards empowering women and girls.

It is a tribute to the power of storytelling and the impact that women can have when given the opportunity to lead and make a difference.

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Mary Nnah In a memorable night, award-winning journalist Stephanie Busari, alongside co-visionary Ifeanyi Abraham, officially launched the groundbreaking project, “Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change”, at the prestigious Balmoral Hall,

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Coalition of 24 CSOs Writes United Nations over ‘Usurpation’ of Democratic Structure in Rivers

Coalition of 24 CSOs Writes United Nations over ‘Usurpation’ of Democratic Structure in Rivers

•Raises questions over Wike’s alleged closeness to Nigerian judges

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and  Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A coalition of 24 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which says it’s advocating for the political and economic welfare of the people of Nigeria, has written to the United Nations, accusing the Nigerian government of usurping democratic structures in Rivers state.

It therefore urged the global body to sanction Nigeria if the country fails to restore democracy to the oil-rich Niger Delta state  immediately.

The coalition made the demand in a petition they filed to the Secretary of the Human Rights Committee of the UN in its New York headquarters yesterday. In another petition to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, the group of 24 decried Wike’s alleged closeness to Nigerian judges.

In the petition signed by Egondu Esinwoke (Convener) and Courage Nsirimovu (Coordinator), the coalition asked the UN to prevail on the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to restore democratic governance in Rivers state, failing which the UN should place sanctions on Nigeria for defaulting in her obligation to promote democracy and democratic institutions within her territory.

The petition also implored the UN to advise Nigeria’s president to limit his actions within the confines of the nation’s constitution which they said is the ultimate law and from whence he derives his powers and authority.

Stressing that it is guided by certain fundamental principles which are the fulcrum of the constitution, the coalition stated that the freedom of expression and the press is being threatened as well as the right to peaceful assembly.

According to the group, the people cannot currently exercise their right to demonstrate or protest because the military has warned against any form of procession against the president’s action, while officials of a democratic government were being forced to resign and/or removed.

“Consequently, it is our prayer that you use your good office to: Prevail on the president of Nigeria to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. Place sanctions on Nigeria for defaulting in her obligation to promote democracy and democratic institutions within her territory.

“Advise the president to limit his actions within the confines of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the ultimate law and from whence he derives his powers and authority,” the coalition added.

The document was tagged: “Petition Against the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Assembly of Nigeria for the Crass Usurpation of Democratic Structures In Rivers State and Ostentatious Desecration of the Nigerian Constitution Contrary to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

The concerned civil society organisations, said they recognise that advancing the rule of law, human rights and the basic tenets of democracy rest at the core of the United Nations’ basic values and principles, chief among which include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The CSOs further raised issues over the alleged relationship between the FCT Minister, Wike and the judiciary, noting that this was well captured in the article of a foremost Human Rights lawyer in Nigeria, now based in the United States of America, Chidi Odinkalu.

They stated that the ‘perverse’ decision of the supreme court, on the Siminalayi Fubara and House of Assembly case, was part of the basis for the declaration of State of Emergency by the President of Nigeria who the group said is a major ally of Wike.

“ Apparently the president wants Mr. Wike to control the political structure and resources of Rivers State and give him block votes for his second term bid. Hence the use of the judiciary as an instrument to achieve their ambitions.

“The president’s declaration of State of Emergency and suspension of the elected governor of Rivers State was purely political and unconstitutional.  In declaring a state of Emergency, the President quoted the decision of the Supreme Court,” the CSOs added.

The group urged  the UN organisation to immediately visit Nigeria to investigate the alleged corruption in the Nigerian judiciary.

“Dear Rapporteur, it is on the basis of the above weighty allegations that we pray you to immediately visit Nigeria to investigate the corruption in the Nigerian judiciary in view of restoring the hope of Nigerians and their trust in the judicial system as the last hope of the common man and not a political tool for the bourgeoisie.

“We further urge you to prevail on the relevant UN body or authority to prevail on the president of Nigeria to restore democratic rule in Rivers state Nigeria,” the group added.

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•Raises questions over Wike’s alleged closeness to Nigerian judges Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and  Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A coalition of 24 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which says it’s

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Wike Group Plans Bayelsa Rally,  Pledges Support for Tinubu

Wike Group Plans Bayelsa Rally,  Pledges Support for Tinubu

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A grassroots mobilisation group, The New Associates (TNA), linked to a former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has said it  plans to hold a mega-rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The group, in a statement yesterday, noted that part of the agenda during the programme, is to drum up support for President Bola Tinubu as well as inaugurate the group in Bayelsa and unveil its officials.

The organisers of the planned rally noted that  aside from asking for support for Tinubu, it will use the rally to express appreciation and solidarity with the former Rivers governor, especially for his ‘bluntness and good leadership.’

According to one of the organisers and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC),  Ebilade Ekerefe, the group has been activated in Bayelsa to galvanise support for Tinubu, especially in the rural communities.

According to organisers, as Nigeria moves gradually towards the 2027 election, there is a need to mobilise South-south youths to support the president.

They pointed out that the group which is grassroots-oriented was created by Wike to be used as a mobilisation for the president’s re-election in 2027, adding that part of the strategies to be adopted by the group is to showcase projects the federal government has initiated in the South-south geo-political zone.

Ekerefe said the goal is to ensure the people of South-south is enlightened on the achievements of the current administration of Tinubu and support his re-election.

‘’The New Associates is a grassroots-based political movement set in motion by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to mobilise grassroots support across the states of the South-south geo-political zone for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027,’’ Ekerefe noted.

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Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A grassroots mobilisation group, The New Associates (TNA), linked to a former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike,

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Makinde: Sharia Law in Oyo as Alternative Dispute Resolution Will Reduce Cases in Court

Makinde: Sharia Law in Oyo as Alternative Dispute Resolution Will Reduce Cases in Court

•Vows to always stand by constitution

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, yesterday, said the idea of Sharia law is an alternative dispute resolution that would help reduce the cases that go to courts and also, the pressure on judges.

He, however, noted that his administration would not oppose anything in line with the Constitution.

The clarification came against the backdrop of a media report that the Oyo State Government would go to court to challenge the plan.

Makinde declared that members of the public couldapproach the Sharia Panel if they felt like doing so.

The governor, who stated that the panel could be an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, noted that the court of law was still empowered by the Constitution to settle all disputes and that his administration would always follow the dictates of the Constitution.

Makinde stated this at the 2025 Iftar Programme organised by the Oyo State Government, the sixth since he became governor of the state in 2019, held at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to him, his administration was focused on ensuring religious harmony and total unity in the state and would, therefore, not allow anyone to cause disaffection in the state.

He added that while some people wanted to use any means to win elections, including causing religious disharmony, his government has remained focused on developing the state sustainably for the good of its residents and future generations.

“I read in the newspaper that I would go to Court for interpretation on the Sharia Panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position.

“My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution. I made a statement when Muslims in South Western Nigeria (MUSWEN) came to my office that we should not encourage discord among ourselves no matter how little.

“The interpretation on my own side is that, even in our families, it is not every issue we take to court. When people have disagreements, the elders in the family try to settle the dispute.

“So, on this particular Sharia Panel, whoever wants to patronise it and feels it is an alternative dispute mechanism, it is okay. It will help the government and ensure that the cases going to our judges are reduced.

“We will encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanism and the only thing I can say is that if it is something to be enforced or that needs more clarity, you still have the court, which is recognised by the Constitution.

“We have all lived together peacefully and as we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation.

“This is the reason that after three years into this government, we sat down and thought we should rehabilitate our roads. Before now, previous administrations would come in, patch the roads but during raining seasons, they get destroyed again.

“In our own estimation, we observed that most of these roads are 50 years old to 60 years old. So, we said we would scrape them, reconstruct them so that for the next 30 years, nobody would do anything on them.

“So, as we move towards the next election, let us be vigilant. People will come with all sorts. But I know that your prayers will see us through. Oyo State would never go back to the era of ‘do or die’ politics.”

Governor Makinde appreciated the Islamic faithful in the state for their prayers, support and cooperation towards his administration, noting that these had resulted in tremendous progress and growth.

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•Vows to always stand by constitution Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, ’Seyi Makinde, yesterday, said the idea of Sharia law is an alternative dispute resolution that would help

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Ezekwesili vs Nwaebonyi: Over 350 Women Groups Demand Senator’s Public Apology

Ezekwesili vs Nwaebonyi: Over 350 Women Groups Demand Senator’s Public Apology

•Say they won’t accept such disrespect

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

A coalition of over 350 women groups has condemned the attack on former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, by Senator Peter Nwaebonyi on March 25, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

The coalition said Nwaebonyi’s use of highly insulting and vulgar language against Ezekwesili, a respected leader and an invaluable asset to the country, was unacceptable and must not go unaddressed.

A statement by their media and communications officer, Ms. Caroline Osang, on behalf of the 350 groups, said the hearing, which was meant to deliberate on critical issues related to justice and governance, degenerated into a spectacle of disrespect and arrogance by the senator.

It stated that instead of maintaining the dignity and seriousness that the senate hearing demanded, Nwaebonyi opted to derail the proceedings, mocking the petitioners and disregarding the importance of the matters at hand.

The coalition said such condescending and dismissive rhetoric was an open attempt to silence the voices of women advocating justice, saying it is wholly unbecoming of a public official.

The statement said, “We, as a coalition, demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwaebonyi for his actions, and we call upon the senate committee members present to take responsibility for failing to call him to order during the hearing.

“The failure of the committee to intervene not only condoned this egregious behaviour, but also perpetuated a culture of disregard for women’s voices in the political space. This cannot and will not be tolerated.

“Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions were not simply a difference of opinion; they were an intentional and calculated attempt to undermine the credibility of women speaking out in pursuit of justice.

“This is an example of the abuse of power, rooted in gender-based violence, that seeks to intimidate and silence women who dare to challenge the status quo.

“It is a stark reminder of how women continue to be marginalized in political and public discourse. Senator Nwaebonyi’s behaviour reflects an alarming disregard for the values of fairness, dignity, and respect.”

Osang further stressed, “Oby Ezekwesili is the former Minister of Education and currently the Chairperson of Women Political Leaders (WPL), who always stood firm in defending the right of women to be heard and respected in all spaces, particularly in politics.

“We will not allow this assault on our dignity to stand. Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions were an affront not only to Oby Ezekwesili but to every woman who believes in fairness, equality, and justice. Women across the country are watching, and we will not accept this disrespect.”

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•Say they won’t accept such disrespect Kuni Tyessi in Abuja A coalition of over 350 women groups has condemned the attack on former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, by