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Justice is Free, Efficient in Enugu, Govt Debunks Alleged Extortion

Justice is Free, Efficient in Enugu, Govt Debunks Alleged Extortion

The Enugu State Government has strongly debunked the report by some online media accusing the Ministry of Justice of demanding the payment of N50,000 review fee as a condition for accepting a petition.

The government demanded immediate retraction of the misleading publication, describing it as wicked, unfounded, as “the Ministry only requires practitioners applying for certified true copies (CTC) of public documents, fiats and related reviews to pay the statutory/approved processing fees to the prescribed public coffers, as obtained in other public institutions, including the courts in Nigeria.”

The clarification was made on Friday in a statement by the Director of Information at the Enugu State Ministry of Information and Communication, Chukwuemeka Nebo.

The government further explained that statutory processing fees do not apply to “crime victims and practitioners acting pro-bono.”

“These processing fees are not new, but have always existed. They are not taxes. They do not also go into private pockets, certainly not under Mbah Administration,” the government explained.

The statement continued, “The Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s office do not charge for the submission or review of petitions, complaints, or requests by victims or ordinary citizens seeking redress or assistance.

“These publications are nothing but sinister smear campaign by those opposed to accountability and excellence. These allegations are unfounded and misguided and masterminded by people who are threatened by the towering successes and achievements of the administration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, especially in the justice sector.

“They also ignore the reform-oriented agenda that the Honourable Attorney General has pursued with integrity and dedication, earning recognition as a figure of probity and excellence in public service.

“It is sad that the instigators of the sinister publication, including its arrowhead, who is a lawyer, only relied on hearsay from a dispatch rider as they claimed, without contacting fellow lawyers in the Ministry of Justice or the Attorney General for a redress or response before sponsoring the wicked propaganda.

“Enugu State Government therefore demands the immediate retraction of the false, malicious, and defamatory publications.”

The statement described the Attorney General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, as a man “known for his impeccable character and uncompromising integrity in the discharge of his duties.”

“He remains committed to ensuring that justice in Enugu State is accessible, free to those who need it, administered with excellence, delivered promptly, and carried out with transparency and fairness. The Attorney General’s office is open to all during visiting days/hours, where he continues to attend to citizens on various issues of justice and rights.

“The present administration takes the matters of justice and rights in Enugu State seriously and does not hesitate to address any such matters brought to its notice,” the government added.

It went on to list the accomplishments of the justice sector as led by Dr. Udeh under Dr. Mbah-led administration.

“The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has recorded enormous successes in the justice sector. The administration has driven a focused mission of justice-sector reform that has delivered visible results.

“Key justice achievements include: the digitalisation and automation across the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice, including e-filing, virtual hearing and an integrated case-management system; onboarding and capacity-building for judges and court staff on digital court processes; the expansion and functional strengthening of Multi-Door Courthouse and the Citizens’ Rights and Mediation Centres across the Local Government Areas; establishment of the Witness Support Fund and other victim assistance mechanisms; and the introduction of multiple e-services to speed up justice administration and improve transparency.

“All complaints and petitions are treated 100% free of charge and expeditiously. Service delivery that previously took weeks or months are now conclusively treated within days. These reforms have been publicly acknowledged and commended by stakeholders and covered in the media as the central pillars of the administration’s agenda to make justice accessible, efficient, transparent, and investor friendly,” the statement concluded.

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The Enugu State Government has strongly debunked the report by some online media accusing the Ministry of Justice of demanding the payment of N50,000 review fee as a condition for

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Mars Aviation Clarifies Court Order Affecting Accounts

Mars Aviation Clarifies Court Order Affecting Accounts

Mars Aviation Limited has reacted to reports that an ex parte order by a Federal High Court in Abuja has restricted access to its accounts following the conclusion of investigation of businessman Mr. Bashir Haske who is associated with the airline.

In a statement signed by management, the airline said, “The application leading to the said order was made without notice to us, and we were therefore not allowed to present our position before the court. We have since instructed our legal counsel to take all appropriate steps to challenge the order and to ensure that the facts are properly placed before the court.”

It further stated that the company has conducted all its operations in full compliance with applicable laws and regulatory standards. “Every payment received by the company was for legitimate services rendered in accordance with Nigerian law and international best practices.”

“It is important to note that the allegations being circulated are unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence,” the company clarified. “Committed to full cooperation, we will present comprehensive and transparent documentation at the appropriate time and in the proper legal forum to establish the legitimacy and integrity of our operations.”

“We reaffirm our respect for the lawful mandate of agencies charged with investigative responsibilities. We trust that these powers will be exercised with fairness and full adherence to due process. We remain confident that, once all the facts are properly presented before the court, the outcome will confirm the integrity of Mars Aviation Limited and its management.”

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Mars Aviation Limited has reacted to reports that an ex parte order by a Federal High Court in Abuja has restricted access to its accounts following the conclusion of investigation

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Forum of Former Deputy Governors’ Secretariat Inaugurated in Abuja

Forum of Former Deputy Governors’ Secretariat Inaugurated in Abuja

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of its new permanent secretariat in Abuja.

The development marks a major milestone in the forum’s growing influence, both nationally and internationally.

The forum, describing the secretariat as symbol of unity and progress, hinted that it will also house the Polish-Nigerian Business Council, opening up new opportunities for global partnerships and investment cooperation.

The secretariat, located in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, is a multi-purpose complex that will serve as a hub for the forum’s activities. With the new secretariat, the Former Deputy Governors Forum says it is poised to deepen its work in leadership mentorship, policy advocacy, and national cohesion, positioning itself as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s democratic journey

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Chris Akomas, speaking on the sidelines shortly after the inauguration, described it as a dream fulfilled and a testament to perseverance and collective vision.

He said: “This is not just a building, it’s a vision taking shape – one that connects our past leadership experiences to the promise of a better, more united Nigeria.”

Similarly speaking, former Governor of Sokoto State and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described the structure as a symbol of unity, progress, and renewed commitment to nation-building.

He added that the secretariat represents Nigeria’s future, built on cooperation, accountability, and the shared experience of leaders who have served and still care deeply about the nation.

He said: “The new secretariat marks a defining moment in the forum’s journey. With its own building, the forum is poised.”

On her part, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and a member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Dame Pauline Tallen, stressed that the new secretariat marks a defining moment in the forum’s journey.

Tallen stated: “We are no longer borrowing spaces or holding meetings in hotels. This building is a statement of who we are — united, purposeful, and committed to the growth of Nigeria.”

The new building boasts two committee rooms, a boardroom, a 40-seater conference hall, and a showroom for the Polish–Nigerian Business Council, reflecting the forum’s evolution into a key player in governance, mentorship, and economic diplomacy

The event was graced by dignitaries, including representatives of the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and several former deputy governors from across the country.

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Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of its new permanent secretariat in Abuja. The development