Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, on Wednesday, said the Supreme Court “went off the track” in granting the Federal Government’s request for local government autonomy.

According to him, the Supreme Court amended the 1999 Constitution to grant the LG autonomy request in order “to please the executive”.

He, however, criticised the government for even failing to obey the judgment, alleging that it demonstrates President Bola Tinubu government’s attitude of picking and choosing which court judgments to obey.

Falana spoke in Lagos on Wednesday as a guest at the 4th anniversary of the Yinka Odumakin Lecture, which was themed “Selflessness in Leadership: The Yinka Odumakin Example.”

The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Dr. Joe Odumakin (widow of the late Odumakin), Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Omoyele Sowore, former Lagos governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje, and Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).

Falana provided examples of what he described as the government’s failure to adhere to court rulings under the Tinubu administration, including the non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.

He said, “Last year, the Federal Government went to court to challenge the removal of local government chairmen and councillors by governors. The Supreme Court was total by saying no governor in Nigeria has the power to remove elected chairmen and councillors and this regime was celebrating the judgment even though the Supreme Court went off the track by amending the Constitution to please the executive.

“Section 162 of the Constitution stipulates that every month, the statutory allocation of local government shall be paid into a State Local Government Joint Account; but the Supreme Court said no, funds shall be paid directly to local government. That judgment was delivered in July last year. Has it been complied with? And they won’t comply, if you must know.”

He added, “It is only when you have a Kabiyesi in power that the judgments of courts, particularly the Supreme Court, are treated with ignominy. The regime chooses and picks whichever judgment it likes to comply with and obey.”

Falana also pointed to instances of disregard for the rule of law, particularly regarding leadership in the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

He explained that following an election within the union, Baruwa had been reelected, but his opponent, MC Oluomo, went to court, and after losing at both the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal, he still occupied the union’s secretariat.

Falana said, “Another thing that will interest you currently is the National Union of Road Transport Workers had an election in August last year. Baruwa was reelected. His opponent, MC Oluomo went to the National Industrial Court, and they lost. They went to the Court of Appeal, which is the Supreme Court on Labour matters, and they lost. As I am talking to you, Oluomo, not elected by the members of the court, is the one at the secretariat of that union today whereas Baruwa is kept outside the secretariat of the union.”

He also criticised the actions of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, in attempting to ban rallies, meetings, and convoy movements, which he described as an illegal order.

Despite the threats, Falana pointed out that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not breach any law by holding a rally in defiance of the governor’s directive.

Falana stated, “Yesterday, the governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, issued an illegal order that I hereby ban all rallies and meetings and I also ban convoy of vehicles believing that Natasha would come in a convoy. And the people of Kogi made all of us proud yesterday by showing that a people organised can never be defeated. They gathered in a mammoth crowd despite the threat to arrest anybody who defied the governor, people trooped out and when they were monitoring the road, this lady came through the skies. They couldn’t ban the movement of planes and helicopters.”

He continued, “So, shocked and rattled, the government has asked the security forces to arrest and question this lady for defying the order of the governor. I say that no law in Nigeria was breached by her yesterday. As a matter of fact, under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of association, and assembly, she was only enjoying her fundamental human rights by going peacefully to her community and meeting with members of her constituency.”

Falana also reiterated that the suspension of Natasha by the Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, was illegal. He referred to multiple court rulings that had already ruled such suspensions unconstitutional, citing examples of Senator Ali Ndume and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, both of whom had previously won court cases after being suspended.

He stated, “I recently intervened concerning the case of Natasha by saying that not less than 10 cases decided by Nigerian courts have held that suspension of a legislator in Nigeria is illegal because when you do so, you have denied the constituency representation in the parliament. Senator Godswill Akpabio was in the Senate under Dr Bukola Saraki when in 2017, Senator Ali Ndume was suspended. He went to court and won the case. Godswill Akpabio was also in the Senate when in 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was suspended. He went to court and won the case.”

He added, “In any country where the rule of law operates, when there is a precedence, you comply. I understand the Senate Akpabio, a senior lawyer, was told that if the case goes to court, Natasha will win and he said, it will take time; let Natasha go to court. You are not going to use your own money; you are going to use the money of the state; it is the height of impunity for a senior lawyer to ignore the judgments of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in any given matter. That is what is going on.”

PUNCH

By Caleb Oboagwina Esq.

The 2023/2024 academic session of the Nigerian Law School ended on the 9th of November 2024, when students completed their Bar Final Examinations. As someone deeply invested in legal education through my role as the Executive Chairman of the EasyRead Series and as a stakeholder. I have always admired the tradition of releasing results within three months, followed by the Call to Bar ceremony. This timeline gave students clarity and allowed them to move forward with their lives and careers.

But today, April 2025, the 2023/2024 aspirants are still waiting. The Body of Benchers has announced a proposed Call to Bar date in July 2025, nearly nine months after their exams. Nine months. That’s an entire academic session spent in uncertainty. For young lawyers who have worked tirelessly, this delay is more than an inconvenience; it’s a heavy burden on their dreams, mental health, and livelihoods.

Imagine being in their shoes unable to apply for jobs because law firms demand to see your results first. Picture the frustration of watching months pass with no answers while the weight of financial pressures grows heavier in an already tough economy. These are not just statistics; they are real people with ambitions, bills to pay, and families depending on them.

To the Nigerian Law School, the Director-General, the Council of Legal Education, and all stakeholders: These aspirants are the future of our legal profession. They deserve better. They deserve transparency, efficiency, and, above all, respect for their time and effort.

I join my voice with theirs in pleading for the immediate release of the Bar Final Examination results. Let us not keep them waiting any longer. The legal profession prides itself on justice let justice be done for these young lawyers, too.

Caleb Oboagwina Esq. is the Executive Chairman of Easyread Series

The United States and the United Kingdom are among more than 30 countries that will no longer enjoy visa-free access to Namibia from April.

The two countries have largely enjoyed visa-free travel to more than 180 countries.

It follows a decision taken by the Namibian cabinet in July last year and will now come into effect on 1 April.

Until now, most European countries have also enjoyed visa-free access to the country, including its biggest tourism source, Germany.

Just days after the country inaugurated its fifth president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, it is following through on cancelling visa-free access to scores of first-world countries.

The country said the main driver for the decision was a lack of reciprocity for Namibian passport holders.

This is despite warnings from the local tourism industry that it could impact its visitor numbers.

In a post on X, the US embassy in Namibia advised its citizens to obtain tourist visas before entering the country.

Beginning April 1, 2025, the Namibian Government will require U.S. citizen tourists to obtain a visa before entering the country. Visitors are recommended to apply for their visa in advance of planned travel through Namibia’s online visa on arrival portal.

In 2023, the UK revoked visa-free access to Namibian passport holders.

Travellers from the affected countries will now have to make use of an online visa application system or obtain a tourism visa on arrival.

Stakeholders have raised concerns over the investment climate in Nigeria following plans by the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to invest $700 million (approximately N1.75 trillion) in Cameroon.

LEADERSHIP reported that the former President, through his firm, Agro-Allied Business Ltd (OABL), will launch investment this April into strategic sectors, including agriculture, maritime logistics, hospitality and energy, with significant operations centered around the Kribi deep-sea port.

OABL’s strategic expansion includes acquiring 610 hectares for maize and soybean cultivation, establishing fertilizer distribution and warehouse infrastructure and setting up a 10-hectare wood processing facility in Cameroon.

Additionally, the company will provide transshipment services to decongest Nigerian ports and construct oil and gas storage terminals for ship refueling.

A five-star hotel is also in the works to support regional business and tourism.

While the investment aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, to foster intra-African trade and strengthen supply chains, stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed mixed reactions.

They believe that Obasanjo’s decision to invest in Cameroon serves as a  reminder of Nigeria’s need to foster a more competitive and secure business environment.

Reacting to the development in a chat with LEADERSHIP, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, voiced concerns about Obasanjo’s decision to invest in Cameroon.

He stated that farmers would have been a lot happier if such funds had been injected into investment in Nigeria.

He warned that such moves could send the wrong signal to local farmers about the profitability and safety of agricultural investments within the country.

Ibrahim said, “I would have certainly been a lot happier if he invested this colossal sum in Nigeria. It might send the wrong signal to our farmers that the profitability and safety of investment in agriculture are higher there than here.”

Deputy director at the Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR),  Dr. Segun Adebayo, spoke with LEADERSHIP while acknowledging the rationale behind the move but lamented Nigeria’s unfriendly investment environment.

“With the current security challenges in Nigeria, it is not surprising that a Nigerian investor would choose to take such an investment to a neighboring country. It is a win for Africa, but it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t facilitate such investments within Nigeria.

So with the African free trade, continental free trade agreement, the yield and the investment would benefit Nigeria eventually and other parts of Africa”.

Adebayo also pointed out that Aliko Dangote has similarly pursued major investments outside Nigeria, emphasising that if ease of doing business policies remain unfavorable, more investors may seek opportunities abroad.

Members of the Justice and Human Rights Advocates have condemned the recent assault on some judges in Benue State by suspected thugs.

The group said the attack on judges has serious implications for independence and good governance in the state.

The group said it was sad that it was under this administration that various infractions including the botched attempt to sack the state‘s chief judge were being committed.

At a press conference yesterday in Abuja anchored by its national coordinator, Dr Emmanuel Agabi, the group advised the governor not to allow Benue to be plunged into a state of fear and lawlessness.

Agabi said, “On February 19, 2025, a group of thugs reportedly arrived in vehicles displaying Governor

Alia‘s image held 19 judges of the Benue State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal hostage for nearly five hours. The assailants vandalised the chief judge‘s office door and assaulted security personnel, creating an environment of terror within the judiciary.”

According to him, thugs have repeatedly disrupted occasions attended by judges of the state judiciary, including a thanksgiving mass at the Annunciation Catholic Rectory in Tsuwe Daka and a similar incident at a thanksgiving in honour of Senator Titus Zam at NKST Naka, Gwer West LGA.

He also picked holes in the appointment of caretaker local government chairmen despite a National Industrial Court ruling restraining such actions.

This decision not only violates a specific court order but also contravenes established legal precedents, including a Supreme Court judgment that outlawed the dissolution of elected local government councils and the establishment of caretaker committees by state governors,” he said.

Agabi equally condemned the non-payment of the judiciary staff salaries, which has resulted in prolonged strikes and paralysed judicial activities.

With the announcement made by Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, the illegally installed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, concerning the preparation of the state’s 2025 budget, law teacher and one-time Chair of the National Human rights Commission (NHRC) Chidi Odinkalu has questioned legality of the attempt, pointing out that President Bola Tinubu gave an assurance that Ibas would not have legislative powers. .

Odinkalu, who made his comment on Twitter, formerly X wrote: “Remember that @officialABAT said that #IbokEte will not do Ibas – like he will not have power to make laws. So, now the man #IbokEte wants to Ibas, I guess they will find Nwinsch to do this budget that he wants to do?! This kweshan is for the folks in http://ndiara.com.”

President Tinubu said during his broadcast that Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) would manage the state but would not have the power to make new laws. However, he will be allowed to formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and the president.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu clarified.

Unlike a democratic setting where a state governor can make new law through the state legislative arm, the sole administrator can only formulate regulations subject to the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the president.

Odinkalu’s remark challenges the authority of Ibas, who was appointed following a state of emergency declared by President Tinubu. The budget process, traditionally the domain of a legislative body, is now in question.

Ibas’s announcement followed a meeting with the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, where he discussed plans for an appropriation bill focusing on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation. He emphasized that the new budget would be transparent and inclusive, aiming for quick execution to benefit Rivers residents.

According to the retired Vice Admiral, “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.” He also drummed up support from federal legislators to ensure its success.

Despite Ibas’s optimism, Odinkalu’s concerns cast a cloud over his authority, raising the question of whether Ibas’s role as sole administrator grants him the legal right to draft the budget. This could ignite further debate on the scope of his powers under the emergency declaration.

Senator Barinada Mpigi, leading the National Assembly delegation, voiced support for Ibas’s efforts, stressing that they were committed to helping bring peace and development to Rivers State. However, the legal and political implications of Ibas’s actions are likely to prompt scrutiny from experts and the public, especially concerning the budget process.

As the budget proposal progresses, Odinkalu’s pointed question could spark broader debate on Ibas’s authority and the constitutional limits of his role.

Additional report from Barristerng.com

A police officer in Kaduna State, Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, has reacted to the recent lynching of 16 travellers of Northern extraction in Uromi, Edo State, threatening retaliatory attacks against Southerners living in northern Nigeria.

Dan-Taki’s comments came after the brutal killing of 16 northerners by an illegal vigilante group in Uromi, Esan North-East local government area of Edo State.

In a heated Facebook comment on Tuesday, Dan-Taki vowed by Almighty God that northerners would take decisive action against southerners in their domain.

Dan-Taki wrote, “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys, have you forgotten all your brothers that are leaving here in the North make my word, after one week you shall see the result.”

The notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, hosted an elaborate Eid celebration in Magira, Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State, before moving to Fadamar Lugu in the same LGA, where he and his gang brutally killed 12 people and injured one person on Tuesday.

The development was revealed in a post on X by security analyst Bakatsine on Wednesday.

According to Bakatsine, Turji and his men had gathered in Magira for an Eid feast, attended by bandits from neighboring Zamfara State. After the celebration, they proceeded to Fadamar Lugu, where they unleashed terror on innocent residents.

“Bandit leader Bello Turji hosted an Eid celebration in Magira, Isa LGA, with bandits from Zamfara State. After the feast, he moved to Fadamar Lugu in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, killing 12 people & injuring one person just for fun,” Bakatsine wrote in his post.

Bello Turji, one of the most wanted bandits in Nigeria, has been linked to numerous killings, kidnappings, and attacks across Sokoto and Zamfara States.

The National Judicial Council (NJ) has disclosed that it did not give any approval for the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State.

The Council, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director on Information, Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, Esq. further stated that: “The Governor’s request is yet to be considered by the Council.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

The attention of the Council has been drawn to the news making rounds that the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, had purportedly appointed Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is No. 4 in the hierarchy of Judges seniority in Imo State High Court, as the acting Chief Judge of the State, in view of the recent disciplinary action taken against the erstwhile Chief Judge of the State.

The National Judicial Council by this Press Release wants to clarify to the public that the Governor of Imo State had earlier written to the Council requesting for its approval to appoint Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is No. 4 in the hierarchy of seniority as acting Chief Judge of the State. 

The Governor in his said correspondence to the Council, gave reasons why in his own view, the three most senior Judges are not appointable. 

The Council is informing the public that the said letter is yet to be considered, as deliberation on the request is slated for the next Council meeting, which is scheduled to hold on 29^th and 30^th April, 2025. 

The Council is therefore, by this Press Release, informing the public that:

• The Governor’s request is yet to be considered by the Council.
• The Council has not given approval to the Governor for the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge.
• The Council is not a party to the process of the purported appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge.

Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, Esq.

Deputy Director (Information)

China is set to impose an additional 34 percent tariff on all American imports in retaliation for Donald Trump’s 34 percent levy.

Beijing announced the measure on Friday, the most serious escalation in a trade war with Trump that has fed fears of a recession and triggered a global stock market rout.

The new tariff, which comes into effect on April 10, matches the rate of the ‘reciprocal’ tariff imposed by Trump this week. The levies are in addition to the existing tariffs already imposed on US goods.

US exports to China totalled $143.5 billion last year, according to Office of the US Trade Representative data. Oilseeds and grains, including soybeans, machinery and aerospace products were America’s top exports to the country.

The US imported $438.9 billion worth of goods from China last year, with top imports including electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, toys, and plastics.

Beijing’s commerce ministry also said it will impose more export controls on rare earths, which are materials used in high-tech products such as computer chips and electric vehicle batteries.

China added 11 entities to the ‘unreliable entity’ list, which allows Beijing to take punitive actions against foreign entities. The country also filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over sweeping US tariffs imposed on its exports. 

It comes after Trump ignited a potentially ruinous global trade war this week by imposing 10 per cent levies on imports from around the world and harsh extra duties on key trading partners.

Beijing swiftly vowed ‘countermeasures’ to protect its rights and interests after Washington this week imposed steep new levies on Chinese products. 

‘For all imported goods originating from the US, an additional tariff of 34 per cent on top of the current applicable tariff rate will be imposed,’ China’s Finance Ministry said today.

Beijing’s Commerce Ministry also imposed export controls on seven rare earth elements – including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium – to the US, effective April 4.

‘The purpose of the Chinese government’s implementation of export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation,’ the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

The Commerce Ministry added: ‘China has filed a lawsuit under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.’

It comes after the Commerce Ministry issued a statement yesterday condemning the US measures as a ‘typical act of unilateral bullying’.

Beijing urged the Trump Administration to ‘immediately’ remove the tariffs and encouraged the US to resolve dispute through ‘fair and equal dialogue’.

Trump’s latest tariff hikes on US imports are compelling countries and industries to scramble for footing in a time of potential upheavals in global trade

Nations from Canada to China have readied retaliation in an escalating trade war after Trump raised US tariff barriers to their highest level in more than a century this week, leading to a plunge in world financial markets.

As world markets wallowed in more heavy losses today, Taiwan’s president promised to provide support to industries most vulnerable to the 32 per cent tariffs Trump ordered in his ‘Liberation Day’ reciprocal tariffs announcement.

Vietnam said its deputy prime minister would visit the US for talks on trade. 

Some, like the head of the EU’s European Commission, have vowed to fight back while promising to improve the rules book for free trade. 

Others said they were hoping to negotiate with the Trump administration for relief.

In Japan, one of America’s top trading partners, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that the tariffs had created a ‘national crisis’ as a plunge in banking shares today set Tokyo’s stock market on course for its worst week in years.

Investment bank JP Morgan said it now sees a 60 per cent chance of the global economy entering recession by year end, up from 40 per cent previously.

European stock markets and global oil prices tanked this morning, extending a rout as investors fret over the impact of Trump’s tariffs onslaught. 

Frankfurt’s DAX index of blue-chip companies fell as much as five percent after midday while Paris shed four percent and London was down 3.8 percent.

Crude oil prices fell more than five percent, with Brent North Sea, the international benchmark, reaching $66.64 per barrel after already hitting the lowest level since December 2021 while US contract WTI dropped to $63.45.

India was hit by a 26 per cent tariff rate, lower than the 34 per cent for Chinese exports and 46 per cent for Vietnam. 

India’s Commerce Ministry that it was ‘studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in US trade policy.’ It said talks were underway on a trade agreement, including ‘deepening supply chain integration’.

The US was New Delhi’s biggest trading partner in 2024 with two-way trade estimated at $129 billion, according to US data. They have set an ambitious target of more than doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. 

Most pharmaceuticals and other medicines, important Indian exports to the US, are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs. However, diamonds and other gems, another major export industry, are subject to the higher duties.

Most US trading partners have emphasised they hope negotiations can help resolve trade friction with Washington. 

In Italy, Premier Giorgia Meloni told state TV she believes the 20 per cent US tariffs on exports from Europe were wrong, but ‘it is not the catastrophe that some are making it out to be.’ 

Meloni’s government planned to meet next week with representatives of affected sectors to formulate plans. 

Japan’s leader Ishiba and other governments also said they were preparing countermeasures to help industries cope.

Likewise, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was consulting with steel and auto makers, pharmaceutical companies and other industries about how to give them more ‘breathing space.’