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Public Service And Dangers of Political Optics and Tokenism: A reflection on Governor Okpebholo’s publicisation of Ms. Idahosa’s civil service employment

By Sylvester Udemezue

The recent news report under the title, “Governor Okpebholo Approves Appointment of Physically-Challenged Lawyer, Ms. Kindness Ikponmwosa Idahosa” (12 December 2025) has generated conversation across the public space, not because the employment itself is inappropriate, but because of the manner and framing of the communication.

Ms. Idahosa is a brilliant and accomplished young lawyer: a Second Class Upper Law graduate of the University of Benin (2023), a successful alumna of the Nigerian Law School (2024), and a lawyer duly called to the Bar in September 2025. She earned her place in the legal profession through hard work, discipline, and intelligence. Like every other qualified lawyer in Edo State (or anywhere else in Nigeria) she is fully entitled to apply for and secure employment in the Ministry of Justice.

MY INITIAL REACTION WAS SIMPLE AND DIRECT:

“Employed as a law officer in the Ministry of Justice? Why, then, is the government publicising it as though it were a political appointment? Is she not entitled to apply for (and secure) employment just like any other qualified lawyer? Must routine civil-service recruitment be elevated into “breaking news”?

These questions were not raised to diminish Ms. Idahosa, whose achievements deserve respect. Rather, they were raised to interrogate the governance rationale behind the personalised and sensationalised nature of the announcement.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION vs. POLITICISATION: A NECESSARY DISTINCTION

It is important to distinguish between ordinary transparency in recruitment and the politicisation of a routine administrative process. There is a clear and meaningful difference between:

  1. “The Governor approves the employment of additional legal officers in the Edo State Ministry of Justice.” (This is proper public communication: normal, neutral, administrative, transparent).

and

  1. “The Governor approves the employment of a physically-challenged lawyer, Ms. Kindness Ikponmwosa Idahosa, as a legal officer.” (This is a personalised, selectively amplified announcement that raises important governance questions).

If the goal were transparency, the announcement would focus on the recruitment exercise, not on one individual applicant. Thus, several legitimate questions arise:

  1. Was Ms. Idahosa the only lawyer employed under this administration?
  2. If others were also recruited, why were their names not publicised?
  3. If only her name was highlighted, is it because of her physical condition?
  4. If so, does this not risk treating her employment as a spectacle rather than a normal exercise of merit?
  5. Does the announcement imply that employing a physically-challenged lawyer is an accomplishment for the Governor?
  6. If the government considers her employment a special privilege, does that not amount to indirect discrimination contrary to constitutional principles?
  7. Is the messaging unintentionally suggesting that she was hired as an act of sympathy rather than competence?
  8. Has the Governor publicised the names of all civil servants employed since assuming office? If not, why single out this one case?

These are not trivial concerns. They go to the heart of governance ethics, public perception, inclusion, and dignity.

THE DANGER OF TOKENISM IN GOVERNANCE

True inclusivity demands that persons with disabilities be treated equally, not exceptionally, except where special assistance is required for accessibility, not publicity. To single out Ms. Idahosa’s employment for public spectacle, when she earned her qualifications through the same rigorous path as her peers, risks turning her into a symbol rather than a professional. It unintentionally reinforces the stereotype that persons with disabilities must be celebrated simply for participating, rather than for excelling, as she unquestionably has. Inclusivity is not tokenism.
And equality is not charity. If recruitment is to be publicised, let it be institutional, not personalised.
If transparency is the goal, let it be comprehensive, not selective.

GOVERNANCE SHOULD RISE ABOVE PETTINESS

Edo State (and indeed Nigeria) deserves leadership that prioritises substantive governance over cosmetic announcements. A government earns respect not by headline-chasing but by confronting the structural challenges facing the state. Governor Okpebholo’s attention would be far better applied to:

  1. Revitalising education through funding, teacher development, digitisation and infrastructure renewal.
  2. Upgrading public infrastructure, including roads, power, water, transportation systems, etc.
  3. Modernising healthcare, ensuring humane, reliable, and technologically improved service delivery.
  4. Strengthening agriculture as the backbone of food security and rural development.
  5. Genuine youth empowerment, through education, skills acquisition, ICT, science, and innovation, not through patronage, stipends, or political recruitment.
  6. Building strong, reliable, depersonalised institutions that deliver governance beyond the lifecycle of any administration.
  7. Reforming the justice sector through digitisation, improved facilities, increased funding, and recruitment of essential personnel
  8. Maintenance of peace, order and security.
  9. Promotion of the rule of law and separation of powers

A governor’s legacy is not built through personalised announcements about routine employment matters. Legacies are built through policies, institutions, infrastructural development, and transformative governance.

CONCLUSION

Nothing in this debate diminishes Ms. Idahosa. She is a shining example of resilience, brilliance, and professional worthiness. The concern lies not with her, but with a style of governance that turns routine administrative acts into political theatre. If inclusivity is the goal, let equality (not spectacle) be the method. If transparency is the objective, let consistency (not selective publicity) be the standard.
If dignity is the intention, let merit (not condition) be the focus.Governance must mature beyond symbolism. Edo State deserves leadership grounded in substance, discipline, and a commitment to building enduring institutions. A great leader is remembered not for momentary applause but for lasting impact.

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (udems)
Lawyer, Law Teacher and Proctor, The Reality Ministry of Truth Law and Justice (TRM).
08021365545.
[email protected], [email protected].
(12 December 2025)

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Culpable Homicide: S’Court upholds Maryam Sanda’s death sentence, voids Tinubu’s clemency


Nigeria’s Supreme Court on Friday upheld the death sentence imposed on Maryam Sanda, daughter-in-law of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over the killing of her husband, Bilyamin Bello and overruled the clemency granted her by President Bola Tinubu.

Sanda was convicted on January 27, 2020, by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, for fatally stabbing Bello at their Maitama home in 2017.

She was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging.

Maryam Sanda had spent about six years and eight months at the Suleja Correctional Centre before President Bola Tinubu granted her clemency, reducing the sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), later defended her inclusion in the presidential pardon, saying it was granted “on compassionate grounds and in the best interest of the children,” adding that her record of “good conduct, new lifestyle, model behaviour and remorsefulness” formed part of the justification.

But, in a split decision of four to one, a five-member panel of the apex court on Friday reinstated the original death sentence.

The apex court dismissed her appeal in its entirety, holding that she failed to show any error in the concurrent findings of the lower courts.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the prosecution proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt and that the Court of Appeal was right to affirm the conviction.

The topmost court also faulted Tinubu’s intervention, asserting that it was inappropriate for the Executive to grant clemency in a homicide case while an appeal was still pending.

With the decision, the death sentence earlier handed down by the trial court stands.

Yakubu Moses Ede, PhD: A scholar of integrity, a professional of excellence, and a voice the legal profession can trust

By Sylvester Udemezue

Yesterday, 11 December 2025, was a defining milestone in the life of Dr. Y. M. Ede (a consummate scholar, legal practitioner, bar leader, and teacher) who successfully defended his Doctor of Law thesis at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The attainment of a PhD is not merely an academic decoration; it is the ultimate testament to discipline, intellectual stamina, and a lifelong devotion to rigorous inquiry. For those who know Dr. Ede personally, this achievement is unsurprising. It is simply the natural continuation of a career marked by excellence, service, humility, and visionary leadership. But beyond the celebration of a well-earned academic laurel lies a question of greater relevance to the legal profession: What kind of leadership does the Nigerian Bar Association need in 2026 and beyond? As a member of the legal academy, a bar leader, a reform-minded practitioner, and a committed public servant, Dr. Y. M. Ede embodies the qualities, experience, and temperament the NBA needs for constructive thought leadership, credible representation, and intellectual depth in the years ahead.

Note that this article is not a campaign endorsement; but a reflection born of admiration, an articulation of a hope many of us quietly nurture: that individuals like Dr. Ede, whose life reflects integrity and merit, will be entrusted with greater responsibility in shaping the future of the legal profession.

A PROFILE ROOTED IN SERVICE, SCHOLARSHIP, AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Dr. Yakubu Moses Ede’s background reflects a rare blend of academic accomplishment, bar activism, institutional loyalty, and societal engagement. Born on 29 May 1983 in Keffi, Nasarawa State, he has risen through the ranks of the legal profession with uncommon grace, dedication, and self-discipline. From his early years at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (where he graduated with a Second Class Upper in Law) to his call to the Nigerian Bar in 2010, to the professional and academic achievements that followed, Dr. Ede has consistently demonstrated excellence without arrogance, leadership without noise, and service without self-advertisement. As a Lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, he teaches Property Law Practice and Civil Litigation, two foundational subjects that shape the next generation of Nigerian lawyers. His teaching style is admired for its clarity, discipline, and compassion. His academic credentials speak eloquently: PhD (Law), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2025); LLM, Ahmadu Bello University (2016); BL, Nigerian Law School, Enugu (2010); LLB (Hons), NSUK (2007).

Alongside these, he is a Notary Public, an Associate of the Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, and a trained ADR practitioner. His publications (spanning taxation, judicial procedure, civil litigation, economic crimes, and jurisdictional issues) have appeared in reputable local and international journals including UNILORIN Journal of Business and Corporate Law; NAU Journal of Private and Property Law; A.B.U. Law Journal; East African Journal of Law and Ethics; Journal of Legal Studies and Research, and the Federal Courts & Jurisdiction eJournal, USA. Overall, his research footprint reveals a legal mind committed to inquiry, reform, and the advancement of jurisprudence.

A CAREER OF BAR LEADERSHIP AND INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY

If scholarship defines one side of Dr. Ede’s identity, selfless bar service defines the other. His leadership trajectory within the Nigerian Bar Association is distinguished, impactful, and consistent: (a). Chairman, NBA Keffi Branch (2020–2022); (b). Secretary, NBA Keffi Branch (2016–2018); (c). Publicity Secretary, NBA Keffi Branch (2014–2016); (d). National Council Member, Young Lawyers Forum (2014–2016); (e). Member, NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (National) (2022–2024); (f). Member, NBA Finance Committee (National) (2022–2024); (g). Member, NBA Branch Elections Appeal Committee – North (2022 till date); (h). Secretary, NBA Judiciary Committee (National) (2025 till date); (I). NBA Prosecutor at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (2019–2024). This record tells a clear story: Y. M. Ede has been a consistent, reliable, and effective contributor to the NBA at branch, zonal, and national levels. His roles have required integrity, discretion, strategic judgment, communication skills, intellectual clarity, and interpersonal tact—qualities essential for any leadership position within the Association. Few lawyers in his generation combine the intellectual authority of a scholar; the grounded experience of a practitioner; the institutional loyalty of a bar leader; the communicative competence of a teacher; and the character of a disciplined public servant. Dr. Ede embodies these in enviable proportion.

WHY NIGERIA AND THE NBA AWAIT HIS LEADERSHIP

The legal profession (ndeed, Nigeria itself) needs leaders who think deeply, act with integrity, speak with clarity, and inspire confidence. Dr. Ede’s career as a teacher of advocacy and civil procedure gives him mastery over disciplined communication. His years in bar leadership equip him with institutional memory and political maturity. His academic journey enriches his analytical strength. His work with disciplinary and electoral committees demonstrates fairness and principled judgment. His pro bono engagements reveal compassion and civic devotion. In every sense, his profile aligns naturally with the demands of genuine leadership: leadership rooted in intellect, humility, courage, and service.

A PRAYER FOR THE FUTURE

In reflecting on the journey and achievements of Dr. Y. M. Ede, one cannot help but hope (quietly yet earnestly) that Nigeria and the Nigerian Bar Association will continue to be blessed with leaders of his character, intellect, and moral discipline. My desire is simple and sincere:
that Dr. Ede will someday take his place among the truly great leaders of the legal profession. Nigeria and the NBA await the full expression of his exceptional leadership skills and intellectual prowess. It is a hope rooted not in politics, but in merit. Not in ambition, but in admiration. Not in interest, but in belief. May the future of the NBA be shaped by individuals whose profiles reflect excellence, dignity, and unwavering commitment: profiles like that of Dr. Yakubu Moses Ede.

Congratulations, Dr Ede!
We’re proud of you.
More wins.
Nigeria awaits you.

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems)
Legal Practitioner, Law Teacher, Public-interest Advocate, and Humanist
08109024556
[email protected]
(12 December 2025)

Nasir El-Rufai’s hypocrisy, manipulation and the politics of manufactured northern victimhood

By Sa’adiyyah Adebisi Hassan

Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai is at it again weaponising religion, inflaming northern emotions, and inventing conspiracies just because he is no longer the one sitting close to the corridors of power.

He shared Bello Doka’s article alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “waging a quiet war against the Muslim North.” Coming from a man whose politics has been built on religious division, the propaganda is painfully predictable.

But let us tell ourselves the truth:
Politics of religion is dead. Competence has taken centre stage. The North will not be dragged backwards by one man’s bitterness.

El-Rufai’s Problem Is Not the North; his problem is that Tinubu is not using him.

This sudden defence of “Muslim North” did not exist during Buhari’s government. Where was this righteous energy when Buhari filled every important office with northern Muslims?
Chief of Army Staff – Muslim, North
Chief of Air Staff – Muslim, North
Defense Minister – Muslim, North

What happened?
Banditry exploded
Kaduna burned
Zamfara collapsed
Katsina was bleeding
Farms became graveyards
Schools were turned to kidnap markets

So let’s ask El-Rufai:
If Muslim appointments automatically bring security, why did your own Kaduna become the epicentre of killings under a Muslim – Muslim government?

The hypocrisy is loud
When Buhari filled Nigeria with northerners, El-Rufai said: “Appointments should be based on competence.”

Today Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu balances appointments and suddenly competence no longer matters, only religion matters?
Where did this sudden “love” for northern Muslims come from?

El-Rufai, the same man who said Kaduna South complaints against Muslim – Muslim ticket were childish, is now crying religion?

The hypocrisy is disgusting.
The North must stop allowing political manipulators to play saviour.

The same El-Rufai who silenced clergy in Kaduna is now pretending to defend Islam? The same man who divided Kaduna by religion for eight years now wants to preach religious fairness?

Nigeria knows him, Kaduna knows him, history knows him.
Whenever Nigeria begins to unite, El-Rufai appears with matches and kerosene.

Religion is his political oxygen.
Division is his comfort zone.
Chaos is his political career.

Tinubu owes you competence, not sectarian appointments.

The entire idea that “Northern Muslims are being removed” collapses when placed beside reality:

Middle Belt finally has representation;
Northerners are still in key offices;
Christian Northerners are finally considered human beings.

Appointments are no longer a religious monopoly. Is that war? Or sanity? A northerner is not defined by religion.

El-Rufai’s logic is clear: If you are not a Muslim, even if you are from Northern Nigeria, you don’t belong.
So Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna and Taraba should become foreign countries?
This is exactly why Middle Belt shunned northern politics under Buhari.
Tinubu is correcting decades of marginalisation inside the North itself.

Tinubu is doing what El-Rufai never had the courage to do:
•Balancing the system
•Uniting the country
•Reducing ethnic monopoly
•Restraining religious dominance

And that is what truly frightens him.
Nigerians are tired of religious merchants:
We want roads;
We want electricity;
We want better security;
We want working economy;
We want competent appointees;
Not loud emotional blackmail from political middlemen searching for relevance.

If Northern Muslims like Buratai, Sadiq, Monguno, Badaru and others could not secure Nigeria when they controlled everything, then the problem is not religion.

The problem is that incompetent people were recycled because they were Northerners and Muslims, not because they could deliver.
Tinubu is ending that rubbish.
El-Rufai, the game is over
The era of religious extortion is gone
The North is wiser
Nigeria is tired
And the Muslim North you are trying to provoke has suffered enough under the same system you defended for eight years.

If you have a presidential candidate for 2027, bring him.
Tell Nigerians his achievements;
Tell us what he did;
Tell us where he succeeded;
But don’t hide behind Islam. We are not buying that trick again.

Nigeria is moving forward.
With or without the tears of expired politicians.

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Dear Bishop Matthew Kukah, Judas Iscariot is only remembered for the last week of his life

Dear Bishop Matthew Kukah, Judas Iscariot is only remembered for the last week of his life: In the last “week” of his life, Bishop Matthew Kukah, age 73, has rubbished an entire lifetime’s reputation and inexplicably, decided to go the way of Judas Iscariot, the most infamous betrayer known to mankind… Kukah’s new stance betrays all the priests and seminarians that have been kidnapped and beheaded, the CAN chairman forced to dig his own grave before being beheaded, the mother whose seven children were slaughtered, those slaughtered and buried in mass graves… The callousness of his recent “10 million killed” comment, which came after massive criticism of his initial denial that there is ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria, makes Judas Iscariot appear to be a better person because Judas at least showed a measure of regret; while Bishop Kukah doubled down and became more arrogant and cruel, dismissing the slaughter of tens of thousands of his flock with bombastic head-scratching jargon.

Dear Bishop Matthew Kukah, Judas Iscariot is only remembered for the last week of his life
Bishop Kukah

By Lilian Onoh

I feel sorry for Bishop Matthew Kukah.  To me, he epitomises Ezekiel 18:24: “If a righteous man turns from their righteousness and …does the same things that a wicked person does will they live? Of course not.  All their righteous acts will be forgotten and they will die for their sins.”

In the last “week” of his life, Bishop Matthew Kukah, age 73, has rubbished an entire lifetime’s reputation and inexplicably, decided to go the way of Judas Iscariot, the most infamous betrayer known to mankind.

Nobody knows exactly how old Judas Iscariot was when he died.  We know he walked with Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as part of His inner caucus of twelve disciples for three and a half years and was among those that performed miracles in His Name.  We know that he was in charge of the money and that he stole from the general purse of the God of Creation, Jesus Christ.

READ ALSO: Christian Genocide: Jihad is the official motto of Nigeria’s Army

We also know that he had zero true love and respect for God in the flesh; and in the last week of his life, he was furious with Mary (Lazarus’ sister) for daring to lavish her expensive perfume on Jesus Christ instead of selling the perfume and putting the money in the purse for him (Judas) to steal from.  In his eyes, Jesus was unworthy of Mary’s worship whereas he, Judas, deserved to have the funds from the perfume put into his hands so he could steal it. 

As the first example of those who follow Jesus for material gain, it didn’t take long before he went to the leaders, the enemies of Jesus Christ, to collect thirty pieces of silver as payment for betraying God.  He foolishly believed he could ‘419’ Jesus Christ’s enemies after collecting his fee in advance because he thought that Jesus would definitely escape them after he (Judas) identified Him to His enemies in Gethsemane. 

Judas’ shock was that Jesus did not disappear after he identified Him to his enemies; and that his greed resulted in the murder of the Son of God by the leaders of the day.

But to Judas Iscariot’s credit, he became remorseful once his Advance Fee Fraud led to the death of Jesus Christ. He promptly tried to give back the money he collected for betraying Christ. When his paymasters refused to collect the money, he killed himself out of shame/ remorse / bitterness/ whatever.

To betray a child of God is to betray Jesus all over again. One of the current High Priests in Nigeria, Bishop Matthew Kukah, is no different from Annas or Caiaphas.  I’m not sure who represents Pilate in Bishop Kukah’s life because in today’s Nigeria, the power brokers in the orchestrated killings are many.

This is the same Bishop Matthew Kukah, who in 2022 was summoned by the DSS for criticising the Government for complicity in the kidnappings and other persecution of Nigeria’s Christians. His about-turn in suddenly denying the existence of systemic genocidal killings of Christians is so total that even Judas Iscariot might have suffered whiplash had he been alive to witness it. 

Kukah’s new stance betrays all the priests and seminarians that have been kidnapped and beheaded, the CAN chairman forced to dig his own grave before being beheaded, the mother whose seven children were slaughtered, those slaughtered and buried in mass graves.

His stance betrays Bishop Wilfred Anagba and the courageous priests still speaking out at the risk of their lives. It betrays Leah Sharibu, who at only 14 years of age, refused to deny Jesus Christ and has been kept in captivity as punishment, enduring horrors that Bishop Kukah will never endure rather than deny our Lord Jesus Christ. She displayed a level of courage that Bishop Kukah has never shown.

I cannot fathom the volte-face by Bishop Kukah, especially his recent attempt to arrogantly educate us about the definition of genocide, saying that even if 10 million people were killed – 10 million! –  it didn’t amount to genocide because “intent” is what determines genocide. 

We therefore have to question his academic qualifications because he obviously doesn’t understand the intent behind the name of Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP), or Boko Haram, or Fulani Jihadists shouting “Allahu akbar” as they slaughter innocent Christians in their sleep and abduct the young girls to rape, forcefully convert and impregnate to reproduce more terrorists. He must also have gone blind in his old age not to see the number of burnt churches and Christian villages taken over by Fulani terrorists who sacked indigenous Christian populations. I haven’t even seen one single comment from him about the 315 abducted children from the Catholic school in Niger State! I haven’t heard him advocate for Leah Sharibu or Deborah Samuels or Sunday Jackson. Instead, he chose to showcase that his grasp of English is at par with Boko Haram terrorists’.

The callousness of his recent “10 million killed” comment, which came after massive criticism of his initial denial that there is ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria, makes Judas Iscariot appear to be a better person because Judas at least showed a measure of regret; while Bishop Kukah doubled down and became more arrogant and cruel, dismissing the slaughter of tens of thousands of his flock with bombastic head-scratching jargon.

At this time, I can only assume that he has fallen victim to the judgment in Hebrews 6:4-6, which states that it is impossible for those who once tasted the heavenly gift of salvation and the goodness of the Word of God to be brought back after falling away because they are betraying Christ all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace. That is the only spiritual state that can explain Bishop Kukah’s current stance.

We need not be angry with him anymore.  Bishop Kukah has exceeded the 70 years in Psalm 90:10 and is in his final “week” on earth. He has cast off all restraint and pretence and there is no way back. 

Like Judas Iscariot, he will only be remembered for this last “week” of his life. All he did in the past is long forgotten as a mirage or a deception. His epitaph will always have this as his final definition.

He appears to have made his peace with hell and does not care what anyone thinks. We wish him bon voyage! 

He is equally free to join Abike Dabiri to misdefine this as a vendetta in his next English definition lesson on the meaning of “genocide”.

  • Lilian Onoh was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Namibia and former Chargé d’Affaires to Jamaica

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria’s judiciary, By Amie Lewis

In a three-day workshop held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2025, women judges, justice-sector stakeholders, andrepresentatives from the National Association of Women Judges – Nigeria (NAWJN) and the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) gathered to determine how to best promote sustainable leadership pathways for women in Nigeria’s judiciary. Organized by Women in Leadership in Law (WILIL) representatives from IAWJ and NAWJN, the objective of the convening was to identify barriers to women’s advancement in the judiciary, propose actionable solutions, and foster collaboration between women judges and key justice-sector stakeholders to implement systemic changes.

Unpacking the Barriers

The challenges women face in Nigeria’s judiciary are deeply embedded in cultural, legal, and institutional frameworks. One major issue discussed was the discrimination faced by women who relocate to their husband’s state upon marriage. Despite years of judicial service in their home states, these women often find themselves denied promotion to leadership roles in their new (husband’s) state due to being considered “non-indigenes.”

Another pervasive obstacle is the lack of systemic support for women of childbearing and child-rearing age. Judicial work often involves long hours and transfers, yet few provisions exist—such as crèches or flexible work hours—to support women during these crucial life stages. This results in talented female lawyers delaying appointments or opting out altogether, missing opportunities to build seniority, a key criterion for being appointed to leadership positions in the judiciary.

Participants also highlighted political and procedural disparities in judicial appointments, including opaque recruitment methods and reliance on male-dominated networks for endorsements. These practices not only discourage women from applying but also entrench the gender imbalance.

Sexual harassment, limited mentoring opportunities, and deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms were also noted as critical barriers to women’s progress.

Devising Actionable Solutions

Despite these stark realities, the workshop was not solely about identifying barriers—it was a call to action. Several promising solutions and commitments emerged from the deliberations.

The Chief Judge of Jigawa State—
where cultural norms have long hindered women’s participation—pledged to ensure more women are appointed in the next judicial recruitment cycle. Similarly, the Chief Judge of Anambra State acknowledged the declining representation of women and committed to reversing the trend.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) was commended for standing firm against discriminatory practices favoring “indigeneity,” particularly in cases involving married women seeking to obtain appointments or promotions on the bench in a state she relocated to upon marriage. However, participants agreed that these positive precedents must be codified. A written policy allowing married women the flexibility to adopt either their natal or marital state for official purposes was strongly recommended.

To push for broader systemic change, the participants also advocated for a national policy mandating at least 35% female representation in judicial appointments. This gender quota would help ensure that more women are entering into the judiciary and subsequently have equitable access to leadership positions, which are often based on seniority, across all states.

A Turning Point
Through the WILIL initiative, NAWJN and IAWJ are taking these efforts further by engaging stakeholders at both state and national levels. Targeted workshops, letters, and high-level meetings are planned to keep the momentum going.

This workshop marked a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward gender equity in the judiciary. For women judges who have been systemically excluded, the workshop validated their experiences and outlined institutional changes that will enable women judges to advance within the judiciary. Achieving gender equity in the judiciary will take sustained
advocacy, clear policy reforms, and cultural shifts. With the groundwork laid by NAWJN and IAWJ through the WILIL initiative, efforts will continue over the coming years to drive meaningful institutional reforms that foster an environment where women judges can enter, rise, and thrive within the Nigerian judiciary.

Balancing the Bench and Motherhood: Women, work-life balance, and gender inclusion in Nigeria’s judiciary, By Joy Azu, Intern IAWJ  

The Nigerian judiciary stands as a symbol of justice, integrity, and the rule of law. Yet behind the dignified courtrooms and the authority of the bench lies a quieter narrative—one of women who must constantly negotiate between their professional roles and the expectations society places upon them.

On  13th of November 2025, the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ-Nigeria), in collaboration with the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), convened a landmark webinar on “Enhancing Work-life balance and accessibility in a court setting”. 

Gathering accomplished judges, scholars, and court administrators, the webinar shed light on both the systemic challenges faced by women in the judiciary and the inspiring resilience of those who continue to break new ground. Through personal stories, institutional case studies, and policy recommendations, the sessions highlighted how the judiciary can become more inclusive—and what remains to be done. 

Joy Azu, intern with the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ)

Wisdom from the Bench: Navigating Work-Life Balance 

The opening session, delivered by Hon. Justice Adenike Josephine Coker (JP) and Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso, explored the realities of blending judicial duty with motherhood. Justice Coker addressed the long-held notion that pregnancy can hinder professional performance, especially for newly appointed judges: 

“Pregnancy is not a disability, but it can be perceived as a hurdle to high productivity, especially if you’re just starting your childbearing,” she noted.  

She stressed the importance of strong support structures—both familial and professional—so women are not overwhelmed by the dual pressures of early career expectations and motherhood. 

Justice Oyefeso echoed this sentiment, drawing attention to the lack of formal structures to support young female judicial officers. She described what she called the current “do-it-yourself system” faced by many women: 

“Thankfully, we all have our chambers. You can bring your baby in with your nanny, or leave them with your parents. But whoever is coming onto the bench must realize it’s a do-it-yourself system.” 

Both judges emphasized personal well-being as essential to judicial excellence. Hon. Justice Oyefeso reminded participants to prioritize self-care, using a vivid metaphor: 

“Put on your face mask before helping someone else.” 

Her message—clear and compassionate—resonated strongly throughout the session.  

A Creche in Court: Institutional Support in Action

The second session showcased a promising initiative for institutional support: the revival of a creche within the Abia State High Court. The presentation, prepared by the Honorable Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, was delivered on her behalf by Administrative Judge Hon. Justice Chinwe, illustrating how such institutional initiatives can transform the daily realities of working mothers.” 

Justice Chinwe explained how the project began: 

“When the Chief Judge came into office, she discovered that the creche was abandoned. She took up the challenge to restore it,” she said. With the assistance of Her Excellency the wife to the governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the creche was renovated and formally launched during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week. 

The impact was immediate and tangible. Two young mothers on the court’s staff shared how the proximity of a creche completely reshaped their work performance. One who had once balanced childcare with demanding chamber duties reported newfound efficiency in assisting with court proceedings and case management. The other, previously overwhelmed by record-keeping responsibilities, described a remarkable improvement in her ability to meet—and even surpass—work; Honorable Justice Chinwe summarized it succinctly: 

“The proximity of the creche allows mothers to concentrate better on their work without the distraction of managing a child at the workplace. It gives them peace of mind, enhances productivity, and opens avenues for career growth.” 

More than just a convenience, the creche symbolizes a deeper cultural shift: a recognition that motherhood and professional ambition need not exist in conflict. It stands as an example of how thoughtful institutional policies can directly contribute to a healthier, more equitable judiciary. 

The Need for Gender-Inclusive Policy 

The third session, led by Chief Registrar Nkechi Yvonne Usani of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, confronted structural barriers that limit women’s advancement in the judiciary. Her presentation highlighted the ways marital status, cultural biases, and outdated administrative practices often disadvantage women—regardless of their qualifications or years of service. 

Drawing from personal experience, she described a persistent dilemma: 

“I got married to a proud Yakurr man from Cross River State. For my career progression, where exactly do I come from? My birth state or my marital state?” 

Her story underscored the uneven expectations placed on women. While a man’s marital status rarely affects his judicial career, a woman’s marital status can raise questions about her state of origin or where she ‘comes from,’(is she from her birth state or her husband’s state) which can unfairly influence decisions about postings or promotions. 

She also presented sobering statistics: 

Men constitute 70% of the Supreme Court, 68% of the Court of Appeal, 64% of the Federal High Court, and in many state high courts, men hold more than 60% of judicial positions. 

In her own court—the Customary Court of Appeal—80% of judicial officers are male. 

She argued that gender parity is both a practical need and a constitutional obligation. She called for reforms aligned with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and CEDAW, urging judicial institutions to eliminate practices that penalize women for marriage, childbirth, or cultural expectations. 

Her message was powerful: 

“Achieving gender parity in judicial leadership is not just about fairness. It strengthens public trust and creates a judiciary that is more inclusive, responsive, and representative of the society it serves.” 

A Judiciary that Reflects Society 

In their closing remarks, Justice Mulibat Oshodi and Amie Lewis emphasized that a judiciary’s strength lies in its ability to support all its members—including those balancing caregiving responsibilities. 

Amie Lewis who is the senior programs officer of the IAWJ observed: 

“When courts accommodate the realities of caregiving and accessibility, talent can thrive, career satisfaction is enhanced, inclusivity becomes a lived reality.” 

The webinar pointed toward practical reforms: on-site childcare facilities, breastfeeding and nursing rooms, flexible scheduling where possible, and transparent, gender-neutral recruitment and promotion standards. These are not luxuries—they are necessary steps toward a judiciary capable of drawing from the full range of talent Nigeria has to offer. 

Conclusion: A Path Forward 

The stories and insights shared during the webinar form more than a discussion—they form a roadmap. They illustrate what a gender-inclusive judiciary can look like: one where women do not have to choose between motherhood and professional excellence, where policy reflects the reality of modern families, and where justice is not only practiced but embodied within the institution itself. 

A judiciary committed to fairness must extend that fairness inward. And as this webinar showed, Nigeria is already taking promising steps toward that future—creche by creche, policy by policy, voice by voice. 

Joy Azu is a final year law student, University of Calabar, Calabar. She is currently an intern with the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). 

Top journalist exposes systemic bias against Christians in the north, says it’s hidden from media

Veteran journalist and former Guardian Newspapers Managing Director Martins Oloja has accused political leaders in northern Nigeria of quietly enabling discrimination against Christian communities while publicly denying systemic bias. Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Oloja described what he called “state-backed marginalisation” that rarely makes it into mainstream media coverage.

Oloja cited a long-running crisis in Bauchi State’s Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, which he said has a Christian majority but was stripped of its constitutionally listed headquarters under former Governor Isa Yuguda. According to him, the headquarters was “unilaterally relocated” to Bununu—a move he described as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Bununu is an Emirate headquarters located within the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

He recounted how the only Christian member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly at the time—a woman—was suspended for criticizing the relocation. “She was suspended for three years, from barely a year after inauguration till the end of the session,” he said.

Oloja revealed that although the relocation had been upheld by a State High Court, the Court of Appeal in Jos overturned the ruling on September 30, 2025, affirming that no state government or legislature has the authority to alter local government headquarters listed in the Constitution. “You won’t read this in the media,” he added.

The veteran editor also described what he said were routine barriers faced by Christian youths seeking education in northern states. He told the story of a girl from Gwoza, Borno State, who scored 277 in the UTME but was denied a certificate of origin at the Borno State Liaison Office in Abuja—while Muslim applicants obtained theirs “before her very eyes.” A female police officer present, he claimed, confirmed she had to rely on a Muslim intermediary to secure her own certificate.

According to Oloja, such patterns are widespread but rarely acknowledged. “Most children of Christians from many northern states cannot get admission into Medicine, Law, Engineering or Computer Science—even when their parents are professors,” he said. In one case, he alleged, a student admitted to study Medicine was arbitrarily transferred to Christian Religious Knowledge.

“These things are not in the media,” Oloja stressed. “Our leaders making noise in Abuja won’t talk about the things they do back home.”

After collapsing in office, Bayelsa Deputy Gov. Ewhrudjakpo dies in FMC Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has died after collapsing suddenly in his office.  

SaharaReporters had reported that the deputy governor slumped in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. 

Family sources confirmed that he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. 

The incident occurred at about 1:30pm, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Eyewitnesses had also claimed that the deputy governor appeared to be in a serious condition as he was hurried into the hospital’s emergency unit. 

A source close to the deputy governor had attributed the collapse to the deputy governor’s demanding workload.  

While the exact cause of the medical emergency has not been officially disclosed, multiple sources suggested it might be linked to a possible cardiac complication.

Security operatives have since taken control of the hospital premises, restricting access as top government officials file in to show solidarity.

Efforts to reach the deputy governor’s media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.  

$9.58m Dispute: Glo, NCC, Megatech hit with contract lawsuit

Telecommunication giant, Glo Mobile Limited, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and an indigenous company, Megatech Engineering Limited, have been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged breach of contractual agreement.

They were sued by an indigenous Company, Mosakab Nigeria Limited and its promoter, Mashood Mustapha, who are claiming over N20 billion as damages for the unlawful contractual agreement breach.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1534/2024, the two plaintiffs are praying the court for an order voiding or setting aside the sale of the Spectrum Licence in the 2.6 GHZ Band by Megatech to Glomobile on the ground that the purported sale was accentuated by fraud and illegality.

The suit has Megatech Engineering Limited, Glo Mobile and NCC as 1st to 3rd defendants.

In the suit filed by George Ibrahim SAN of Ogwu James Onoja SAN law firm in Abuja, the two plaintiffs asked the court to order Megatech to honour its monetary obligation
of ten million US dollars due to them in their Consultancy Agreement executed of June 29, 2017.

Also, they are praying for an order compelling the NCC to revoke the Spectrum License in the 2.6 GHB Band issued to Megatech in March 2020 at their facilitation as Consultants.

Besides, the aggrieved plaintiffs asked that Megatech be ordered to pay them N5bn for breach of contract and another N10bn as general damage for the injury inflicted on them through the breach of the contract.

Similarly, they want the court to order Megatech to allot between 5 and 10 percent of its outstanding shares to the second plaintiff in line with the executed Consultancy agreement of June 29, 2017.

In their statement of claims, the plaintiffs averred that Megatech Company in 2017 consulted and retained their services as consultants to facilitate and secure the procurement of 2.5/2.6 GHZ Band for National License operation.

In furtherance to the engagement, the 1st plaintiff, Mosakab Nigeria Limited, was said to have executed a formal agreement in June of the same year, prompting its promoter to deploy both human and material resources for the realisation of the agreement.

After a series of meetings with government agencies, the NCC on March 26, 2020, was said to have offered a Spectrum License of 40 MHZ (TDD) on the 2.6 GHZ Band to Megatech for nationwide deployment for a period of 5 years.

After a series of correspondence on behalf of Megatech with NCC, the plaintiffs claimed that statutory payments were made by the company.

The plaintiffs, however, claimed that along the lines, Megatech opted to share the Spectrum Band with Glomobile and that they, as consultants, achieved the feat with NCC and their resources of USD 250, 000

They averred that trouble began when Megatech reneged in the payment of USD 10M due to them but only paid USD 421,052 leaving a balance of USD 9, 578, 947 unpaid despite the formal agreement.

Megatech after taken the benefits of the Spectrum Band allocation was said to have entered into agreement with Glomobile to sell its interest without paying the plaintiffs, outstanding USD 9, 578, 947 as contained in the agreement.

They therefore prayed the court for declaration that they carried out their obligations as contained in the agreement and that they are entitled to be paid USD 9, 578, 947 as outstanding balance.

Plaintiffs also asked the court to compel the defendants to pay them N50M as the cost of litigation.

Meanwhile, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar has fixed March 3, 2026, for hearing of the suit.

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