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#FIDA @ 60 celebrations kick off in Abuja with thanksgiving service at National Mosque, unveiling of new logo

  • Distribute relief packs to 250 indigent women at National Mosque

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria commenced its diamond anniversary celebrations and triennial conference in Abuja on Friday with a thanksgiving service at the National Mosque where palliative packs containing various kinds of raw food items were also distributed to 250 indigent women, the unveiling of a new logo and a media parley.

Another 250 of these packs will equally be handed over to indigent women after the Christian Thanksgiving service at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, International Headquarters II, Abuja on Sunday.

Addressing delegates and media personalities at the event, FIDA Country Vice President, Amina Agbaje who revealed that this year’s conference officially opens on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a strong evidence of FIDA’s unyielding stand against all forms of violence and injustice perpetuated against women and girls added that: “This logo is more than just a symbol; it represents FIDA Nigeria’s renewed commitment to innovation, leadership, and justice whilst reminding us that re-branding, re-inventing to remain relevant in an ever dynamic world is much needed for the evolution that we seek.”

Mrs. Agbaje further stated that the logo: “…honors our past, highlighting the foundation laid by trailblazing women who fought for equality in their time, and to keep the consciousness to further institutionalize an intergenerational Organization deliberate about mentorship and passing the torchlight to the younger, more vibrant, technology-driven generation of women who will lead in the revolution, landmark legislative reforms that will give women and children access to a fair and equitable justice, an opportunity in governance and leadership.

“The colors, shapes, and design elements of the logo speak to the vibrancy and diversity of the communities we serve, and the hope to dare dream of freedom, justice and empowerment.”

Speaking on FIDA Nigeria’s achievements, Agbaje: said “From securing landmark legislative victories to pushing for the domestication of international treaties that protect women and children, we’ve championed causes like the mitigation of gender-based violence, enhance child protection, and the empowerment of women through legal education. We’ve continuously trained lawyers, provided free legal services to indigent women, and advocated for the passage of laws that promote gender parity and inclusion.

“Today, as we mark this milestone, we are proud of the role we have played in shaping a more just and equitable society. As we celebrate, we are also conscious of the work that lies ahead. There is still much to be done, and FIDA Nigeria stands ready to continue leading the charge.”

Some of the week-long events which she said promise to be engaging and enriching, include:

  • A 60 for 60 Outreach to empower indigent women who run small businesses with a profit lower than minimum wage;
  • The grand unveiling of our National Shelter for survivors of gender-based violence—a testament to our unwavering dedication to supporting and empowering the vulnerable;
  • Aerobic sessions to promote physical and mental well-being among our members.
  • Legal education sessions to boost the knowledge and capacity of our members.
  • A cultural night showcasing Nigeria’s rich diversity and a celebration of our unity, ending with a formal dinner.

[Video] Colombia bans child marriage

  • Nigeria ranks third in the prevalence of child brides

After 17 years of campaigning by advocacy groups and eight failed attempts to push the legislation through the House and Senate, legislators in the South American country of Colombia finally passed the bill to eradicate child marriage.

On Wednesday evening last week, the lawmakers, after five hours of heated, drawn-out debate, approved the proposed legislation, dubbed They are Girls, Not Wives, which prohibits the marriage of anyone under the age of 18.

“We do not want to continue seeing the systematic violence and sexual exploitation of children. Colombia is making history because, for the first time, we have managed to ban child marriage after trying eight times,” said Jennifer Pedraza, congresswoman for the Dignity and Commitment Party and co-author of the bill, after the vote. “So it is a great message, not only for Colombia in terms of respect for the rights of boys and girls, but also for the world. Colombian childhood is important, we have to protect it and we have to care for it.

“So we are very happy that Colombia has just left the shameful list of countries that allow childhood marriage.”

Colombia is now one of 12 countries out of the 33 in Latin America and the Caribbean to have entirely banned marriage under the age of 18, following Honduras, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

It ends a 137-year-old loophole in the country’s civil code which allowed under-18s to marry with parental consent. Minors were also deemed to have entered an informal marital union when they cohabited for two years.

There are 4.5 million girls and women in Colombia who married before 18 – about one in four. Of these, a million were married before they were 15, according to Unicef.

Sandra Ramirez, adviser in Latin America for the advocacy group Equality Now, said: “Eliminating these exceptions aligns Colombian law with international standards and guarantees the full protection of the rights of girls and adolescents.”

Rates of childhood marriage in girls are about three times higher than for boys, with children living in poverty and rural or Indigenous communities particularly affected.

Despite decades of economic and social development, the prevalence of child marriage had barely budged due to a deeply ingrained machista [male chauvanist] culture, decades of internal conflict and narcoculture, says Marta Royo, executive director of Profamilia, a non-profit organistation promoting reproductive health services.

“We live in an extremely patriarchal society where there is a deep division between what a man wants and a girl wants,” Royo said. “In many areas we have a role in life and that role is simply to be mothers, it doesn’t matter at how early an age. It is totally normalised to make girls of 12, 13, 14 not just into wives, but into mothers.”

Rights groups have campaigned to end the practice for 17 years but bills were shot down, with opposition citing tradition and parental rights, and many representatives of the country’s more than 100 Indigenous communities opposed to the bill.

Advocacy groups said that Colombia was legally obliged to wipe out the practice as it is a signatory of international conventions on violence against women. They also pointed out that marriages are often between girls in poverty and an older partner with economic power.

“A lot of the time these girls have no say on entering a relationship and then when they enter it they have even less. Their opinions don’t count, their dreams don’t count and they are viewed as objects,” Royo said.

Studies have long shown child marriage is strongly linked to poverty and oppressive relationships.

Children who marry are more likely to have an early pregnancy and die in childbirth, to drop out of school and become victims of domestic violence.

Senator María José Pizarro said: “These girls abandon everything. Their studies, their life project and their possibility to construct a life for them and their children ends completely.”

The bill also stipulated that policies, including education, must be introduced to address the root causes of child marriage.

“This is a historic moment but a lot of challenges remain ahead,” Ramirez said. “Public policy now will be crucial, as a change in legislation means little without effective implementation and ensuring that the voices of girls and adolescents are at the centre.”

Meanwhile, four out of every ten girls in Nigeria are married before the age of Eighteen. This was revealed at the high-level National Dialogue on Ending Child Marriage hosted by the Government of Nigeria and supported by UNFPA and UNICEF. 

According to UNICEF, child marriage remains a critical issue affecting the development and well-being of adolescent girls globally, with Nigeria ranking third in the prevalence of child brides.

Its prevalence remains high in the country, with 44% of girls married before the age of 18, totalling over 24 million child brides and ranking third globally. Although recent data suggests a decline in national prevalence from 44% to 30%, progress has been slow and uneven, particularly affecting the poorest households, rural areas, and girls with little or no education.

Speaking at a recent Stakeholders’ Consultation to deliberate on sustainable strategies towards ending child marriage in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, a UNICEF Representative said:

“Child marriage violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of young girls. The collective action and unwavering commitment of government officials, community and religious leaders, civil society organizations and every Nigerian is required to end this harmful practice” said Dr. Gifty Addico, UNFPA Resident Representative

“In addressing the challenge of child marriage in Nigeria, we stand with our partners and commit to a strategic and united effort to eradicate this practice by 2030. We reaffirm our pledge to elevate the status and well-being of girls, ensuring their rights to education, health, and economic opportunities are preserved. Child marriage not only impacts their well-being but can also cause grave emotional and bodily harm. It is a practice that must be stopped.”

Watch the video below.

Most of this report was culled from The Guardian with additional reports from UNICEF.org.

Celebrating FIDA Nigeria’s impact and success @ 60

On Thursday 21st November 2024, women lawyers from across the country began to throng the capital city of Abuja to take part in the lineup of activities curated to mark the 60th anniversary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria.

FIDA is the acronym for the Spanish name “Federación Internacional de Abogadas.”

Established in Nigeria in 1964 by Ambassador Aduke Alakija, FIDA Nigeria, a Non-governmental Organization made up of women called to the practice of law in Nigeria is dedicated to advancing justice for women and children.

FIDA Nigeria is affiliated with FIDA International and operates 46 branches across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission on July 31, 1987, and holds Observer Status with both the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

FIDA Nigeria’s mission is to promote and protect the rights and welfare of women and children, striving for a society free from discrimination, violence, and abuse. It envisions a peaceful Nigeria where women and children’s rights are guaranteed, protected have freedom to choose and live their futures.

With over 6,500 registered members nationwide, FIDA Nigeria leverages a transgenerational mentorship initiative to foster the next generation of female legal professionals, equipping young lawyers and law students with skills in legal practice, leadership, and advocacy for gender justice.

Through a series of impactful interventions, FIDA Nigeria is dedicated to advancing the rights, interests, and well-being of women and children, actively working to reduce all forms of discrimination, violence, and abuse through legal frameworks and strategic policies within Nigeria’s social structures. Over its 60 years of service, FIDA Nigeria has profoundly improved the lives of countless women, children and vulnerable populations, remaining resilient despite various challenges. FIDA Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to its mission continues to drive meaningful change, fostering safer communities for women, children, and vulnerable populations across the country.

As a leading women’s rights organization in Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria remains resolute in advocating for policies that promote the rights and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Employing a comprehensive, collaborative approach, FIDA Nigeria works in close partnership with other civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to drive substantive policy change. The organisation’s sustained engagement with government bodies addresses critical issues of neglect and deficiencies in support systems for these groups, enabling us to influence key policy reforms and offer evidence-based recommendations to close gaps in welfare and protection.

FIDA Nigeria’s achievements include significant advocacy for legislation and legal frameworks that advance the protection and rights of women and children. Through targeted efforts, we have addressed critical issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and socioeconomic barriers that disproportionately impact these groups.

Notably, FIDA Nigeria played a pivotal role in the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015, serving as the Secretariat for the  Legislative  Advocacy Coalition on  Violence Against  Women (LACVAW) and coordinating a successful campaign to secure this comprehensive legal protection against violence.

FIDA Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities has led to the establishment of legal clinics across our 46 branches nationwide.

With over 90,000 trained paralegals, FIDA Nigeria assists more than 3,000 people annually in accessing essential legal services. Her outreach programmes support female inmates in 36 correctional centres, and she provides referrals and case linkages for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Since its inception, FIDA Nigeria has undertaken numerous strategic impact litigation cases, which are mostly pro bono cases. In recognition of this work, FIDA Nigeria has enjoyed filing fee waivers from several State High Courts.

Additionally, in the past 60 years, FIDA Nigeria has significantly raised awareness of legal rights among women, children and vulnerable populations.

Through partnerships with the Legal Aid Council and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, FIDA Nigeria has simplified essential legal frameworks, including the Child Rights Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Law, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act/Law.

The NGO’s public education initiatives have reached countless individuals, empowering them with knowledge of their rights and fostering a culture of legal literacy across Nigeria.

Towards broadening social impact and expanding her reach to citizens in Nigeria, especially women and children, FIDA Nigeria has expanded its reach by encouraging its branches to embrace impactful initiatives of adopting medical wards in public hospitals such that she can directly target the vulnerable sick indigent women and children in health who need medical care and support. Some of her branches are actively engaging in this initiative and are making a social impact across the Nation.

To advance women’s political participation in Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria launched the Women Protection Mandate, providing legal support to female candidates challenging election outcomes where irregularities hindered their mandates. This initiative aims to increase women’s representation in governance and decision-making by addressing election-related injustices.

FIDA Nigeria has also established a strong track record in building institutional capacity to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) effectively. By strengthening the capacities of law enforcement agencies, legislative bodies, judiciary members, social service providers, civil society organizations, and advocates for women’s and children’s rights, FIDA ensures a more robust response to SGBV cases.

For instance, FIDA Nigeria has provided targeted training to groups like the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) on land access, land use, and inheritance rights. These trainings empower women to acquire land, achieve financial independence, and reduce economic violence.

In 2019, she also led the development of a Standard Operating Procedure for handling Gender-Based Violence cases at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, creating structured guidelines that support a victim-centered, coordinated approach. Her ongoing workshops train diverse professionals, including law enforcement officers, legal practitioners, judiciary members, and court staff, in best practices for preventing and responding to Violence Against Women and Girls.

FIDA Nigeria has broadened its impact on the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups through robust national and subnational initiatives. She has strengthened the capacity of civil society organizations to address critical issues, including human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and child marriage.

Key outcomes of her work include heightened gender-responsive actions to prevent gender-based violence, the enactment of community byelaws across various communities, improved legal knowledge among criminal justice actors, and enhanced coordination among civil society organizations nationwide.

Additionally, FIDA Nigeria has implemented a targeted intervention to transform social norms that sustain violence against women and girls. By engaging religious and traditional leaders, women leaders, and youth, our community-led approach fosters a shift in social beliefs, promoting safer and more equitable environments for women and girls.

FIDA Nigeria’s efforts to establish a gender-sensitive and protective environment for women, girls, and vulnerable populations extend to advocacy for gender-responsive policies and budgeting by state actors. Notable early outcomes include increased budget allocations for gender-sensitive services in the 2024 Kogi State budget, stronger collaboration between civil society organizations and state institutions in policy tracking and implementation, improved awareness of gender-responsive service delivery among stakeholders, and the creation of a more inclusive, gender-mainstreamed environment among state actors.

In amplifying her survivor-centred approach, FIDA Nigeria has responded to the urgent need for a protective environment for women experiencing domestic abuse by establishing shelters at its national level and in some state branches. These shelters provide a secure, confidential refuge where survivors of domestic violence, particularly women, children and the vulnerable find immediate safety from abusive situations. Her initiative offers more than just physical protection as these safe homes have provided a holistic approach to support beneficiaries including access to counselling services, legal guidance, and resources.

Through partnerships with local health and social services, survivors receive medical care, emotional support, and pathways to socio-economic empowerment to help them reintegrate into society independently. This demonstrates FIDA Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the complex needs of domestic violence survivors by creating safe spaces that offer both immediate relief and a foundation for long-term recovery.

As part of FIDA Nigeria’s @ 60 celebrations, FIDA Nigeria has launched a 60 for 60 Outreach Program, a project that perfectly embodies her commitment to transforming lives. This initiative aims to empower women through cash grants and resources that will serve as a foundation for building sustainable livelihoods. FIDA Nigeria believes that by investing directly in women, she is also investing in stronger families and more resilient communities.

Olajumoke ‘Onibread’ makes a comeback, set to host radio show

After a long disappearance from the public scene, with many wondering where she is and others asking what happened to her, Olajumoke Orisaguna, popularly known as Olajumoke Onibread, has resurfaced as a radio talk show host. She was a former bread seller who later became a model.

Olajumoke, who launched her talk show titled ‘Kilon Shele’ on City FM on Wednesday at a news conference in Lagos, expressed gratitude to famous photographer, TY Bello, for her pivotal role leading to her stardom in 2016.

Reports said that the model, who first gained fame in 2016 after an unexpected encounter with British rapper Tinie Tempah during a photoshoot captured by renowned photographer TY Bello, recently joined City FM as a radio presenter after a significant break from the public eye.

During a news conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, Orisaguna expressed her gratitude to TY Bello for the crucial role she played in her rise to prominence.

In her announcement, Orisaguna shared her desire to pursue further education, acknowledging the challenges she has faced due to a lack of formal schooling.

Her radio show, ‘Kilon Shele’, will delve into her personal experiences, particularly focusing on the difficulties she encountered with exploitative managers who took advantage of her situation.

Additionally, she plans to discuss the emotional struggles she faced during her hiatus and her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.

The show will also include inspiring discussions with guests who have navigated similar challenges, aiming to provide a platform for shared experiences and uplifting conversations.

“I want to use my platform to share my story, the good and the bad. I want to show that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

“My show will be a beacon of inspiration for those who have faced similar struggles.”

Olajumoke disclosed mistakes that damaged relationships with benefactors.

“I have suffered a lot,” she said. “But I thank Azuka and TY Bello for not giving up on me. My advice to those coming behind me is to work hard and never bite the finger that feeds them. I made many mistakes, but I’ve learned my lessons and want others to learn from my story.”

Scenic Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans fleeing Trump

An Italian village is offering a special deal to Americans looking for an escape after former president Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term. 

Ollolai – located in central Sardinia – is one of the many rural Italian towns offering homes for just one euro ($1.06) in a bid to revitalize their economies. 

After Trump was elected, the community released a statement on its website reading: “Are you worn out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities? It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.” 

The village claims to be “surrounded by incredible cuisine” while being “immersed in a community with ancient traditions.” When searching for their new homes, Americans can either choose a space to renovate or one that’s “move-in-ready.” 

The website notes that locals will be available to step in and help with practicalities such as “arranging viewings” and “finding contractors.” 

The mayor of Ollolai, Francesco Columbu, said their website was built to appeal to Americans who voted in this year’s election. 

“We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” he told CNN. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.” 

He continued: “Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country.” 

Columbu also explained what the three offerings in Ollolai will be: $1 homes in need of renovations, move-in ready homes for $105,000 (€100,000 euros), and free temporary homes to certain people who can work remotely. 

Ollolai has a population of roughly 1,300 people and is known for its abundant water features and a church built by Basilian monks.

Embattled UniZIK VC, Prof. Odoh says purported sack is unacceptable

  • As FG removes Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences, Benue

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has rejected a recent letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Odoh.

The letter, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, cited alleged breaches of university regulations and disregard for directives as reasons for the decision.

The Ministry said that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, leading to tension and a breakdown of order within the institution.

However, a detailed response issued on November 20, 2024, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the embattled Vice-Chancellor, described the Ministry’s actions as a “mischievous” attempt to destabilize the university.

The statement questioned the Ministry’s authority to dissolve the Governing Council and remove the Vice-Chancellor, citing provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which reserves such powers for the President as the Visitor to the university.

UNIZIK argued that the Ministry’s actions bypassed the proper channels, as the Governing Council members and the Vice-Chancellor had not been formally questioned or notified.

The university maintained that the appointment of Professor Odoh followed due process and had been widely accepted by stakeholders.

UNIZIK emphasised that the matter is sub judice, rendering the Ministry’s actions premature and inappropriate.

Contrary to the Ministry’s claims of a “breakdown of law and order,” the university stated that its campuses remain calm and that Professor Odoh has been effectively discharging his duties without rancour.

The statement questioned the authenticity of the letter, noting that it was signed by a Public Relations Director rather than the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education.

It further criticized the absence of formal communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.

The university urged the public and its community to remain calm, insisting that the courts should determine the legality of the actions taken by the Ministry.

“Let peace continue to reign supreme in our revered citadel of learning,” the statement concluded.

The university reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and called for an expedited resolution of the matter through judicial processes.

Also, the Federal Government has announced the sack of Mr Ohieku Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State,

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, by Folashade Boriowo the Director of Press in the ministry.

Alausa said that the sack of Salami was due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures’’

The minister said the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by Salami, “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor, without following the prescribed procedures.”

According to the minister, despite intervention by the education ministry and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to comply.

The minister said, instead of complying with the request, Salami resorted to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“Such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.

The minister directed the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the university.

“This is to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability,’’ he said.

The Conclave/NAN

To a Lady of many firsts on her 80th birthday, Aloma Maryam Mukhtar

On July 16, 2012, Hon. Justice Aloma Maryam Mukhtar, born 20th November 1944 in Lagos, made history by becoming the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria automatically earning the national award of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON (the second-highest in the country) by His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR.

It was a feat that had never been achieved by any woman in Nigeria before her.

She attended Gibson & Welder Law School and graduated in 1966 before being called to the English Bar in the same year. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1967.

Mukhtar joined the Northern Nigerian Ministry of Justice as a Pupil State Counsel and Magistrate becoming the first female magistrate in the North Eastern Government from 1969-1973.

In 1973, she moved to Kano State to be the Chief Registrar of the State Judiciary, and five years later, in 1977, she was made a judge of the Kano High Court, making her the third female judge in Nigerian history after, Modupe Omo-Ebo in 1969 and Elsie Oguntoye in 1976, the first female judge from the North and at 32 years of age, the youngest judge in the country.

Justice Mukhtar rose in the Kano state judiciary to become the second-ranked judge. But she stalled there. Whenever the time came for the appointment of a new chief judge (in 1982 and 1985), she was bypassed for junior male colleagues.

Her Lordship was nominated as a Justice of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal in 1987. She served in this position for 17 years and in June 2005, she was elevated to Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In 2012, Honorable Justice Mukhtar was sworn in as Chief Justice position of Nigeria and held the position to 2014 when she reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 for judicial officers.

In addition, she served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia from 2011-2012, in an interim position.

Honourable Justice Mukhtar was the first female attorney from Northern Nigeria; the first female Chief Registrar in Nigeria; the first female judge in Northern Nigeria; the first female Court of Appeal justice; the first female justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the first female Chief Justice for Nigeria.

After leaving the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Her Lordship joined the National Council of State, the highest advisory body in Nigeria, as its first female permanent member.

She turned 80 today, 20th November 2024.

Re: Alleged Gross Misconduct, Senate fires CCT Chair, Danladi Umar

By Prof. R.A.C.E. Achara PhD

On an address supported by 2/3rds majority of the Senate means that the President (or, for state officers at the state’s legislature, the Governor) initiates the process for removal through an address s/he presents to the given legislative body.

The relevant legislature then votes to accept or reject the removal from office which the chief executive has recommended in the said address.

Removal is constitutional and automatic only when the aye votes preponderate against the nay votes by a margin of two-thirds or more to one-third or less.

Unfortunately, as has become the confusion plaguing our judicial interpretations of the Constitution in the past quarter century or so, this has been turned on its head. And the legislature is made to, as it were, domicile the innately executive powers of dismissal. 🤷🏽‍♂
Removal of a chief executive by impeachment is ontologically similar but different.👇🏾

Process is central to maintenance of the safeguards of constitutional governance.

The character presently in focus deserves any opprobrium coming his way but we all suffer when procedural guardrails to encumber the hands of otherwise uncontrolled power are bit by bit eaten away by the current holders of our collective sovereign power.

By all means, sack the disreputable fellow; but, in order to do so, pay respect to the process by not following that fellow’s own example of not respecting the process!

Read Also: Alleged Gross Misconduct: Senate fires CCT Chair, Danladi Umar

History as University of Jos gets 2nd female SUG President in 35 years

Pwajok Jane Kangyang, a Medicine and Surgery student has been elected the second female Students’ Union Government, (SUG) President at the University of Jos (UniJos).

By her election, Kangyang became the second female to occupy the position in 35 years after Ene Obi who won the position in 1989.

Correcting the error that Kangyang is the first female SUG President in the university’s 49 years history, Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN revealed that Ene Obi was the first and he served as her Student Legal Adviser.

However, students, friends and well-wishers have been sending congratulatory messages to Ms Pwajok on her historic win. 

“Congratulations on your historic win! FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS STUDENT UNION GOVERNMENT. May your reign be blissful!,” One Dakak Christopher wrote. 

“You have made history as the first female SUG president. You have done us proud. You are a fighter and a very resilient one at that. Despite all odds and the opposition, God has crowned your effort. Appreciation to all those who worked hard to make this possible,” another message read.

UNIJOS gets first female SUG President in 49 years
UNIJOS gets first female SUG President in 49 years
UNIJOS gets first female SUG President in 49 years

Norwegian Royal family member arrested for rape

The Norwegian police have disclosed that the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

Marius Borg Hoiby, 27, is the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon, and the son of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship. He has no royal title or official duties. 

Borg Hoiby was arrested late on Monday, Nov. 18, in Oslo on a preliminary charge of having had “sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act.” 

A preliminary charge comes before a formal charge and allows authorities to detain suspects during an investigation.
Police did not say when the alleged rape occurred, only that “the victim must have been unable to resist the act.” 

The royal couple – Hoiby’s mother and her husband, Crown Prince Haakon 

The Norwegian media said Borg Hoiby denied the accusation. 
Hege Salomon, the lawyer for the woman who was allegedly raped, said “She is having a hard time”. 

She told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that police, not the woman, had brought the case. The woman was not identified. 

The royal palace had no comment, the news agency NTB said. 

On August 4, police officers responded to a disturbance in central Oslo and briefly detained Borg Hoiby. He faced preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage and was released. Details were unclear but police said there was “a relationship between the suspect and the victim”. 

More preliminary charges have since been filed against Borg Hoiby, including violating several restraining orders and driving without a valid driver’s licence. In all, the cases involve four women and one man. The case was top news in Norway, where the royals are popular. 

Borg Hoiby lives with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. 

Borg Hoiby’s mother, who is the future queen of Norway, made headlines in 2001 when she married Prince Haakon because she was a single mother who had lived a freewheeling life with a companion who had been convicted on drug charges.

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