Appointment
See Justice beyond prisms of geo-political lines – Rtd Justice Ajileye
***Urges Judiciary to ask itself how and why did it allow things to degenerate.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, retired judge of Kogi State High Court has admonished Nigerians to to refrain from perceiving justice along regional or geo-political lines.
Justice Ajileye who was speaking at the 9th Annual Week of the Badagry branch of the Nigerian Bar Association spelt out the dangers inherent in seeing judges and the judgments they deliver from the prisms of religion, region or race.
He said that such perception would not only erode public trust and confidence in the Judiciary but make a mockery of the hallowed principles of the Rule of Law on which the Judiciary and the dispensation of Justice as a whole rest.
His Lordship Omolaye-Ajileye, a Nigeria’s foremost authority on the Law of Electronic Evidence, titled his lecture, “Leveraging Emerging Legal Challenges to the Rule of Law in the Prevailing Socio-economic Realities in Nigeria.”
He said: “Distinguished gentlemen of the Bar, whether we accept it or not, the truth remains that the public is watching what is going on in our courts and regularly and deeply questioning the rationale behind certain decisions, and rightly so.
“If there was ever a period where we expected the public to blindly trust the Judiciary, it is long gone. The trust necessary for the public to accept judicial decisions and court orders is fundamental to the Rule of Law.
“The Judiciary must continually ask itself, how and why did it allow things to degenerate to this level? This is because the Nigerian Judiciary had undoubtedly enjoyed high levels of trust in the past.
“The Judiciary must take this decline in public trust seriously. It cannot afford to be complacent. It is dangerous for it to assume that trust is ever-present. It must address this trust deficit.
“The public should and must be able to trust in the individual judges and the judiciary as an institution which wields immense power on its behalf.
“As Alexander Hamilton famously said, unlike the Executive and Legislature, the Judiciary has no influence over either ‘Sword or the Purse’ and ‘may truly be said to have neither force nor will, but merely judgment’.
“Armed with only the power of judgment, the Judiciary requires the legitimacy gained from public trust to function effectively to make the rule of law blossom. The general acceptance of judicial decisions, by citizens and by governments, is essential for peace, welfare, good government and the rule of law.
The corollary is also true. To distrust the judiciary is a ready recipe for anarchy. This is because citizens who trust the judiciary are more likely to engage with the legal system to address their legal issues and to co-operate with its processes”, he said
Justice Ajileye, who is currently with the Baze University, Abuja, also commented on the controversy surrounding the composition of the apex court’s presidential appeal court panel.
He said: “Still on the issue of trust, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Dattijo Muhammad, JSC (Rtd), recently made a statement at his valedictory that raises a jurisprudential question on securing public trust and justice.
“I quote Him: ‘To ensure justice and transparency in presidential appeals from the lower court, all geo-political zones are required to participate in the hearing.
“It is, therefore, dangerous for democracy and equity for two entire regions to be left out in the decisions that will affect the generality of Nigerians’.
“The grouse of His Lordship here is that both the North Central and South East geo-political zones were not represented in the panel of Justices of the Supreme Court that decided appeals that arose from the Presidential Election Tribunal to the apex court recently”, he said.
Ajiley said the jurist had held that the development was ‘dangerous for democracy and equity’ adding that His Lordship’s focus was on the absence of Justices from the North Central and South East geo-political zones in the panel.
“It was easy for social media commentators to quickly draw attention to the fact that the South West geo-political zone that parades the Chief Justice of Nigeria and two other eminent Justices of the Supreme Court was also not represented in the panel.
“According to the commentators, it was also in order to ensure ‘transparency and equity.’ The issue is neither here nor there.
“My humble position here is, it is better that the Judiciary, including the Supreme Court, be perceived as a homogeneous entity that serves the interest of all. It is dangerous to the society to perceive justice from the prisms of tribes, religions or geo-political divisions.
“Justice ought to remain an integral whole that does not admit of partition along tribal or geo-political bifurcation.
“It is also more dangerous if the impartiality of the Supreme Court is to wait for people to see the extent to which they have been represented by Justices who come from their geo-political zones.
“Secondly, with due respect, to perceive justice from geo-political lines is to trivialize justice. Justice is far more important than that.
“If we accept the intrinsic worth of every human being, then, justice becomes the minimum debt we owe to him, for if we deny him justice, we have declared him worthless.
“The dispenser of justice should, therefore, be a person that is even-handed, blind to all social distinctions and disparities in wealth, religion, tribe, status and no respecter of persons, just as justice itself should be.
“If a nation cannot look at their judges and see men and women who are upright enough to uphold the principle of the rule of law and do Justice to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, then, I will simply say that nation has lost it”, he said.
It would be recalled that Retired Justice Ajileye was noted for his high sense of honesty, integrity and hard work while on the Bench. (Ends)
In a strategic move to bolster security in Nigeria’s commercial capital, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
Head, Press and Public Relations
Ikechukwu Ani in a statement indicated that the appointment was confirmed on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The statement explained that
CP Jimoh, a highly decorated officer from Kwara State, is coming with decades of experience in crime prevention, intelligence, and security operations.
Before this appointment, he served as the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority, Eastern Ports, and previously held key positions such as, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner, Airport Police, Deputy Commissioner, Finance & Administration and Deputy Commissioner, General Investigation
Accirding to the statement, CP Jimoh has received elite training worldwide, preparing him to tackle Lagos’ complex security challenges such as Combat Operations Training – Mobile Training College, Maiduguri, Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasures – USA, Maritime Rescue & Anti-Hijacking Tactics – China and Police Strategy & Leadership Training – South Korea
Beyond his operational expertise, CP Jimoh is a master communicator the statement explained further.
He is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Public Relations Personality of the Year, recognized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for revolutionizing police-public engagement.
CP Jimoh’s appointment was approved by top-ranking officials at the Police Service Commission, including, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.) mni – PSC Chairman, Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje (Rtd.) – Hon. Commissioner for Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc – Hon. Commissioner for Police Affairs
With his deep expertise, global training, and reputation for results, CP Jimoh is set to redefine law enforcement in Lagos, ensuring safety and security for all.
In a landmark event blending tradition with progress, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Abuja hosted its inaugural White Coat and Oath-Taking Ceremony on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.
The ceremony served a dual purpose: officially inducting 62 new veterinary doctors into the profession and initiating 500- and 600-level students into their clinical years—a pivotal transition from theoretical learning to practical, hands-on veterinary medicine.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Enem Simon Ikechukwu, opened the event with a passionate address, calling it an “epoch-making occasion that blends pride, joy, and gratitude.”
He lauded the graduates’ resilience in navigating the rigors of veterinary education and urged them to carry forward the values of integrity, innovation, and service.
“Being a veterinarian is more than a profession; it is a calling,” Prof. Ikechukwu noted. “Through this oath-taking ceremony, we are not sending you off, but sending you forth—to conquer challenges and bring victories home.”
The event also honored the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Faculty’s success. The late Prof. Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, who spearheaded the establishment of the Faculty despite formidable obstacles, and Prof. Ikwe Ajogi, the Faculty’s first Dean, were both fondly remembered.
Their legacy of excellence continues, with the Dean proudly noting that this marks the 11th graduating class since the Faculty’s inception.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) played a central role in the ceremony, administering the official Veterinary Oath and formally recognizing the graduates as licensed professionals. The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association also welcomed the inductees, highlighting the growing impact of veterinary professionals on public health, agriculture, and animal welfare across the nation.
For clinical students donning their white coats for the first time, the day was both celebratory and symbolic. Prof. Ikechukwu emphasized the responsibility that comes with wearing the white coat, a universal symbol of medical ethics and professionalism.
“There must be a change in attitude,” he advised. “Separate yourselves from distractions and embrace the seriousness that clinical practice demands.”
The ceremony attracted a host of distinguished guests, including industry leaders, university officials, and proud family members. A special highlight was the presence of the newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Lar, who received a warm welcome from the Faculty as she embarks on her new role.
As the ceremony concluded, one message resonated clearly: the future of veterinary medicine in Nigeria is in capable hands. With their oaths sworn and white coats freshly donned, these young professionals are ready to make their mark—not just in clinics and laboratories, but in communities and industries across the nation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has been awarded the highly coveted ThisDay Senator of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to governance, leadership, and the upliftment of her constituents.
The annual award, organized by ThisDay Newspapers, honors senators who demonstrate unparalleled commitment to public service and impactful representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as the winner from a distinguished shortlist that included Senators Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Ali Ndume (Borno South).
In a statement issued by her Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, the senator’s dedication to legislative excellence and grassroots development was lauded as key factors in her selection for the prestigious honor.
Known for her bold initiatives, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has focused on economic empowerment, healthcare reforms, and educational development in her constituency. Her programs, particularly those aimed at empowering women and youth through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, have earned her widespread admiration.
Speaking on the award, the senator expressed gratitude to her constituents and reaffirmed her dedication to driving meaningful change.
“This award reflects the trust and partnership I share with the people of Kogi Central. It’s a call to do more, to deliver on our promises, and to remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better Nigeria,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
Her growing list of achievements includes being named Leadership Newspaper’s Politician of the Year in 2023, further solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader in Nigerian politics.
The ThisDay Senator of the Year Award highlights the importance of impactful leadership in fostering development and governance. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recognition serves as an inspiration for her peers and a reminder of the power of purposeful representation in national politics.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu