Kogi
NJC blocks Bello from appointing wife, relations as Judges
The National Judicial Council, (NJC), has blocked governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State from giving judicial appointments as parting gift to his wife, Barrister Amina Bello, and some of his blood relations
Bello had submitted names of lawyers from Kogi State for appointment to serve as Judges for the 10 vacant positions.
However, there was a seeming lopsidedness in the appointment in favour of Kogi Central as 80 percent of the names he forwarded to the NJC were from the Senatorial District.
Those he appointed, which would have been confirmed by the NJC in line with its provision, are mostly from his clan, a development that was rejected by the NJC upon the discovery of the lopsidedness in his appointment.
They were to serve as Judges and Kadis.
The rejection of Yahaya Bello’s appointment was contained in a statement by the NJC Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq, in reaction to earlier petition filed by a league of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Kogi East informing NJC about Governor Bello’s act of nepotism in appointing the Judges and Kadis.
The statement reads: “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 10 January, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the National Judicial Council being the apex body in the Judiciary understands that respecting the authority of the court is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining a fair and just legal system. As such, the NJC has always been at the forefront of advocating for respect to the rule of law.
“Thus, I wish to inform you that once a suit is instituted against any appointment process, Council do put on hold the process, pending the determination of the matter. Consequently, the NJC has put on hold the process of appointment of Judges and Kadis for the Kogi State Judiciary.”
The names forwarded by Yahaya Bello include his blood relations, nephews, his wife, Amina Bello, and family friends.
Titled “RE: Provisional Short-list Of Candidates Of Ten Judicial Officers Of The High Court Of Justice Shariah Court Of Appeal And Customary Court Of Appeal,” the indigenous Kogi SANs stated that appointment of Judges to superior courts of record was regulated and required provision of basic facilities such as availability of courtrooms/Judges chambers, official cars, residential accommodation as well as equipped library in Judges’ chambers, citing Rules 1-5 of National Judicial Council Revised Guidelines.
In the 12-point issues raised in the letter signed by Yunus Ustaz Usman, Life Bencher for himself and on behalf of 16 other Senior Advocates, the legal luminaries also pointed out that the proposed candidates listed for appointments of judges did not reflect the geographical spread. They noted that the list was lopsided to the disadvantage of other parts of the state.
According to the letter, the candidates listed for customary Court of Appeal were all from Kogi Central and there was no candidate from Kogi East or Kogi West, noting that there were qualified persons from Kogi East and Kogi West that were not selected.
Shortlisted candidates for the Bench:
The list contains the names of the shortlisted candidates for appointment to the 10 (Ten) vacant positions for Judges and Kadis
HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
1) Badiru Abdulghaniy, Esq.
2) Ezema Beatrice Ada, Esq.
3) Ibrahim Idenyi
4) Amina Yahaya Bello, Esq.
5) Joseph Sunday Ajesola Esq.
6) Dr Mohammed Tanko Esq.
7) Badama Kadiri, Esq.
8) Umaru Medina, Esq.
9) Ibrahim Jubril, Oladimeji, Esq.
10) Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Esq.
11) Zakari Wahab
12) Halimat Onuka
SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL
1) Idris Alhaji Abdullahi, Esq.
2) Abdulwasiu Oladele Salaudeen
3) Muhammad Muhammad Bello, Esq.
4) Mohammed Usman, Agaba, Esq.
5) Okino Isah Saidu, Esq.
6) Abdulaziz Muhammad Abdulmali
7) Ganiyu Adeku, Esq.
8) Yakubu Adavenge Abbas
9) Hassan Hussaini
10) Musa Muhammad Jibreel
11) Hussaini Zakariya Labaran, Esq.
12) Salihu Abdullahi
13) Idrees Usman Abdullahi
14) Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu
CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL
1) Musa Onogo Idris, Esq.
2) Maryann Oziohu, Esq.
3) Shaibu Ozovehe Ebenezer, Esq.
Gover Bello is billed to end his eight years tenure as governor of Kogi State on 27th January 2024
Traditional rulers across Kogi State are stepping up to play a pivotal role in the government’s efforts to transform the primary healthcare system.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced sweeping reforms targeting improved accountability, service delivery, and community engagement in the state’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the Governor emphasized the inclusion of traditional institutions in the reform process.
“Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our communities. Their active involvement in monitoring and supervising healthcare delivery is crucial to ensuring that these reforms succeed,” he said.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, echoed this sentiment, describing the healthcare revitalization efforts as a turning point for rural communities.
“The wellbeing of our people begins with accessible and effective healthcare. We, as traditional leaders, are committed to supporting the government’s vision by overseeing the proper functioning of PHCs in our domains,” he remarked.
This partnership is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to strengthen the healthcare value chain.
The government plans to conduct periodic spot checks of PHCs in collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers to ensure consistent service delivery.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, the State Commissioner for Health, lauded the commitment of the traditional leaders, revealing that funding has already been provided to operationalize at least one PHC in each of Kogi’s 239 wards.
Plans are underway to increase this number and enhance the quality of services.
The reforms aim to address pressing health challenges, including maternal and infant mortality and low immunization rates.
Governor Ododo assured that these efforts will be anchored on data-driven decision-making and adherence to global best practices in healthcare management.
As the collaboration unfolds, traditional rulers are poised to bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots, ensuring that the vision for a robust healthcare system becomes a reality for all Kogi citizens.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in partnership with the Federal Government, has commenced the establishment of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. This milestone comes on the heels of relentless advocacy by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District in the Senate.
Senator Natasha, a staunch advocate for leveraging Kogi’s vast natural gas resources, played a pivotal role in bringing this initiative to fruition. Her consistent efforts and collaboration with the NNPC leadership have positioned Ajaokuta as a key player in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Speaking about the project, Senator Natasha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, highlighted the transformative potential of the LNG plants. “This is the result of a shared vision for progress. These plants will not only provide affordable, eco-friendly energy but also create jobs, attract investments, and boost industrialization in our region,” she stated.
The Mini LNG plants are designed to supply clean energy to households and industries, addressing persistent energy challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. The project also aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010), ensuring local expertise is leveraged in the construction and operation of the plants.
Senator Natasha commended the NNPC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, noting that the establishment of the LNG plants demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and regional empowerment.
“This collaboration underscores the importance of effective governance and partnership in driving economic growth and improving the lives of our people,” she added.
By turning Senator Natasha’s vision into reality, the NNPC has set Ajaokuta on a path toward becoming an energy hub, showcasing the power of advocacy, leadership, and institutional cooperation in driving Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.
***Vows Swift Justice for 3-Year-Old Victim
In a firm stance against sexual violence, the Kogi State Government has declared its intention to prosecute a 40-year-old man, Mr. Elisha Daniel, accused of raping a 3-year-old girl. The state government labeled the crime as “inhuman and intolerable” and pledged to use this case to reinforce its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, expressed the administration’s outrage. “This act is barbaric, unconscionable, and a stain on our collective humanity. Such crimes must be met with the full force of the law to ensure justice for the victim and deterrence for would-be offenders,” Fanwo stated.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reportedly directed a swift and coordinated response. He instructed the Secretary to the State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to ensure thorough investigations and prompt legal action against the accused. Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice have been tasked with ensuring a robust legal strategy to secure justice.
Fanwo emphasized that the state will not tolerate any form of violence against children, noting, “Our society must adopt zero tolerance for such heinous crimes. The law will not just bark—it will bite. This administration is resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and dignity of every child in Kogi State.”
In a move to address the immediate needs of the victim, the Governor has also mandated the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development to provide trauma care and support for the child and her family. This gesture aims to not only aid in her recovery but also reassure the public of the government’s commitment to child protection.
The suspect, who was apprehended following a tip-off from a government official, is said to be cooperating with law enforcement. Authorities have promised a transparent and expedited judicial process, with Fanwo stating, “This case will set a precedent for dealing with such abominable acts. Justice must and will prevail.”
This case highlights the state’s ongoing battle against sexual violence and exploitation, with the government urging citizens to join the fight by reporting such crimes and supporting survivors.
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