Congratulations The Servant Leader, Mr Anietie Usen On Your Appointment As The Senior Special Assistant, Media And Publicity.
Indeed, God has done it
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
AKWA IBOM: Eno re-appoints ex-gov Udom CPS, SSG , three others
By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has re-appointed the Chief Press Secretary, CPS of his predecessor, Ekerete Udoh to continue the race.
Eno also appointed Mr Enobong Uwah, as the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Anietie Usen, as his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr Otobong Idiong, as the Chief Protocol and Dr Uduakobong Inam as Economic Adviser.
This was contained in a statement issued by Dr Nathaniel Adiakpan, Permanent Secretary, Government House and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday night.
The statement read, “The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has approved the following appointments with immediate effect, Prince Enobong Uwah – Secretary to State Government, Mr Ekerette Udo – Chief Press Secretary.
"Mr Anietie Usen – Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr Otobong Edem Idiong – Chief of Protocol and Dr (Mrs) Uduakobong Inam – Economic Adviser.
“Please accord them necessary support to enable them discharge their duties creditably,” Adiakpan added
Monday, May 29, 2023
Umo Eno sworn in as the fifth democratic Gov in A'Ibom
By Freshgist
Jubilation thrilled as Pastor Umo Eno and Senator Akon Eyakenyi were sworn-in as the 5th democratically elected governor and first elected female deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State respectively earlier today.
Eno, a successful Entrepreneur, hails Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State took over from Udom Emmanuel who ruled the State from 2015 to 2023.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot administered the oath of office and allegiance on the both of them at Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo at about 1:30pm.
Eno charged on all political stakeholders to put aside their grievances and join hands with him to move the state forward, appealing that politics must not severe the ties of their common heritage or brotherhood.
The new executive governor of the state Pastor Umo Eno, pledged to be a governor to all citizens and residents not minding their political party affiliations, or ethnicity.
"Politics therefore must not separate or sever the ties of our brotherhood and common heritage and aspirations, I pledge to you that I will be governor for all Akwaibomited, irrespective of political persuasions or affiliations.
” I call on our people to come together, and let’s build s State where the pain of one Akwaibomite is the pain of all, and where the success of one Akwaibomite is the success for all.
“We have been too polarized by politics, This should not be. As I said in my Victory Speech, we will set up a bi-partisan reconciliation committee soon, so we can jaw-jaw instead of war-war on critical issues of our development, unity and brotherhood”
The newly sworn-in governor stressed that he could not achieve or actualize his visions for the state alone adding, “This is a collective responsibility, and I am very sure all of you patriotic citizens of Akwa Ibom State, will join hands with me to further push the developmental strides as handed down by my worthy Predecessor"
"My dear Akwa Ibom people, as I accept this onerous task to open another chapter of the glittering and continuous story of our growth, development, peace and unity of our dear State and our people, I want you to be inspired by my story.
"To those of you who may be struggling to put food on the table, if I overcame, you too can! To those who may have given up on life because of the circumstances you currently find yourself, if I overcame, believe me, you too can!
"To the youths of Akwa Ibom State, my story is your story. There is nothing you cannot achieve if you put your heart and mind in it. There is no mountain steep or slippery enough that you cannot climb and get to the apex if, to quote the inspirational words of my Political Father and my worthy Predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel “the passion is right.”
"Today, Hilda Bassey, the Guinness World Record holder in the longest cooking hours by an individual has epitomized the Dakkada Spirit, Enoh Ebong, the Director, United Sates Trade and Development Agency, who is part of President Biden’s delegation to the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is of Akwa Ibom ancestry. Ime Udoka, the former Head Coach of the Boston Celtics and now, Houston Rockets, has made us all proud. My administration will work hard to produce more of these great and inspirational Akwaibomites. We will create the enabling environment for our youths to thrive, since every one cannot be given political appointments.
" My fellow Akwaibomites, in the last eight years, our State has witnessed monumental developmental strides across all sectors, earning the national acclaim as “Nigeria’s Best Kept Secret.” We owe my Predecessor and Political Father our debt of gratitude. From aviation development, where today we are the only sub national with a thriving airline in the nation, the Ibom Air, to the smartest Airport Terminal building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) the longest Taxiway in the nation, with Category 2 Certification, our story has been one where, as providentially stated in Job 22: 29 “when men are cast down, then thou shall say there is lifting up,”
"Today, because my worthy Predecessor knew that the provision of world -class infrastructure, especially economically viable road network that connects the State seamlessly will ensure rapid economic development, we, are blessed and ready to utilize this all- important driver of growth, prosperity and development to connect the dots and A.R.I.S.E. further with our growth and development.
"From investments in agriculture, healthcare delivery services, education, where our WAEC pass rate now stands at over 80 percent from 60 percent it was a few years back, to changing our narratives of our State from a once purely Civil- Service oriented State to one that today has attracted Foreign Direct Investments with over twenty industries that have provided employment opportunities, to human capacity development, rural and riverine development, sports, tourism, peace and security, my Predecessor has made this State, ready for economic explosion. We would connect the dots and have our people A.R.I.S.E with us for greater glory and growth.
"My worthy Predecessor, H.E. Udom Emmanuel had commenced the digitalization of the Civil Service. We will complete the process of E-governance. We will priotize the welfare of our civil servants and encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship in line with our dakkada spirit.
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Akwa Ibom: Gov Udom inaugurates UNILAG Affiliated Skills Acquisition Center
By Freshgist
Akwa Ibom state governor, HE Udom Emmanuel has commissioned the Dakkada Skills Acquisition centre (DASAC) in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono local government to Akwa Ibom state as part of his parting gifts.
During the inauguration yesterday, the state governor informed the people that the state will be running the center in collaboration with the University of Lagos, which would be overseeing activities and operations of the center..
Emmanuel declared the decision to partner a university within the country instead of some institutions outside the country was to ensure understanding of the state's environment and socio-cultural structure.
" I want to thank the University of Lagos because when we approached them on this project for their collaboration and partnership, they did not turn us down. Meeting the University of Lagos should assure you that this centre will be one of the best, a centre of excellence.
"It is also a challenge on the University of Lagos because we had the opportunity of collaborating and partnering with other institutions outside Nigeria. We have some in Philippines, some from Pakistan, but I said no, east or west ,that no other institution outside Nigeria would understand our environment, our socio-cultural structure to be able to manage in order to achieve our desired result", he said.
Governor Emmanuel assured the institution's partners of state government continuous support, even though he will be leaving office.
He listed faculties in the center to include; Faculty of Agric- Business, Faculty of steel and building technology, Faculty of Mechanical fabrication and automobile engineering, Faculty of power and renewable energy, Faculty of Hospitality and lifestyle Management, Faculty of Information and Communication technology, Faculty of wood technology, Faculty of General studies and Skills Development amongst others
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor,University of Lagos Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for entrusting the responsibility on the University of Lagos assuring that they will ensure that graduates from the centre become potential employers of labour.
Addressing the gathering, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy an indigene of the area, Comrade Ini Ememobong applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel s decision to convert the institution which once served as Government Technical College to a skills acquisition center.
Ememobong who recalled that the school was abandoned by successive governments said the institution's transformation to a world class skills acquisition center will bring about incremental development to the area and state at large
He described the revolutionary achievement as another history making event in the conclusion agenda of the outgoing administration and extended gratitude of Ibiono Ibom people to Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Full life Academy Clears air on demised student.
By Freshgist
Full Life Academy Management has cleared air on the circumstances surrounding the death of one of it student, Miss Edima Ini Umoh.
This became necessary because the parent to the dead child demanded that the school Authority must furnish them with details of what they called "unnecessary and unfortunate"death of their daughter
Miss Umoh, last child in a family of five, a final year student of the institution who was currently writing her West African Examination Council, reportedly died in her sleep Thursday last week, at about 4pm, after complaining of headache.
Narrating the sad event while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, at the school premises along Airport Road, uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, the Principal of the Academy, Pst (Mrs) Aniefonteabasi Victor-Williams, disclosed the sad development took place at the closed of school while she was ministering in a church when her attention was drawn to the situation.
According to Mrs Williams: "We are fully aware of the demise of our student, Edima Ini Umoh, she was in SS3, currently writing her final exams.She has been in this school from creche, and the only pioneer student remaining to graduate before the sad event took place.
"Everything happened quickly, because by the time that I was called, I was already ministering in my husband church as I'm also a pastor.
"Shortly before we left school,she was healthy, we even sent her to call us another student from the hostel, we were told that she earlier complained of headache and the nurse gave her Paracetamol, during lunch time, 2:30pm and she was fine.
"She went to eat and even requested for more because here, we run a very homely facility here, if a child is not satisfied, she has the right to get more meal.
"At the time I and the day-students left the school, the Matron said that Edima complained again that she was having headache, the nurse wanted to initiate a Malaria treatment "Coaterm" so that the headache does not result to fever, but she rejected,saying that she prefer her mother to come to the school with "Amathem" drug.
"She asked the Matron to call her mother which she did immediately, she spoke with her mother, and asked the mother to come to the school with Amathem and pepper soup.
"She also asked that the mother should pray for her three times but the mother felt likeg the daughter was over panicking and keep responding that she should calm down, that she will bring everything she mentioned.
"Shortly after speaking with her mother, she became calm, and asked the hostel parents and hostel prefect who were there to allow her rest and they felt it was proper to let her rest, the hostel parents assigned the school senior prefect who is her classmate to stay with her.
"When we asked the head girl, she responded that Edima was calm and she has slept, so she left her room to also sleep upstairs, not long after she started snoring, being that they know her not to be snoring while sleeping, another classmate came to ask who was snoring, and when her name was mentioned, she allowed her to rest because of her health.
"The hostel parents came back to check those on Prep, if they were reading, this was when they saw white substance mixed with blood coming out from Edima's nose, that was when they raised the alarm and there was panic everywhere, by the time they carried her out of the bed, she had messed herself up, they clean her up and the nurse tried ressocitating her until the Doctor arrived , we affiliate with Premier Clinic, my boss and every other schools leaders were called and they all ran down to the school immediately, I met them at the Premier clinic, where the girl was on oxygen, and we prayed, hoping she will respond"
" We also reach out to Jeconiah Specialist hospitals, the consultant said we should bring her, it was when we got there that she was confirmed death."
Asked wether the deceased had an underlying health issues, the Principal said "The mother never told us, what we observed is that earlier this year she had headache that made her abstained from school for two weeks which resulted that she starts wearing glasses, but then she was a day student, so the mother told the school that it was optical issues that sponsored the migraine headache that it calm after she was given the glasses.
However, the parents in a letter through their lawyer, Edikan Lawrence ,Esq, titled " Demand for full Disclosure of Events Leading to the Unnecessary and Unfortunate Death of Miss Edima Ini Umoh" expressed sadness that the school authority had yet to furnish them with detailed account of what let their daughter's death.
The letter which was copied to the commissioner of Education in the state and the commissioner of police, reads in part " the saddest part of the story is that up till this moment, the authority has not been able to give a full and detailed account of what transpired within the school that culminated into a regrettable, untimely, painful and unfortunate loss"
"Predicted on the foregoing, we have our client's instruction ( and indeed that of the entire Richard Essien Umoh family) to demand a full disclosure and formal statement of all events, including the minutest details, leading to the death of Miss Edima Ini Umoh, addressed to the family through our office within 48 hours of the service of this letter.
"Take note that where you fail or refuse to act in terms of this demand within the time stated above, we have our client's instruction to resort to other legal measures to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done in this case and this will be without further recourse to you"
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Measuring When The Justice System Must Navigate Beyond Traditional Confines: The Idigbe Imprints
Written by Dr. Ekong Sampson, Senator-elect, Akwa Ibom South, while giving a Keynote Address at the 15th Punuka Annual Lecture/Symposium in honour of the centenary of the former Supreme Court Justice, Chike Idigbe, OFR, CON, held on Thursday, 4th May, 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel
"I consider it a matter of great privilege to have been invited to present a keynote address at this important symposium in honour of the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Felix Chukwunweike Alexander Idigbe. You might have noticed that I have not prefixed Justice Idigbe’s name with “Late”. This is because, to me, great thinkers – and Idigbe belongs to this eminent tribe – live on through their works. I agree totally with a very relevant limp of the eloquent tribute given by the Hon. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, then Chief Justice of Nigeria, during the special sitting of the Supreme Court on September 5, 1983 in honour of Hon. Justice Idigbe:
_Long after the dust has settled on his law books, and the wig and gown have faded, and the voice of the judge has been stilled, and the causes which he championed in the law courts are a distant memory, the judgments which he wrote during his years on the Bench would have been permanently enshrined in our Law Reports. It is by those, perhaps most of all, that the name of Justice ldigbe will be lovingly and respectfully remembered._
Let me at this point thank the Hon. Justice Idigbe family and Punuka Foundation for working very hard, over the years, to immortalize this outstanding Jurist. I enjoyed the warmth and co-operation of the Idigbe family extensively when I was gathering material for my book, _The Path of Justice Chike Idigbe (Distinct Universal, 1999),_ which followed my earlier work on Sir Udo Udoma _(Law and Statesmanship: The Legacy of Sir Udo Udoma, Patrioni Books, 1996)._ Initially, I had outlined the content to form a joint work on the two eminent jurists, in one book. The split was influenced by the volume of material that kept emerging about the two jurists. My research has shown how the minds of the two - and those of other great judges at the time - worked when they sat together. Let me give an example in *Nafiu Rabiu vs The State (1980 NSCC 291)* on constitutional construction. In that important case, Idigbe JSC had declared:
_It is the duty of this court which has the ultimate responsibility of declaring and interpreting provisions of the Constitution always to bear in mind that the Constitution itself is a mechanism under which laws are to be made by the Legislature and not merely an Act which declares what the law is. Accordingly, where the question is whether the Constitution has used an expression in the wider or in the narrower sense the court should always lean where the justice of the case so demands to the broader interpretation unless there is something in the context or in the rest of the Constitution to indicate that the narrower interpretation will best carry out its object and purpose._
Sir Udo Udoma offered his own deep perspective in the decision of the Supreme Court this way:
_…where the question is whether the Constitution has used an expression in the wider or in the narrower sense, in my view, this court should whenever possible, and in response to the demands of justice, lean to the broader interpretation, unless there is something in the text or in the rest of the Constitution to indicate that the narrower interpretation will best carry out the objects and purposes of the Constitution._
Hon. Justice Idigbe was born in Kaduna on August 12, 1923 to Alexander and Christie Idigbe. There is a lot to suggest that he was a Special One. He was the only surviving child of his mother, out of her eight children. That meant that his parents looked at him with considerable anxiety and treated him like an egg. The boy was some prodigy – highly inquisitive, adventurous and skilful in craft. Without any formal training, Chike could dismantle wrist watches, radios and bicycles and re-fix them satisfactorily. Even as a boy, he was exceptionally gifted on the piano and could conjure notes to the astonishment and delight of the elders and his friends.
At the age of 6, he was enrolled at St. Mary’s Catholic Mission Primary School, Port Harcourt before being admitted into the famous Christ the King College, Onitsha in 1937. Amongst his classmates at Christ the King College were some Nigerians who, like him, later became men of great accomplishments. They included Pius Okigbo, the widely acclaimed economist, Gabriel Onyuike, SAN, Queen’s Counsel and Attorney-General of the Federation during the Ironsi regime and Chukwudifu Oputa, who later also served on the Supreme Court Bench.
In 1943, Chike Idigbe passed the Cambridge examination in Division I and obtained an exemption from the London Matriculation Examination. Initially, he wanted to study Engineering but one morning he suddenly announced to his parents that he would study law instead. He told his shocked parents the only reason for his sudden change of mind was that he saw himself in a dream as a well-robed lawyer in a full court room and that he had won a sensational case. For a son who was well petted at home, that was no problem. Chike went on to read Law at Kings College, University of Cambridge where he won the coveted Foster-Campbell Prize in Criminal Law in 1945. In 1946, he graduated with LL.B (Second Class Division). He was called to the Utter Bar of the Middle Temple at the age of 23. In March 1947, he returned to Nigeria and was enrolled in the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate.
There were clear signs of the emerging hero. Chike was the first lawyer from what was then Asaba Division. He began his legal practice in Warri with a brief engagement in the law firm of Nelson Williams, a Sierra Leonean.
Later in 1947, he set up his own practice with the name Punuka Chambers and married Ofunneamaka in November, two years later. In Igbo, Punuka is translated loosely as "come out of trouble". Little wonder then, that his practice was a rescue campaign. His reputation soared with every sensational case he won. His legal services were in high demand. In his years in legal practice, Chike Idigbe represented the highest traditions of the Bar.
The gold fish, as it is said, has no hiding place. In 1961, Idigbe was appointed a Judge of the then High Court of Eastern Nigeria. In 1964, at the age of 41, he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench.He also served as Chief Justice of the then Mid-Western Region. The Nigerian Civil War however interrupted his career on the Bench. Caught on the Biafran side of the conflict, he sat with other jurists in the Biafran Court of Appeal. Readers of the judgments that came from that Court would notice that Idigbe retained his usual brilliance and calmness of mind, even in the tension and uncertainty of the period. However, in 1975, he was reappointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria to contribute to what is easily identified as a watershed era in the history of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The essential Justice Idigbe lies in the profundity of his thoughts and in his sense of decorum. He was a pathfinder who deployed profound brilliance and boldness to chart frontiers in law. Quite often, he made it clear that he stood for justice and the evolution of a better society. If I may quote again from the tributes of Hon. Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, CJN –
_Justice Idigbe was the very embodiment of the law whether it was the common law, customary law, statute law, or the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He seemed to have it in his very bones. Yet, although he had all this legal knowledge, he also had a firm grip of principles and of the rules of practice and procedure applicable in all the courts in the Federation… He was so well versed in his knowledge of the law that he would reach the right result almost by instinct._
It would be in the same vein that the great Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, spoke of Justice Idigbe’s “unrivalled capacity to get quickly to the heart of the matter or matters in debate”. I was not taken aback when Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria told me in Oguta that “if you convinced Idigbe, you convinced the Supreme Court”. That was a weighty compliment which showed the influence and respect Justice Idigbe earned on the Bench. As a result, Nigerian law and jurisprudence benefited from his rich mind.
As I observed in _The Path of Justice Idigbe,_ his return to the Supreme Court in 1975 became a major catalyst of what could be described as a most progressive epoch in the history of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His judgments showed his preparedness to move the law and society forward. He was never deterred by lack of, or scant, precedent. Even where there was precedent, Justice Idigbe would carefully scrutinize it, as if with binoculars. In his search for justice, he, like the famous Lord Denning, would not be unduly manacled by precedent or technicalities. For instance, the principal question that arose for determination in *Ogbunyiya & Ors v. Okudo & Ors (1979) NSCC 77* was devoid of any direct judicial decision, authority or comment. Yet, Justice Idigbe deftly led the Supreme Court to fill the gap.
At the Supreme Court, Idigbe JSC, wrote some of the most difficult, yet unassailable decisions, as he resolutely trod the path of substantial justice. In *Maclean v. Inlaks (1980) NSCC 232,* he led the full panel of the Supreme Court to overrule its line of authorities which appeared, at the time, untouchable. In *Shitta-Bey v. Federal Public Service Commission (1981) NSCC 20;* and *Balogun v. National Bank (1978) NSCC 142,* where Idigbe, JSC made clear departures from ostensibly sacrosanct premises of the common law, further portrayed a mind that looked well beyond traditional legal confines; as much as *Usoro v. Shell Petroleum Development Co., (Suit No. C/5/1961);* *Atiti Gold v. Beatrice Osaseren (Suit No. SC.362/1967),* and *Mutual Aids Society v. Akerele (1965) LLJR – SC,* came from a consistent wealth of reasoning ability from his early days on the High Court and Supreme Court Bench.
The triumph of substantial justice over undue technicalities is an ideal that will strengthen public confidence in the judiciary. May I add that in realizing this objective, even our Supreme Court should not shy away from revisiting its earlier premises on which it erected a decision, if the circumstances call for that, in the interest of justice. Although the highly respected Kayode Eso JSC, had warned in *Adigun v. AG Oyo State (No. 2) (1987) 2 NWLR (pt 56) at 214 -215* that the Supreme Court is “a Super Court … and the Justices of that Court are …Super Men”, the dynamic nature of society and the very limitation of the human element could present a scenario for proper review and further evolution of law and jurisprudence. This would be in line with the view of *Lord Morris in Conway v. Rimmer (1968) 1 All E.R. 874 at 892 D.E* as follows:
_Though precedent is an indispensable foundation on which to decide what is the law there may be times when a departure from precedent is in the interest of justice and the proper development of the law._
In *Buhari v. INEC (2008) SC,* it was stated that:
_Departing from a decision of acourt or overruling a decision of a court is a very major judicial exercise, which if done often will ruin or jeopardize the stable rules of judicial precedent, and particularly the rules of stare decisis._
In *Disu v. AjilOwura (2006) 14 NWLR (PT. 1000) 783,* it was also stated:
_This court will not depart or overrule its earlier decisions at the whims and caprices of a party, as such exercise is not automatic. The party must convince the court that it is necessary to do so and in the process furnish it with cogent reasons._
However, in the more recent case of *Pillars (Nig.) Ltd v. Desbordes (2021) 12 NWLR (pt. 17890 122 at 144,* the Supreme Court in departing from its earlier decision on the mandatory requirement for service of statutory notices in tenancy cases, held thus:
_ven where no statutory notices were served or those served are defective, once the Writ of Summons in the suit was served on the defendant, it served as adequate and sufficient notice._
In *Jev v. Iyortyom (2015) 15 NWLR (pt.1483) 484 at 503 (SC),* the Supreme Court set aside its decision in *Iyortyom v. Jev (2014) LPELR-23000 (SC);* and in *Guaranty Trust Bank v. Innoson (2022) (SC),* the Supreme Court also set aside its earlier decision dismissing the appeal.
It is instructive that despite his high standing on the Bench, Justice Idigbe took active interest in the development of his community. In appreciation of his contributions, his kinsmen conferred on Justice Idigbe, _Izoma of Asaba_ in 1977. Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was with Justice Idigbe in the Supreme Court, said that Justice Idigbe “was committed to humanity and loved tradition. He effectively combined his rigorous schedule of the Supreme Court with an unwavering commitment to the needs of his people of Asaba.”
When he was in legal practice, he handled many cases pro bono, and sponsored many students from his purse. Many still speak highly of his humility and humaneness. The Judge, usually amiable but stern, alas, betrayed discernible compassion in *The State v. Musa (1967) 168 MSNLR 44.* The facts of the case were however touching. The deceased, married to an American lady, went out one evening in a Peugeot car belonging to the wife. He returned home at about 1.45am the next day and met her waiting displeased that he stayed out for so long. They exchanged unpleasant words. Later that morning, the wife took the key of the car and made to drive it away from a premises opposite their home, where the car was parked. Her husband followed her and arrived at the premises just as she was entering the car. However, she quickly got into the car and shut the door. As she tried to reverse the car unto the highway, her husband threw across the path of the car a molded block in an effort to halt the movement of the car. The car still went over the block after smashing it into pieces and kept moving. As the car slowly surged forward, her husband who was waiting on the side of the street, mounted the bonnet of the car probably in yet another effort to prevent his wife from driving away. She drove on and after a distance of about 100 yards, he fell from the bonnet of the car onto the road. He died shortly after that from injuries he sustained in the head and other parts of the body.
Claudette Barrington Musa was charged with the manslaughter of her husband and reckless driving. The case drew emotions. Before idigbe, CJ, the question arose whether the action of the accused that morning in continuing her journey even for a short distance, after the deceased mounted the bonnet of the car was tantamount to reckless driving. Justice Idigbe noted bitterly:
_It was foolish and reckless of the deceased to mount the bonnet of a moving vehicle whatever his motive may have been. If it was intended to prevent the accused from further driving the car that morning it was indeed a misguided and stupid action._
Nor did His Lordship spare the accused:
_…but accused herself told the court she knew it was a dangerous act on the part of anyone to mount the bonnet of a moving vehicle and for the driver of such vehicle to continue the journey in those circumstances. She, however, drove on, not making any attempt to bring the car to a halt…_
Idigbe CJ, concluded, after considering the evidence of witnesses, the injuries on the body of the deceased and their relation to what was in the opinion of the doctor the cause of the death, that the accused was guilty of the manslaughter of her husband. His Lordship also found the accused guilty of reckless driving but stayed sentence on that count.
There was pin-drop silence when time came for allocutus. D.E.Y. Aghaghowa, for the accused, rose slowly to his feet. His delivery was excellent. Mr. Aghaghowa spoke like a thoroughly inspired character from Shakespearean literature:
_This lady came to this country in pursuit of love; it has now struck a tragic note. I believe it will remain with the accused for life. The principal actor (accused) will be haunted by events which led to this prosecution. At the prime of her age no woman wishes to be called a widow. She has been through a nightmare throughout the tendency of this case. I ask court to be lenient._
Even the prosecution appeared touched and left the issue of sentence to the court. Chief Justice Idigbe was evidently touched by the facts of this case and he tempered justice with mercy as he ended his judgment. He showed that he was human after all. Justice Idigbe declared, with a touch of the consummate poet-umpire:
_This is indeed a very pathetic case. There was a domestic disagreement such as it is not unknown between husbands and wives; accused walked out on the deceased possibly in an effort to avoid an explosive situation. The deceased followed possibly intending to prevent the accused from going out that early hour of the morning; in doing this, deceased became rash in his action and courted death. Aggrieved about the situation, accused, heedless of the consequences of the action of the deceased, also pursued a dangerous course of action… After taking into consideration the facts of the case, I propose to be extremely lenient. Sentence: Accused is cautioned and discharged_
Justice Idigbe was a liberal-minded crusader who, in *Ukaegbu v. Attorney-General of Imo State (1983) NSCC 160* led a full panel of the Supreme Court to declare that a private individual or agency had the right to establish a university, a secondary or post-primary institution. His Lordship declared pointedly in a decision that, progressively, broadened access to education in Nigeria:
_Every member of this community has a right to adequate, unalloyed and balanced education; a right to receive healthy education; a right to freedom from unsavory and diabolical instructions and teachings._
It could therefore be said that Justice Idigbe, by that judgment, laid a strong foundation for the Nigerian government to liberalize university education in Nigeria. In the Shitta-Bey case, Idigbe JSC boldly rejected the application in Nigeria of the common law principle that the prerogative order of mandamus does not, generally, issue against the crown or its servants in their capacity as crown servants. He held that a public servant in the established pensionable cadre of the Federal Public Service has a legal status and _ex hypothesi,_ a right to remain in service until properly removed in accordance with the Civil Service Rules applicable to him.
In his landmark conclusion, Justice Idigbe held that the applicant had a legal right to be properly reinstated and that the respondent had the correlative duty to see that he was duly reinstated.
Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe was a good listener who could hear you out quietly for a long time even when he did not agree with all your arguments. His colleagues and others who knew him spoke well of his team spirit and high respect for humanity.
Justice Idigbe was brilliant, bold, hardworking and foresighted, yet humble and humane. Outside the legal profession, he chaired the committee whose work gave birth to the Land Use Act – even though the final document became a joint effort. His appointment to the panel came not long after he returned to the Supreme Court, and was seen as proof of his understanding of the complexities of land law in Nigeria. Readers of Idigbe, JSC’s judgments in *Udensi v. Mogbo (1976) NSCC 376;* and *Arase v. Arase (1981) NSCC 101*, amongst others will readily encounter his profound grasp of the intricacies of land law. He was conferred with two national honours -Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR); Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The essential Justice Idigbe was largely a combination of the character convictions of his father, Alexander, and the amiability of his mother, Christie. There is no denying the strong presence of the Jurist’s background, personality and perception of social environment in his legal thoughts. The suffering humanity he saw during the civil war might also have sharpened the Izoma’s sensibilities to law and social cohesion. Although, he was never the Chief Justice of Nigeria, some in his time regarded him as “Chief Justice of Law in Nigeria.” I think music also charged his thoughts!
Nigeria is passing through a phase that challenges the resilience of our patriotism and the character of the Bench which was Justice Idigbe’s principal constituency. The Judiciary represents a much coveted institution to protect democracy and the rule of law in this country. Needless emphasizing that, a truly autonomous, independent Judiciary deserves support and encouragement to perform optimally and help strengthen our institutions. Certainly, Nigeria needs a courageous, integrity-drivenJudiciary.Despite the worrisome outlook in some cases, the Nigerian Judiciary is well positioned in terms of content.
There may well be other Idigbes in our midst waiting to happen. One way we can draw them out is by enriching the Bench with more presence from the accomplished Bar or even from the academia.That way, we can have more Elias, Nnamanis, Tobis, Udomas, Esos, Oputas and other icons who lit up the Nigerian Judiciary.
Before I conclude this modest contribution, let me appeal to the Nigerian law biographer and legal researcher to write more about the giants of the profession , whether at the Bar or on the Bench. An exploration into the backgrounds and influences that made them excel, or into the character and breadth of their jurisprudence, is eternally necessary, not just to eulogize a glorious past but to challenge the future. I made a major discovery when I spent sessions in Onitsha on Sir Louis Mbanefo. My effort led, in 2002, to the publication of the book, _Evergreen Memories of Sir Louis Mbanefo,_ seen as a useful insight into law and history.
In the case of Hon. Justice Chike Idigbe, in whose honour we are gathered here today, there are abundant lessons to be learnt from his massive imprint. Forty years after he slept, the Bar, the Bench and the larger strata of humanity continue to unite to say eloquently about him: ‘Here was a great man, much alive, indeed, in death’.
Thank you
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Police confirm 4 killed in cult clash in Akwa Ibom
By Freshgist
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the death of four persons following the clash of two rival cults at Anua Offot, Use Offot and Nwaniba road in Uyo Local Government Area of the state.
Police revealed that the two cults group Klaans and Black Axe confraternities, clashed over the control of minibus parks and the toll collection, leading to the destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira in the suburb.
It was gathered that the crisis started along Idu in Uruan Local Government Area, and spread to Use Offot, Ekpri Nsukara, and Oniong communities in Uyo LGA.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, has deployed tactical resources to restore order and fish out perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Olatoye Durosinmi is miffed at the disruption of Public Order and Safety by two rival cult groups at Anua Offot and Use Offot, both at Nwaniba in Uyo Local Government Area, leading to the loss of four lives.
"CP condemned in strong terms the wanton destruction of lives and has vowed to bring perpetrators to book. Hence, he has deployed Tactical resources to restore order and fish out perpetrators.
“The CP has, therefore, called on residents of the said communities and Uyo to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation and be assured of their safety because of strategies emplaced.
“He has sent a clear warning to perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith or face the dire consequences of their actions,” he stated.
Narrating her ordeal during the clash, Nora Iwang, a journalist, said she couldn’t go home and had to sleep in her relations and friend’s place following distressed calls received from neighbours around the Udo Ekpo Nkpo Street.
"Thank God, I finally arrived at my house this morning after my friends called me Monday evening to sleep elsewhere and not to return for fear of being killed by the rampaging armed hoodlums,” Iwang said.
Another resident of the area, Aniefiok Usen said, “My wife called me around 7:50 pm on Monday, that I should not return home because of ongoing killings around my area in Udo Ekpo Nkpo Street and the adjoining areas of Nwaniba, Ekpri Nsukara, Eniong Offot and Use Offot communities. I had to take refuge at my sister’s place off Abak Road till this morning”.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bauchi gov commissions 17.95KM Anua-mbak-ishiet Road In A'Ibom
By Freshgist
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has commissioned a 17.95Km Anua-Mbak-Ishiet road with spurs and a 1.65Km outfall drain in Uyo and Uruan Local Government as part of activity to mark the completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa ibom state.
During inauguration on Friday, Mohammed applauded Governor Emmanuel for taking development to the local communities, adding that the people are happy for the new lease of life and spoke of Governor Emmanuel as one of the best Nigerian leaders PDP has ever produced.
According to Bauchi State Governor, "I can see that the people of this community are positively touched by your midas touch. Because you have delivered what they craved for so many years.
"With your age, pedigree and experience, and what you have testified with these infrastructural development by transforming the rural Akwa Ibom to centre of excellence, you have written your name in gold".
Bala posited that with the hallmark of excellence that Governor Udom Emmanuel has used his experience and pedigree to bring to bear in governance through inventions and innovations particularly in urban renewal and rural development what he is leaving behind for the state is more than just a footprint.
On his part, Governor Emmanuel assured the people that his concentration on rural communities was to work the talk on his second term Completion Agenda and in appreciation of the massive support of rural dwellers towards the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.
"These days I've been taking my colleagues to join me for commissioning of projects in the rural areas because these are the people that voted for us. These are the people that make PDP thick by showing faith in the party.
"We might not be able to go into houses one after the other but if we do a life touching project like the Anua-Mbak-Ishiet road that traverses two local government areas we know we're touching lives of the rural dwellers", he stated.
He also assured on the completion of a second phase of the road to provide smooth access to the Uruan Paramount Ruler's palace. This, he promised to make funds available before exiting office to avoid leaving a burden on the incoming administration.
Reacting, the Governor-Elect of the state, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the impactfulness of Governor Emmanuel's development projects acknowledging the economic viability of Anua-Mbak-Ishiet road, describing it as the commercial route of the state.
He pledged to further the on the benefits of the projects by providing embankments at the river shore, a jetty, cold rooms and fish processing facilities to enhance the seafood businesses of the Etoi, Ishiet, Mbak and Anua people.
Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the 17.95km Anua-Mbak-Ishiet road has 13.1km alignment which is 10.3m wide with side drains.
He explained that specifications of the road meets the standards of road construction anywhere in the world as it has150mm laterite sub-base, 150mm crush stone base and 50mm asphalt wearing course.
He added that phase I of the project links several communities to Ring Road III and it has opened up the area for commercial activities especially transportation of sea foods to the urban areas and outside the state.
Goodwill messages were received from the Paramount Rulers, local government chairmen and state lawmakers of the two benefiting local government areas, who commended the Governor for retelling their story with the construction of the road.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Seadogs Charges gov-elect on press freedom, rights Of Journalists
By Freshgist
The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) has charged Akwa Ibom Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno, to uphold press freedom and protect the rights of journalists and media practitioners in the State, as a pillar for the sustenance of democracy.
In a statement to mark 2023 World Press Freedom Day signed by the Decks Cap’n, Utibe Ikot and made available to journalist in uyo yesterday, the association said they remained committed to the entrenchment of a just and egalitarian society where human dignity is upheld, irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed.
The group tasked the incoming administration on the need to respect their commitment and uphold their obligation to press freedom; and also provide an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to practice their chosen profession without fear of intimidation, threats, blackmail, imprisonment,
The statement reads In part ; “This is imperative because the press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At both the national, and state level, it is the public’s watchdog, activist, and guardian as well as educator, entertainer, and contemporary chronicler. Press freedom is an essential pillar to any democracy, especially that of an emerging democracy like Nigeria’s.
“Hence, to maintain its role as a watchdog and a check on government, society and business, the media must remain vigilant and committed to the truth which requires a commitment to rigorous fact-checking, independent reporting, and a willingness to challenge the powerful.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society and the maintenance of other human rights.
“As the eyes and ears of the public, journalists must be able to report upon matters of public interest without fear of arrest or other forms of interference.” The statement said.
The group regretted that press freedom, even though enshrined in the Constitution has continually been elusive, as it has been hindered by several factors ranging from obnoxious legislation such as the Cybercrime Act, secrecy, legal pressure, monetary inducement by politicians and other interested parties, intimidation and blackmail by state and non-state actors.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian media importantly lacks statutory institutional back-up to support media practitioners and journalists in the dispensation of their duties as the ‘4th Estate of the Realm’, and grant them access to information, and insulate them from threats of intimidation.
“Therefore, to further strengthen press freedom and consequently, free speech, there is crucial need for increased public awareness of the nexus between press freedom and the other human rights, including the promotion of transparency, accountability, and democracy.
“The public also needs to be conscious of the imperatives of protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring that they can operate without fear of censorship, intimidation, or violence while holding the government continually accountable for their commitment to press freedom.
“The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) therefore salutes the doggedness and resilience of all conscientious journalists and media practitioners; and pays a glowing tribute to those journalists who have sacrificed their comfort, safety, and even lives in the exercise of their profession.” the statement read
Monday, May 1, 2023
Workers day: NLC tasks PPM over high price of fuel.
BY FRESHGIST
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has set up taskforce of workers on Petroleum Products Monitoring to collaborate with Government Agency to stem the tide of unnecessary price increase and diversion of petroleum products by marketers in the State.
Speaking during an opening address of Workers day celebration 2023 on the theme "Workers Right and Economic Justice" in Uyo on Monday, The NLC Chairperson in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Sunny James said that labour would not hesitate to picket any filling station found culpable.
He decried a situation in the state where a litre of fuel goes between N240 to N270 as against the Federal Government approved as the new pump price N185 per litre.
James added that it was very worrisome that in spite of the state being oil producing state, some marketers even sell up to N400 per litre last two months.
He said that labour would no longer tolerate any such oppression of workers by shylock marketers for continuously inflicting pains on the people
"Henceforth, we shall not hesitate to picket any filling station found culpable, in unnecessary price increases and diversion of their products meants for the State to unknown location will be resisted
"We hereby insist that petro and other refined products must be sold at government approved price in Akwa Ibom going forward," James said.
The NLC chairperson called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Uyo office to release and make funds available to commercial banks for payment at the counter and in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to alleviate the suffering of the workers and masses.
He warned that the union would tolerate any more act of impoverishment of workers and the Akwa Ibom people by Point of Sale (POS) agents who derived happiness in making naira to appreciate in the POS market.
James appealed to the Gov Udom Emmanuel to make funds available to assist the Local Government sector to clear all outstanding leave grant to primary school teachers and the local government workers to bring them at par with the workers state, who were expecting the payment of 2023 leave grant.
Gov Udom Emmanuel on his part, assured the NLC that the consequential pensions adjustment of retirees was being worked on, and all outstanding pensions and the allowances of medical doctors on housemanship would be cleared before he vacates office on May 29.
Emmanuel explained that the disagreement on promotion arrears of 2011 - 2016 for teachers will also be sorted out, added that government was waiting for the data on 7.5 per cent contributory pensions and would begin the process of refund as soon as the required information reaches the government.
"I had a meeting with the pensioners who brought something to my attention. I stand on my promise that we would correct those issues of the pensioners if their joint report will be ready by that Wednesday (I have called a special meeting of exco members) and they promised me that the report would be ready.
"We have done the 2022 promotion. 2022 promotion has been signed and I would be surprised if the Head of Service has not circulated that because that should go for implementation. 2023 promotion will be done after the appraisal of your performance in 2023.
"So, I can’t start now to promote you, hoping you would perform. You would perform first before I promote you.
"On the issue of leave grant for primary school teachers, since we took over government and governance, every month, the state has been intervening in helping out at the third tier of government.
"It is not the fault of the local government, it is the structure of our fiscal responsibility as a nation.
"Whatever we do is a sacrifice on our part that we keep intervening in the local government area.
"When this was brought to my notice, I said we are going to suspend a lot of projects as a state and intervene immediately.
"I want to believe that beginning from tomorrow, people will start getting alert,"Emmanuel said.
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