News

Edo: Follow Due Process In Appointment Of Judges, Group Urges JSC

Published

3 years ago

October 30, 2022

The Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary (V4IJ), has urged members of the Edo State Judicial Commission (JSC), to follow due process and merit in the ongoing exercise of appointment of would-be-judges in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the group’s president, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., and made available to INFO DAILY on Sunday.

Ogbankwa, who alleged that there have been “intense intrigues pervading the appointment process,” vowed that “V4IJ will not allow the imposition of unqualified candidates or candidates who do not have the requisite experience to be Judges in Edo State.”

He stated: “The Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary
(V4IJ), is not unaware of the undercurrent and intense intrigues, that is pervading the appointment process for would-be-judges in Edo State.

“The Vanguard states that our organisation will not allow the imposition of unqualified candidates or candidates who do not have the requisite experience to be Judges in Edo State.”

While calling on the JSC to perish thought of bringing any candidate lacking in the basic characteristics and qualifications to be a Judge in the state, V4IJ vowed to exploit all that is necessary under the Law to stop such.

The Vanguard therefore appealed to the JSC to forward names of applicants to the Bar Association in Edo State at the end of the submission exercise.

It further urged the Bar Association to do a thorough vetting of all candidates who submitted applications with a view to ensuring that unqualified candidates and those with “proven baggage are sifted out.”

It added: “We also call for great consideration to pawyers in the private Bar and of the male gender in this exercise , as both were greatly short changed at the last exercise. We know those who have served the Judiciary at the lower bench meritoriously and also those who distinguished themselves in the official bar, they should be given premium of place from their end.”

While calling for transparency in the appointment process, V4IJ said: “Days of writing recommendations to only those shortlisted and favoured by the powers that be are over. We are in touch with other partner organisations in Nigeria on this matter and we will wish to State that we will ensure that the process meets the transparency test, as Judicial Officers handle matters too weighty to be left to chance.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

7 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.