News

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

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2022

Editor

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

We’ve Earmarked N1bn Naira Monthly To Feed Edo People – Obaseki

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Editor

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, says his administration has earmarked nothing less than N1bn Naira monthly to feed vulnerable Christians in the state in the next three months.

This is as he said a similar programme has been mapped out for people in the Muslim faith in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during the official flag-off of phase one of Edo State Food Support Programme also known as Christian Feeding Programme in Benin City.

The Governor, who said he was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day in the state, said he had to call Christian leaders in the state on how best to address the alarming situation.

Obaseki said in order not to make it look political, he decided not to involve political office holders, but Christian leaders in reaching out to vulnerable Christians in the state.

The Governor who added that the state government already had data of the vulnerable in the state database, said the means of reaching out to them maximally was the issue, hence using churches to reach out to them.

He said: “I was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day. So, I thought to myself how do we solve this problem. This is not politics I told myself.

“I then called the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some of the blockheads to a meeting and explained to them what I intended to do. So, that’s how we put our heads together to come up with this programme.”

Obaseki added: “I told them this is the amount of money I will be giving you every month. I’ll give you a billionaire monthly for three months first. At least, Let us try this for the first three months.”

The governor said the programme was not just to feed the vulnerable, but also together more data about people in the state on how the government can create employment for them and how the government can render help where necessary.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of the Organising Committee who also doubles as the Chairman, CAN,
Apostle Irekpono Omoike, while thanking the governor for the initiative, said 10kg of 60,000 bags of rice have been purchased for onward distribution to the three senatorial districts in the state.

According to him, 27,000 bags of the 10kg would be distributed to the seven local government areas in Edo South, 15 bags to Edo Central and 18 bags to Edo North.

Further giving the breakdown, Omoike said 3, 000 bags would be distributed to each local government across the 18 local government areas, summing upto 54,000 bags, while the remaining 6,000 bags would be distributed to churches not captured under CAN.

News

Ex-Delta Gov, Ibori Mourns Passing Of Former Minister, Gbagi

Published

5 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Editor

Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori has mourned the passing of former Minister of State for Education Chief Kenneth Gbagi.

Ibori, in his Facebook timeline wrote: “Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi. Abovwolovwolo. Atighoyowa. So long, May your soul rest in peace.”

Gbagi was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the last election in Delta State.

The renowned criminologist, industrialist and senior lawyer died Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at the age of 62.

News

BREAKING: Former Minister Gbagi Is Dead

Published

5 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Editor

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the last election in Delta State, Olorogun Barr Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, is dead.

Gbagi, a former minister of Education and an industrialist died at the age of 62.

The Renowned Criminologist and senior lawyer died on Saturday, May 4th 2024.

A statement signed by his eldest son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi on behalf of the Gbagi family, said: “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God, that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, FNIM, OON; Former Minister of Education, who departed this life on the 4th of May 2024 at the age of 62.

“We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

“We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this challenging time of loss.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace”, the statement added.
VANGUARD