News

Re: Rejoinder: Powerful Lagos, Powerless

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

By Bola Atanda Lawal, Abeokuta

I wish to add my own voice to the ongoing healthy discourse on the above by pointing out some contradictions in one Mr Adedayo Oshodi’s rejoinder to Dr Lasisi Olagunju’s Monday Lines column on the proposed appointments into the Supreme Court.

Mr Oshodi submitted (or admitted) that Lagos and Ogun States were paired for appointments into the Supreme Court, yet he admitted that when Justice George Oguntade from Lagos State retired in 2010, he was replaced with Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour from Lagos. Shouldn’t that slot have gone to Ogun State or could it be that Ogun was too illiterate to have a qualified candidate for a seat in the Supreme Court? Indeed, I have just been told that the last Justice from Ogun State judiciary to be at the Supreme Court was Justice Ebenezer Babasanya Craig who retired in 1989 (34 years ago). Lagos has monopolised the joint slot of the two states for going to 40 years!

Note that Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, whom Mr Oshodi claimed stopped the rotation of Supreme Court seats among states, became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in July 2012. She retired in November 2014.

In anycase, Oshodi’s claim that Justice Aloma Mukhtar stopped pairing of states when she took over as CJN is difficult to believe. Why did he think the Federal Judicial Service Commission put state of origin in front of each of the names it recommended last week?

I also find it curious that Mr Oshodi is justifying the choice of a Lagos-born Justice for the extant slot because, according to him, “the slot available was vacated by a Lagosian in the person of Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, who retired on 22nd March, 2021 after he was appointed on 16th September, 2010.” This argument is rather funny especially coming from a lawyer. So, when Justice Olufunlola Adekeye from Ekiti State retired in 2012, why was she not replaced with another justice from Ekiti State? Why did that slot go to Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun from Lagos?

Mr Oshodi in his concluding paragraph argued that the nomination of the two gentlemen from the South West was based on what he called “merit and the time honored tradition of the Nigerian judiciary for seniority.” This is against the facts that are in public domain. The seniority list at the court of appeal shows that the No. 2 man in that court is from the South West (Osun); No. 3 is from the South West (Ekiti); No. 14 is also from the South West just as No. 15 South West (Osun). So, where is “merit and seniority” and justice in jumping over these seniors to pick No. 22 as the priority candidate for the zone?

Mr Oshodi, a lawyer, claimed that balancing in the judiciary is based on the “six geo-political zones (NW,NE, NC, SW, SE, SS) not based on states as suggested by Olagunju.” Could that mean that our judiciary at the highest level does not know that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not recognise zones? No where in the constitution is Oshodi’s so called zones mentioned. What the constitution recognises are states.

Oshodi rightly stated that the constitution mandates govt agencies to respect what he called “fulfilment of federal character principle” to avoid lopsided “appointments into national institutions”, yet he took a position that did violence to that provision of the constitution. If there are four slots for a highly educated region like the South West, how can one state out of six take two and a lawyer working for a senior advocate will put pen to paper to justify it? Haba!, It is sad that we are discussing the Supreme Court here. Now we know that, indeed, gold rusts.

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

News

JUST IN: Kano Lawmaker, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, Dies Hours After Colleague’s Passing

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal in the Kano State House of Assembly, died on Wednesday, barely hours after the death of his colleague, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo.

The Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed Daneji’s death to journalists in Kano.

Daneji’s demise came shortly after the passing of Hon. Ungogo, who was the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and represented Ungogo Local Government in the Assembly. Ungogo, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), reportedly died after a brief illness.

He was said to have been at the Kano State House of Assembly earlier in the day, attending a committee meeting before his death.

The sudden loss of the two lawmakers within a short interval has thrown the Kano State House of Assembly into mourning, with colleagues, party members and constituents expressing shock and grief over the tragic development.

News

Top 11 Friendliest Countries To Visit

Published

3 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Some countries leave a lasting impression not only because of their sights, but because of the people who call them home. These are places where visitors feel welcome the moment they arrive, where locals are quick to offer directions, share a meal, or simply start a conversation. From busy cities to quiet communities, these destinations stand out for their warmth and hospitality.

Contents
1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Indonesia
4. Costa Rica
5. Philippines
6. Taiwan
7. Portugal
8. Ireland
9. Canada
10. Australia
11. Thailand

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights eleven friendly countries to visit:

1. Panama

Expats say Panama is one of the easiest places to settle into, with affordable living, friendly neighbours and a relaxed pace of life. Its mix of cultures reflects in the way locals open their doors to newcomers, whether you’re exploring rainforests or relaxing along the coast.

2. Mexico

Mexico’s hospitality is well-known. From big cities to small towns, visitors often talk about how locals guide them, recommend places to explore or strike up a chat. The welcoming spirit is part of daily life, making even first-time travellers feel at home.

3. Indonesia

Community life plays a strong role here. Through the tradition of gotong royong, people work together and look out for one another. Tourists note how Indonesians patiently help with language barriers and enjoy sharing their culture, especially in places like Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are known for their warm, positive outlook, summed up in the phrase pura vida. Visitors say the people are approachable, ready to assist and always proud to show off their forests, waterfalls and beaches. Even non-Spanish speakers find it easy to settle in here.

5. Philippines

The Philippines offers more than beautiful islands. Many Filipinos speak English, which makes interaction easy, but it is the hospitality that stands out. Locals often treat visitors like family, adding a personal touch to travels across the country.

6. Taiwan

Taiwanese people are polite, patient and eager to help. Travellers often mention how someone will stop to offer assistance if they look confused. The blend of traditional culture and modern life also creates an inviting environment for visitors.

7. Portugal

Portugal has gained a reputation for being warm and easygoing. Whether you are wandering through Lisbon or exploring seaside towns, you’ll find locals who are welcoming, helpful and proud to share their history, food and way of life.

8. Ireland

Ireland consistently ranks high for friendliness. The people are known for their humour, openness and storytelling. Many visitors recall how strangers struck up conversations or helped them find their way. Dublin, in particular, enjoys a strong reputation for being exceptionally welcoming.

9. Canada

Canada’s multicultural setting and calm pace of life reflect how locals interact with visitors. Politeness is a strong cultural trait, and travellers often talk about the kindness they encounter from major cities to smaller towns surrounded by nature.

10. Australia

Australians are known for their relaxed approach and willingness to help. The spirit of “mateship” encourages people to look out for one another, and visitors see this in everyday interactions. Whether at a beach, café or tourist spot, the friendly attitude is hard to miss.

11. Thailand

Called the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand’s reputation speaks for itself. The cheerful attitude of locals, influenced by cultural values that embrace kindness and joy, makes travelling here pleasant. Even in busy markets or tourist centres, visitors still encounter genuine warmth.

These destinations show that travel is about places but the people you meet along the way. Their friendliness adds colour to the journey and often becomes the most memorable part of the experience.