I find it quite interesting and intriguing that the Supreme Court today, 10th February, 2022 nullified President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order 10 by a panel of 6-1 of the 7 member panel of the Court in its original jurisdiction.

The 36 States Governors in Suit marked SC/655/2020 which was filed on September, 17, 2020 through their Attorneys General, queried the legality or otherwise of the Presidential Executive Order.

Six out of the seven members of the panel proceeded to void and set aside the Executive order 10. The majority decision adopted the expert opinion of Musibau Adetunbi and Mahmud Magaji, tow of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, invited by Supreme Court to advise it on matter. The Supreme Court has declared as unlawful and unconstitutional the Executive Order 10 (E010) issued by President Muhammadu Buhari on the funding of State Judiciary and Legislature.

In declaring the EO10 unconstitutional, Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, in the lead judgment, said: “This Country is still a federation and the 1999 Constitution in operates is a federal one….The Constitution provides a clear delineation of powers between the state and the federal government. The President has overstepped the limit of his constitutional powers by issuing the Executive Order 10. The country is run on the basis of the rule of law”. 
In the dissenting judgment, Justice Uwani Abba-Ajiheld as follows:“we are not unaware of the hanky-panky and subterfuge played by state governors against the independence and financial autonomy of state judiciary. It is a pitiable eyesore what judicial officers and staff go through financially at the hands of state executives who often flout constitutional and courts orders to their whims and caprices. 

This, the presidential Executive Order 10 is meant to facilitate the implementation of the Constitutional provisions….the Executive Order is to aid the states legislature and judiciary in curing the constitutional wrong of their financial autonomy which the state have always denied. This is not unconstitutional”.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari in May, 2020 signed the Order into law. The order grants financial autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary in the 36 states of the country.

The order also mandates the accountant general of the federation to deduct from source amount due to state legislatures and judiciaries from the monthly allocation to each state for states that refuse to grant such autonomy. 
Without prejudice to the decision of the Apex Court, I must quickly say that Our Courts have described Executive Order as an order or regulation issued by the President or some administrative authority under his direction for the purpose of interpreting, implementing or giving administrative effect to a provision of the constitution or of some Laws or treaty. See the cases of A.G Abia State & 35 Ors v. A.G Federation (2003) 4 NWLR (Pt. 809); Elephant Group Plc v. National Security Adviser & Anor (2018) LPELR-45528(CA).

In the circumstance, the said Executive Order 10 was signed into law based on the power vested on the President by virtue of Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which extends to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution and laws made by the national Assembly. 
Section 121(3) of the Constitution expressly provides that “any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue fund of the state shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned”.

The above constitutional provisions is the law that require further explanations and or directives.    Conclusively, despite the decision of the Supreme Court, it must be reassuringly stated that autonomy of the Judiciary and Legislature is extant, subsists, vital and must continue to be activated for the good of our republic.

Former National Secretary of the Labour Party, Kayode Ajulo, on Wednesday said most governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are backing Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the presidency in 2023.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ajulo said Osinbajo has performed exceedingly well within the last seven years in office to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Former National Secretary of the Labour Party, Kayode Ajulo, speaks on Channels Television’s Politics Today on February 9, 2022.

To Ajulo, nobody has been able to find fault in Osinbajo, adding that he should be the next President. He also called on the ruling APC to consider the vice president for the position.

According to him, if the APC is so serious in winning the 2023 presidential election, the only person seen as the best marketable candidate is Osinbajo.

“We need to distinguish the office of the Vice President and the personality of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. As it is, his running for this election is non-negotiable,” he said.

“I can say that authoritatively and I think those in the presidency are listening. He has that fundamental right of the first refusal to that ticket, particularly being the vice president of the country.

“If he can be Vice President for so long, he should be the next President. I want to believe that the leadership of the party should believe that that is the position.

“Most of the governors in APC and PDP are even supporting the aspiration of the Vice President, this is so clear.”

He also faulted a claim by APC member, Daniel Bwala, that Osinbajo will not be contesting for presidency in 2023.

With President Buhari’s tenure coming to an end next year, there has been curiosity about who will emerge as Nigeria’s President. 

This is even as the two major parties – the APC and the PDP – have not yet zoned the presidential slot to any geopolitical regions, although some aspirants under both parties have publicly declared their intention for the nation’s top job.

The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that the Union has started mobilization of its members to put down their tools if the Federal Government fails to sign and implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. 

The branch Chairperson of the Union, Prof. Simon Ehiabhi stated this in a statement after the Union’s meeting on, Wednesday 9, 2022. 

He expressed the concerns of the Union over the lethargic attitude of the Federal Government to sign and implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which was renegotiated and concluded in May 2021.

He said, “It is already nine (9) months now when the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement was renegotiated and concluded with the hope that the Federal Government would implement it. However, it is bothersome that the FG has been demonstrating an uncaring and lackadaisical attitude towards our welfare and the infrastructural decay in public universities. The attitude of the Federal Government amounts to purposely undermining the future of our children who cannot afford the luxury of attending private universities.   

“Despite the country’s dismal economic conditions, hyperinflation, and depreciation of the Naira, our members are still earning the same salary since 2009 when the agreement was initiated. It is important to state that part of the 2009 agreement contains the clause that the agreement shall be reviewed every three years. This would mean it ought to have been reviewed in 2012, 2018, and 2021. Therefore, the government’s signature and implementation of the renegotiated agreement is the only way to avert the impending strike.

“We are also calling on all well-intentioned Nigerians to press the Federal Government to uphold the agreements signed with ASUU in order to prevent the educational system from collapsing as a result of the government’s failure to uphold the agreement.”

The branch Chairperson urged his members to remain focussed on their professional responsibilities of research, teaching and community service, while the Union would continue to take all necessary steps towards achieving genuine transformation of the nation’s public varsities.

A renowned constitutional lawyer and Coordinator, Progressive Lawyers For Osinbajo (PYO), Dr. Kayode Ajulo has said the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, does not need an ultimatum to declare interest to run as President in the 2023 election.

He believed that the VP’s becoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the next presidential election is constitutional and non-negotiable.

Ajulo added that Prof Osinbajo will make official declaration at the appropriate time, and even contrary to speculations that the number two citizen may not contest despite calls from loyalists and associates.

The renowned lawyer stated this on Wednesday, in Abuja. while reacting to the 30 days ultimatum given to the Vice President by a pro-APC group, National Coalition Group, NCG, asking him to officially declare interest to run for the Office of the President.

“It is an unpopular speculation that Prof. Osinbajo may not contest as president in 2023. We have even moved beyond the pedestrian stage of thinking if PYO will run or not. It is a prescribed arrangement and we are already preparing for a Prof. Osinbajo’s presidency because he represents everything Nigeria deserves at this crucial times.

“Though, we all have been expecting but Prof. Osinbajo has not declared because of the magnitude of responsibilities on his desk as the incumbent vice-President, which are huge and very important to national development and cannot be merged with a presidential campaign that demands very much time dedication too. And we shouldn’t expect a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and full Professor of law to jump the gun, there’s electoral law and guidelines and he mustn’t be found wanting. 

“For me, this is another evidence of the VP’s unwearying characteristics of a dutiful man who is committed to the law and development of the country, and would not rank it above focusing on seeking a political office, an office of the president for that matter.” The legal luminary added.

The former National Secretary of the Labour Party said Osinbajo is arguably the best face of the APC for the 2023 election, saying it is not over with the APC presidency, despite many known challenges, with Prof. Osinbajo as the candidate of the party in the election.

He said “We are in a democracy. But the unfortunate reality of the 2023 political calculation is that Prof. Osinbajo is the only credible candidate the APC can present for the election. He’s loved both locally and internationally, and equally enjoys the support of Nigerians across board.

“Prof. Osinbajo will contest and win the 2023 election and his campaigns will be done within the ambit of rules and laws, and in accordance with INEC guidelines as against other aspirants’ campaign procedures we have seen in recent times.”

Ajulo, recounting his earlier statements on the presidential ambition of the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claimed that the former Lagos State Governor is one of the major leaders supporting the Vice President for 2023 contest.

The legal luminary also said all political steps and strategies of Tinubu towards the 2023 election is in favour of the Vice President. 

“No genuine supporter of PYO will abuse Asiwaju because of his presidential ambition. He is no novice in this political game. I can bold say that Asiwaju is strategically working for Vice President Osinbajo, judging by his moves. 

“Without any iota of doubt, all the meetings and consultations Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is presently doing will eventually be in favour of Prof. Osinbajo. Asiwaju is so calculative and whoever has been following his political moves lately will understand the gimmick that Asiwaju is out to ensure the 2023 presidency is truly for the southwest. 

“Osinbajo is Asiwaju’s political creation and no creator will allow such a beautiful and convincing work of his hands fail. Now, and as at last count, there are over 126 professional, cultural, political groups across the country working for Prof. Osinbajo.” Ajulo claimed.

Ajulo further said he is baffled that some people equate the demands of office of the Vice President to demands of office of the President, saying the responsibilities of both offices are separately and clearly defined by the Nigerian constitution.

“Let me add this for the enlightenment of the people who, out of finding no substantial fault of him, have questioned the competence of Vice President under the present administration and expect him to operate beyond his constitutional marks. Prof. Osinbajo is a Senior Advocate of Law, and would never jump the gun. He understands that his roles as the Vice President have been cut clear by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

“There cannot be two drivers on the wheel, his brief as the VP is to take charge in the absence of his Principal, and that he excellently did in the few times he spent on the driver’s seat, which marked a resounding of the hope we seek as a nation”, he stressed.

Academic activities have, on Monday, January 31, 2022, resumed at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, with continuation of the first semester examinations, which was suspended on Monday, November 22, 2021, following a violent protest by students of the Institution. 

Speaking with the Information Unit of the University after monitoring the examination across seven faculties, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, expressed satisfaction over the ongoing examinations, and commended the promptness of both staff and students.

Prof Ige said, “It is obvious that academic activities have resumed on our campus. I am impressed by the preparedness and compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

 “The process is peaceful and examinations for all the courses scheduled for the morning session, started by 8:30AM”. 

The VC also commended invigilators, examination officers, Deans and examination monitoring team for being on the ground for supervision and coordination. 

He emphasized his commitment to the welfare of all students throughout their stay on campus and enjoined them to be law-abiding at all times both within and outside the University campus.  

He assured members of the University Community of adequate security of lives and property during and after the examinations. 

In his comment, the Dean of Student Affairs Division, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the examinations and expressed pleasure over the comportment of the students.

The Commandant-General and founder, Community Vigilance Corps (CVC), Nigeria, Akinwolere Taiwo, has described intelligence gathering and information sharing as most effective ways of tackling all forms of security challenges including terrorism in the society.

Taiwo who said all hands must be on deck to complement efforts of the conventional security agencies in addressing problems of insecurity in the country, particularly called on the traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and the locals to always expose criminal activities in their domains.

The CVC Commandant-General spoke at the Passing-Out Parade of 60 professionally trained officers of Community Vigilance Corps from Advance Institute of Professional Security and Intelligence Studies, Nigeria, held at the CVC Parade Ground, Ijoka Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The colourful event also witnessed induction of 1st Quarter 2022 Fellows of the Institute, where the Commandant-General and Adeoye Monday, a Chief Superintendent, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were inducted.

Taiwo who congratulated the officers for their successful Passing Out Parade, equally charged them to work with the state government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the society to collectively secure and protect the lives and properties of the people.

At the occasion, the Commandant-General particularly commended the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his spirited efforts leading to the establishment of Amotekun Corps to address security challenges and protect the lives and properties of the poeple in the South-West region.

The security expert revealed that the CVC officers have been professionally trained in specialised security aspects including Counter Terrorism Intelligence, Security Communication Skills and Management, Operational and Combat Tactics, and Community Intelligence Information Gathering Strategies.

Taiwo said the Passing-Out Parade marked the end of series of programmes designed to increase the knowledge and fitness of the officers.

“A large part of the training programme is designed to increase and boost security awareness and service operation of the trainees, this is moreso at this time when the need to harness all efforts towards increasing the security of the community, local government, state and the country as a whole.

“To be frank, the whole world – local communities, states or nations now faces the issue of terrorism. This programme which aims at broadening the knowledge of trainees is geared towards combating the menace of terrorism. Simply put, counter terrorism is combating terrorism, that is, fighting the menace of terrorism”, he added.

Earlier, the National Director of Training and Academics, Advance Institute of Professional Security and Intelligence Studies, Nigeria, Dr. Akinwumi Gideon, said the Institute researches and develops specialised and customized programmes to meet up with the current trend of crimes, adding as criminals are developing new ways of commiting crime, security personnel, individuals, groups and communities must update their knowledge to be able to tackle the challenge.

Also, the Guest Lecturer and Commandant, NSCDC, Olanrewaju Odeyemi, who explained that since the  terrorism started in the world over 645 terrorist groups have emerged, however, suggested conflict management through dialogue as a way of addressing increasing wave of terrorism in the country.

Highlights of the event were presentation of certificates to the trained officers as well as presentation of Awards, Medal and Lapel of Adipsis to the Fellows.

The General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA), Rev (Mrs) Ayo Adeyemo, has expressed dissatisfaction over the lackadaisical attitude of some residents of the state towards the cleaning of their environment.

Adeyemo while speaking with journalists shortly after monitoring the January, 2022 edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Akure, the Ondo State capital, also revealed that over 80 poeple were arrested for violating environmental laws during the exercise.

The offenders were picked up at various locations within Akure metropolis during the first sanitation exercise in the new year.

She disclosed that the Authority was not satisfied because some residents did not comply with the exercise which happened to be the first in the new year.

“We are not impressed because the people are not complying at all. They were burning refuse, some poeple were holding service in their churches, which is not suppose to be. 

“Environmental sanitation hours should be hours people should keep their environment clean, and not conducting programmes in churches. 

“Also, some people were selling things. They didn’t even care, maybe probably because we didn’t hold environmental sanitation exercise last year December because it was a festive period.

“The drivers too were just loading in the parks. Apart from loading, their surroundings were just filthy, unhealthy and littered with waste. So, generally, we are not impressed”, she added.

The GM, however, assured that ODSWMA would remain resolute in its commitment to ensure the Sunshine State attains first position in environmental cleanliness in Nigeria.

“Be rest assured, we are moving forward. We are going to a point where we will not see any waste again in this state. We are going to where lost glory will be restored, and God has started, His working and we are on it. It shall surely come to pass in Jesus name”, Rev Adeyemo emphasised.

She also warned those who usually dump refuse in unauthorized places to desist from such unhealthy act or be ready to face the full weight of the law.

A renowned constitutional lawyer and Mayegun Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Dr. Kayode Ajulo has called on Yoruba stakeholders to hold a strategic conference in the interest of the southwest and the betterment of the nation at large towards the 2023 presidential election. 

He said “It will be unfortunate for the southwest to blow this chance of a lifetime to further reposition Nigeria towards the path of progress”.

Ajulo made this call while reacting to recent political developments in the region. He said crisis that may serve as a clog in the wheel of the southwest from producing the next President is looming if the internal clash of interests rocking the region is not quickly and carefully managed by southwest stakeholders.

He stated that it is important for Yoruba stakeholders, irrespective of political and religious affiliation, to come together to discuss the future of the region at the 2023 presidential election.

Ajulo, waxing philosophical, stated that when history is asleep, it is memory that wakes it up, and when memory itself falls into a stupor, we invoke remembrance to kick it into active consciousness”.

“It is exactly 60 years that Yoruba witnessed the ugly crisis between two great Yoruba illustrious sons on the altar of tussle for political leadership. The late sage and former premier of the Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo and one of his foremost followers and last premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola due to clash of interests.

“I can tell that the same scenario is gradually playing out between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his foremost loyalist, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. It is no news that these two men do not have unfriendly feelings towards each other but a lot of their followers and lackeys have started throwing bricks of words across walls, and that is certainly an invitation to crisis”. Ajulo said.

The former National Secretary of the Labour Party said it will be bad for the region to experience the same crisis that rocked the southwest political space in 1962, he further noted that the opportunity of the region to produce the next President is clear and only internal crisis can abort it. 

“The truth is late S. L Akintola, an orator, a preacher, a teacher at the Baptist Mission, the legal adviser of the defunct Action Group after the demise of Balogun Bode Thomas, was the “Starboy” and the pan-Nigeria face of Chief Awolowo’s group and a lot of political pundits at that time and at present agreed that Akintola, being in a more favoured position by providence could have seen more than his leader and same informed his stance at that time.

“By parity of reason, one cannot deny the fact that Prof. Osinbajo, an astute orator, an inspiring harmony of brawn and brains is the “Starboy” and the most outstanding federal face of Asiwaju’s group. Undoubtedly, Osinbajo has represented this Government at different fora and definitely, would have seen more than his leader. It is a big plus that he is part of the government at the apex level. 

“Asiwaju has done well for his followers and people, and I personally acknowledge that. But I strongly believe that it will further glorify Asiwaju’s leadership to support the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the next President” Ajulo stated.

The civil rights activist noted that the same crisis also rocked both the northern and eastern regions of the country in the 60’s, between Sir. Tafawa Balewa and Sir. Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara respectively. He said the leaders of these two regions effectively handled the differences in the interest of their regions and the nation at large.

“In respond to the recent colloquialism, brickbats and ruptured prosodies of hire writers and opinion leaders, the words of a renowned author is quite pungent in the circumstance.

“Thunder Never Strikes the same Place Twice”. Yoruba leaders must put their personal differences aside and hold a Conference of Yoruba Stakeholders like President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alaafin of Oyo, Ọọni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,, Alake of Egba, Iba Gani Adams, Bishop Gbonigi, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Deji of Akure, Olugbon of Oke Igbon, Baba Bisi Akande, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, present and past Governors in Yorubaland and other stakeholders who have the southwest interest at heart to discuss the way forward.” Ajulo said.

The Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has been assured of a robust working relationship with the Nigerian Police, especially in terms of curbing any crime within and outside the University campus.

The newly-deployed Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Oyediran Oyeyemi, gave the assurance on Monday, January 24, 2022, while playing host to the Management of the University led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige.

Mr. Oyeyemi, who noted that he was familiar with the prevailing security challenges on Nigerian campuses, said his men would be on alert in ensuring peace both on and off the campus.

The CP thanked the University Management for the visit.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Ige had noted that the essence of the visit was to familiarize with the new CP.

The VC, who noted the University’s mantra of excellence in all areas, expressed the readiness of the Management to cooperate with the Nigerian Police to maintain orderliness within and outside the University campus.

Dissatisfied with the abysmal low figure of women vying for elective position in the country, immediate past Federal Commissioner, Pubic Complaint Commission, Mrs Cecilia Fayase, has challenged women to stop taking the back seats in the political space.

She particularly advised women to always take active part in politics and contribute their quotas to the development of the society.

Fayase, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State who observed that women always see themselves as being inferior to their men counterparts, however, charged them to brace up and run for any available elective positions both at the local, state and federal levels in the coming general elections.

She argued that women have what it takes to hold any elective positions in the country and deliver, even as she encouraged women to always support themselves during elections to ensure victory at the polls.

While describing women as prudent managers of resources, the former lawmaker said women would always excel and make good impacts if given the opportunity.

She, however, commended the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and his wife Betty, for always encouraging women participation in governance.

Fayase particularly applauded Governor Akeredolu for appointing more women as members of his Cabinet, saying that women have never had it so good until now.

Although she listed some of the challenges facing women while trying to contest for elections to include, financial and lack of support from their men counterparts, Fayase charged them not to be discouraged in any way but strive to achieve their desire.

“We women, I don’t know what is wrong with us, we don’t want to come out and contest. I don’t know why they are running away. This is what I have been saying for the past ten years, that, if you don’t come out nobody will come and beg you to come and contest for House of Assembly or House of Representatives or the Senate.

“Although the women are trying their best, men should also give them a chance rather than blocking them at all times. They said we women should not pay for forms but at the end of the day they will still use it against us”, she added.

She further encouraged women vying for elective positions to always be ready to pay for their forms and be ready to slug it would with the men.

On the occasion of 57th birthday of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mrs. Fayase congratulated him and wished him well as he continues to support Governor Akeredolu to deliver dividends of good governance to the people of the state.

She prayed God to continue to give the Deputy Governor long life and good health to be able to celebrate many more years in the land of the living.