News

CRCC petitions justice Egbe of the federal high court over biased partisanship

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

*Accusations of Nepotism Against Justice Tsoho Emerge

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Benue State under the leadership of Comrade Simon Ogbe has formally petitioned Justice Raphael Joshua Egbe of the Federal High Court, Makurdi Division, over what it perceives as an egregious abuse of judicial office, overt bias, and a blatant attempt to obstruct the course of justice.

It will be recalled that on March 7, 2025, Justice Egbe issued a restraining order barring the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, the Chief Judge of Benue State, the Nigeria Police, and the Nigerian Bar Association, among others, from providing security, venue, or conducting proceedings anywhere outside of Benue State.

This unprecedented decision, sought and obtained through an ex parte motion filed by the Attorney General of Benue State, the Governor of Benue State, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), and the 23 local government chairmen—whose mandates are under legal challenge—has raised fundamental questions about judicial impartiality and the integrity of the judiciary in election-related matters.

A senior member of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), who spoke anonymously, decried Justice Egbe’s ruling as a direct assault on the pursuit of justice. He stated:

“It is unheard of for a judge to issue a restraining order effectively halting a tribunal that is time-bound by law. This is not just an anomaly; it is a calculated subversion of the justice system. By issuing an order that stalls the tribunal and prevents petitioners from accessing justice, Justice Egbe has demonstrated clear bias. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has established legal precedents barring courts from granting orders that interfere with the statutory functions of election tribunals. Yet, Justice Egbe has disregarded this principle and acted in a manner that undermines the sanctity of our electoral process.”

He further questioned the rationale behind issuing a 20-day restraining order within the 180-day lifespan of the tribunal, emphasizing that such a move is not only impractical but also a willful obstruction of due process.

“We have lodged a petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC). A judge like Justice Egbe, who appears to have turned the courtroom into a political battleground, should not preside over any legal matter. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and must not be weaponized against litigants and petitioners. He must be held accountable for his actions and, if necessary, made an example of to preserve the integrity of the judicial system.”

Beyond Justice Egbe’s controversial order, concerns have also been raised about Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who hails from Vandeikya Local Government Area—the same LGA as Governor Hyacinth Alia. There is growing suspicion that his LGA affiliations may have influenced the judicial maneuvers aimed at frustrating the tribunal’s proceedings. A senior lawyer, who also requested anonymity, lamented:

“Justice is meant to be blind, yet we are witnessing a dangerous pattern where judicial decisions appear to serve the interests of those in power rather than the rule of law. The connection between Justice Tsoho and the Governor of Benue State raises concerns of nepotism and political interference. If left unchecked, this trend could spell disaster for the independence of our judiciary.”

The legal community has also expressed outrage over the judge’s apparent indifference to the plight of his fellow justices, who, were violently attacked by thugs wielding dangerous weapons, locked up for several hours, leaving many of them traumatized. Despite being fully aware of this incident, Justice Egbe has now issued an order that emboldens the same forces responsible for such attacks on the judiciary, effectively legitimizing impunity.

Legal experts have further criticized Justice Egbe for flouting NJC directives, which had explicitly cautioned against granting frivolous orders, particularly in election-related matters that are time-sensitive.

Despite being reminded of this directive, Justice Egbe proceeded to grant an order with an adjournment to April 25, 2025, knowing fully well that by then, the 180-day statutory timeframe for tribunal matters would be almost exhausted. This move, legal analysts argue, is a deliberate attempt to render the tribunal’s work null and void.

“Even when his attention was drawn to the impracticality of his order under the principle of the rule of law as propounded by A.V. Dicey, Justice Egbe chose to ignore it,” said a senior constitutional lawyer. “This demonstrates an intent to politicize the judiciary rather than uphold its sanctity. Such actions embolden unscrupulous politicians who leverage judicial technicalities to subvert democracy and perpetuate authoritarianism.”

The judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, must protect Nigeria’s nascent democracy rather than enable its destruction. Judges must uphold their duty to ensure that democracy functions within the framework of our statutory laws.

Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a recent address, underscored the primacy of the rule of law, stating that his own attainment of the presidency was anchored on legal integrity. He further admonished all public officials to respect the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Judges have a solemn duty to safeguard democracy, not to sabotage it. By issuing orders that undermine the electoral process, they erode public trust in the judiciary and create a dangerous precedent for the future. Justice Egbe’s ruling must be scrutinized and, if found to be in violation of judicial ethics, not only overturned but also sanctioned in the interest of justice and democratic stability.

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties in Benue State remains resolute in its demand for justice, accountability, and judicial neutrality. We call on the NJC, the Nigerian Bar Association, and civil society organizations to resist these attempts to subvert electoral justice. “We shall soon convene a press conference to further address this issue and mobilize public action against judicial partisanship”, CRPP stated.

Cover

NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye

Published

3 days ago

May 10, 2026

Aminu Christopher

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.

He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.

Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.

He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.

He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.

Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.

“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.

“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.

“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.

“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.

“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.

Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.

To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.

“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.

While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.

It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”

Cover

Atiku Chairs historic wedding ceremony in Marrakech as 2 distinguished families unite

Published

3 days ago

May 10, 2026

Aminu Christopher

Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.

The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.

At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.

The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.

Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.

Cover

Dr Enenche, Wife Takes the Gospel Message To Managua, Nicaragua, Bwari, Abuja, Douala, Cameroon

Published

3 days ago

May 10, 2026

Aminu Christopher

The senior pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche and Wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche have successfully taken the gospel (goodnews) and message of salvation, healing, deliverance, free medical outreach and welfare ministeration to Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, Bwari, Abuja and Doula, Cameroon respectively.

The crusades began in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, on the 1st-2nd May 2026 with the Revival Fire Crusade, after which, the revered clerics proceeded for the Healing and Deliverance crusade with the theme; ‘THE GOD OF MERCY to Bwari-FCT, Abuja on the 7th-8th May 2026 and concluded on Saturday 9th May 2026 in Douala-Cameroon, West Africa respectively.

The crusade witness a deluge of miracles, signs, wonders, healings, diverse deliverances, intense worship and praise.

In Nicaragua, the power of God was tangible, lives transformed, yokes broken, destinies released and hearts set ablaze for God. This is a clear move of revival; unstoppable, undeniable and spreading across the land and Nicaragua shall never remain the same again.

While In BWARI, Fct-Abuja, An atmosphere of divine glory; mercy poured out richly, saturating the air, as God’s presence overwhelmed the congregation with healings, deep restoration, uncontainable joy, true liberty and the day 2, was a sacred encounter; calm yet powerful. Hearts were lifted, burdens were broken, and destinies were realigned in the presence of God. Indeed, when mercy speaks, everything changes.

Beyond the crusade, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing of the people. While the spiritual transformation was profound, the clerics were privileged to reach out through free medical and welfare ministrations, ministering to the spirit while also caring for the body, with several relief materials, clothings and other food items were distributed.

For instance, In BWARI-Fct, Abuja, 956 Persons were medically attended to and given various treatments and medications, 46 Chest X-rays were conducted, 6 medically emergencies were handled, and 3 patient were taken to the hospital for further medical care.

The total number of Dental patients seen were 374. with 5 tooth extraction successfully done, while 306 scaling and polishing were also conducted.

The week long respective programs concluded and climaxed on Saturday in Douala-Cameroon, where the atmosphere was saturated with faith and the presence of God as multitudes gathered for a divine encounter, and Healings erupted, Lives were transformed, Burdens were lifted and destinies encountered the touch of God. It was evident the God of mercy visited Cameroon in a mighty way. What a fitting climax to a time of divine visitation in Douala.

Worthy of note, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing and needs of the people and to the glory of God, every available space at the various crusades venue were filled with people.

Also, No offering was taken or collected at the crusades, as this is the principle of the ministry for every crusade that is conducted by the revered clerics. We return all the glory to the God of mercy for what He has done, Dr Enenche declared.

The revered clerics remain intentional and committed to Kingdom advancement, soul winning and global Evangelism, as they prepare for the 2026 Destiny Recovery Convention (DRC), coming up on the 26th-31st May 2026.