A House of Representatives member-elect for Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Philip Agbese, has condemned the recent appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, few days to the end of his second tenure.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart who expressed fear of the recent appointments leading to looting, said it should have been left for the new administration to handle.

He said;

“It is on record that over 20 new appointments have been made since Bola Tinubu was declared president-elect.

“Why the rush? It is clear that the current government is deliberately building up obstacles for Tinubu. They are giving room for chaos and a huge vacuum in governance, potentially opening the doors for massive looting.

“We are aware that these appointments are nothing short of political compensation for loyalists and apparently have nothing to do with competence. At a time when Buhari would have at least left a legacy by cutting the cost of governance, he is dishing out appointments like admission.”

The Court of Appeal president, Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Friday, inaugurated the Plateau High Court complex and the multi-door court in Jos.

Speaking at the event, Ms Dongban-Mensem, thanked Governor Simon Lalong for completing the complex, started by the previous administration.

She said to administer justice to the people, the judiciary must be provided with tools for effective functionality, including a conducive environment for adjudication effectively.

The president thanked Mr Lalong for providing such an environment and granting autonomy to the judiciary, saying synergy between the three arms of government was necessary to ensure good governance.

She said that constructing the multi-door courtroom had provided an alternative for dispute resolution.

She urged the residents to adopt the approach for peaceful coexistence in the state.

She expressed concerns over attacks and crises in some communities in the state, saying the culture of mediation should be adopted to forestall such a situation.

In his remarks, the chief judge of Plateau, David Mann, said no democratic government could operate without a functional judicial system.

Also, Mr Lalong said the edifice had been designed and equipped with modern facilities to ensure a conducive environment for the judiciary in the administration of justice.

‘’In this complex, there are nine courts that can sit simultaneously and comfortably. This is in addition to various halls, library and associated services that make the facility highly attractive,’’ he said.

He said that his administration swore in 27 judges for the High Court, Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.

He said the Multi-door Courthouse as a centre for alternative dispute resolution was to create room for settling disputes without necessarily going through the court system.

He expressed confidence that the high court complex would challenge the judicial officers to discharge their duties diligently to their best without favouring affection or ill-will.

The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, has assured Nigerians of adequate security during the presidential inauguration ceremony, warning social media users to respect the occasion.

While assuring Nigerians of a peaceful inauguration, he urged them to steer clear of anything threatening the nation’s peace.

“We do not envisage anything that will be negative on that day. So, I urge everybody to be calm. The people who use social media, please understand this till our visitors, especially those who come from other countries, disperse,” warned Mr Monguno.

On Thursday, Mr Monguno gave the assurance in Abuja at a world press conference organised to mark the commencement of activities for the May 29 presidential inauguration.

The NSA, who heads the security, facilities and intelligence committee of the presidential transition council, said necessary measures were implemented to provide all-round security.

He said security would be beefed up at Eagle Square, the May 29 presidential inauguration venue and its environs.

Mr Monguno also said there would be tight security in and around hotels to ensure the safety of guests coming into the Federal Capital Territory from within and outside Nigeria.

According to him, committee membership, drawn from various security agencies, has been collaborating to ensure a seamless transition.

“It is perhaps the most critical of all the committees by virtue of the nature of its own task. That is why membership of the committee comprises of representatives or heads of agencies at the highest level,” he stated, adding that the chief of defence staff, the inspector general of police, and the SSS director-general.

He added,

“The director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Kebbi governor, who sits in as a representative of the incoming administration.

Mr Monguno further said,

“Our main function and primary concern is the provision of both overt and covert security cover for all the venues where the programmes will take place. As well as hotels in which invited guests and dignitaries will be staying for the period up to the inauguration and immediately after.”

On the restriction of movement, Mr Monguno said there would be restriction of movement at a certain range around Eagle Square.

He also said there would be traffic diversion and alternative routes for motorists and pedestrians.

Aone-time senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Anyim Ude, has died at the age of 82.

The announcement of the death of the politician is contained in a statement signed by Mr Nnanna Ude, the eldest son of the deceased on Thursday in Abakaliki.

According to the statement, the elder statesman died peacefully on May 15, two weeks before the celebration of his 82nd birthday.

“It is with heavy hearts but total gratitude to the Almighty God that our family announces the passing of our father, Sen. (Elder) Anyim Chukwu Ude, MON.

“He departed this world and joined the saints on Monday, May 15, 2023; just two weeks to his 82nd birthday.

“Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced by the family as we seek your prayers for the repose of his soul to eternal life in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the statement read.

Mr Ude was elected to represent the Ebonyi South Senatorial District in 2007 where he attracted a lot of developmental constituency projects to the Ebonyi South zone.

The late Senator and Octogenarian was born on June 1, 1941, in Akaeze, in the present-day Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi.Before going to the Senate, the late Ude had a thriving career in the Nigerian Public Service spanning 42 years.

“He was a veteran journalist, broadcaster and administrator with vast experience in public service, especially in media matters.

“He entered the public service of former Eastern Nigeria as a clerk in 1960 and later joined the Eastern Nigeria Information Service, Printers and Publishers of ‘Nigerian Outlook’ in May 1965 as a reporter.

“He served as the Director-General of Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC); pioneer DG, Abia Broadcasting Corporation.”

He was the pioneer commissioner of the Ebonyi Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the defunct Ebonyi Broadcasting Service (ESBS) now Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) and in several other portfolios as a commissioner.