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.

Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) has said that the All Progressives Congress has secured the support of 69 out of 109 senators-elect for Senate President aspirant Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President aspirant Barau Jibrin.

The Borno lawmaker said the 69 Senators-elect are members of the ‘Stability Group’ and have already appended their signatures for their aspiration.

Ndume who led the Akpabio campaign team to Lagos for a meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the former Akwa Ibom governor will win with a clear majority.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has said that the May 29 inauguration date remains sacrosanct while giving out a warning to politicians and political parties.

Giving the warning on Monday, May 15, the police chief said they’ve been working closely with the national intelligence community to stop any incident that will affect the country’s security interests.

He said;

“Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 General elections, it has been observed that some major political actors that the outcome did not favour, have been issuing public threats that are directed at instigating actions to frustrate the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 29th May, 2023.

“The Nigeria Police and the national intelligence community have been closely monitoring the activities of these political elites as well as other elements who have formed themselves into unpatriotic brands whose only fantasy, in recent times, is to subvert our national security interests.

“In so doing, they seem to be bent on deploying extra-judicial and undemocratic means to truncate our democratic heritage in advancement of their narrow personal political considerations.”

The ‘Abia State Re-dedication and Dr Alex Otti’s Thanksgiving Service’ organising committee has declared a seven-day prayer, fasting and thanksgiving.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the chairman and secretary of the committee, Uzor Nwachukwu and Bertrand Okeomah, respectively.

The committee stated that the programme was part of the activities lined up for the inauguration of Otti as the 10th Governor of Abia on May 29.

It also stated that the spiritual cleansing was slated to begin with prayer and fasting on Sunday, May 21 and end on Friday, May 26.

According to the committee, the event to usher in a new wave of spirituality would be rounded off with a ‘Re-dedication Retreat’ at the Ngwa High School, Aba, on May 27.

It further stated that the spiritual retreat already had the support of the Abia chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership.

“Similarly, a post-inauguration state thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, June 4, at the Umuahia Township Stadium by noon prompt,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, CAN has called on all its member churches in Abia to observe the prayer and fasting sessions.According to a statement by CAN secretary Mgbeahuru Okey, the directive was issued by the Abia CAN chairman, Emmanuel Agomoh.

“Let’s join hands with other faithful in this all-important assignment for a new Abia of our collective dream,” the CAN statement stated.

The Nigerian Navy says it would parade 16 warships, three warships from Spain, Brazil and Ghana as well as six helicopters and fighter jets from the Nigerian Air Force in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Presidential Fleet Reviews are events practiced by navies across the world in order to honour their sovereigns or heads of government as a sign of loyalty and allegiance to the state.

The presidential fleet review will also provide an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to defend the state in case of an attack.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, May 11 the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) 2023, is scheduled to hold from May 19-22, 2023 in Lagos.

He said the review themed: “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity” was carefully chosen to underscore the essence and value of the Nigerian Navy as a responsive naval force poised towards the attainment of national prosperity.

Gambo, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba, said a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the Nigerian Navy during Buhari’s 8 year tenure.

“The ships comprise offshore patrol vessels, landing ship transport, hydrographic survey vessels, seaward defence boats, helicopters as well as over 300 inshore patrol vessels and assault crafts.

“The president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and 2021 and laid the keel for two more, which will be ready by 2024.

“The Nigerian Navy deems it appropriate to honour the Commander-in-Chief for his support to the service.

“The 2023 Presidential Fleet Review is therefore organised in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large”, he stated.

The Osun House of Assembly on Thursday constituted seven ad hoc committees to midwife the smooth inauguration of the 8th Assembly in the state on June 6.

Mr Simeon Amusan, the clerk of the Assembly, while constituting the committees on the assembly floor, said the committees were constituted to avoid unnecessary vacuum and constitutional crisis.

“In facilitating a smooth and seamless inauguration, the management has approved the setting up of a number of ad hoc committees to take charge of different aspects of the programme to ensure its overall success,” he said.

Mr Amusan said that the committees were; Publicity, headed by Laide Lawal; Protocol/Invitation Committee, headed by Raheem Sanusi; and Security/Crowd Control Committee, headed by Muyiwa Ayeni.

Others are; entertainment/decoration committee, headed by Mrs Olanike Oyajide; technical committee, headed by Tajudeen Alade; sanitation committee with Taye Elutilo as chairman; and medical committee, headed by Mrs Mulikat Akinola.

He urged all the committees to work in synergy so that the inauguration of the 8th Assembly would be a success.

Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration, Mr Laide Lawal, the chairman of the publicity committee and director of information of the Assembly, solicited media support for coverage of the inauguration.

Lawal tasked journalists to work with him to give the inauguration proper and befitting coverage, saying they were also part of the publicity committee for the inauguration.

The Osun State 7th Assembly, led by Speaker Timothy Owoeye, would be winding down on June 5 while the 8th Assembly would be inaugurated on June 6.