The nation’s insecurity is worsening, the challenges are humongous, and the solutions have been elusive so far. The recent escalation of clashes between security agencies and local insurgents in the South East, have heightened the calls for Government to urgently rethink its strategies for combatting the security challenges in Eastern Nigeria and other hotspots like Benue State, where there are killings almost on a daily basis. The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was not left out, as there was an attempt to assassinate him earlier this year in March, while seven internally displaced persons taking refuge in a Camp in Abagena, Makurdi were murdered last week. Policemen and other security personnel, have also not been spared, as several of them have lost their lives in the violence. At least five Policemen were killed about two weeks ago in Okigwe, Imo State, while others suffered the same fate of death in Rivers State. Norrison Quakers, SAN, Professor Andrew Chukwumerie, SAN
2021: What FG must do differently Lawyers
On
By Henry Ojelu & Onozure Dania
In this edition of Law & Human Rights, we sought the views of lawyers on what the federal government must do differently this year to ensure that citizens enjoy the impact of good governance and rule of law.
FG must implement transformational policies Agbakoba, SAN
Former president of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, believes that the only path to ensure that the country’s ailing economy is revived is for the federal government to implement radical policies. He also suggested a review of the bank lending rate to boost economic activities.
• ‘Failure to appear will breach constitutional provisions’
• Malami is correct, another lawyer counters
• Minister’s advice will ridicule you, Reps caucus tell Buhari
• House leadership says it can’t compel Buhari
Following a declaration by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that the appearance of President Muhammadu Buhari before the National Assembly is discretionary, lawyers have said the development has put the Nigerian Constitution on trial.
Malami had made the statement in opposition to an invitation to the President by the House of Representatives to explain the worsening security situation in the country, among other matters.
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Prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party members, on Wednesday, faulted the claim by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, that the National Assembly had no powers to summon the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) over the rising insecurity in the country.
Malami had said this in a statement titled, ‘Buhari’s summons: NASS Operates outside constitutional bounds’, on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, had last week invited Buhari over the rising insecurity in the country, especially the recent killing of over 43 rice farmers in Borno State.