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Justice Odili : Senate To Debate the Invasion

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File Pictures of Justice Mary Odili and Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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…as Executive Jerks Up Judiciary Budget by N10bn in 2022 budget Proposal

…No Interference on Our activities from Executive, Legislative says CJN

Nigerian Senate has said that invasion of Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili residence by Security Agencies would be on focus when Senate resume plenary session next week.

Newsblast recalled that Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the house of the supreme court justice based on information that “illegal activities” were going on there

Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made this made this known during an oversight visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria ((CJN) in his Office on Monday in Abuja.

The Chairman said, ” We cannot pretend not to be unaware of the embarrassing situation on invasion of residence of Justice Mary Odili on Friday Night by Security Agencies, without Joining issue with anyone , we take the matter seriously, by the time, we are back to plenary session, we will discuss the matter as urgent of National Importance.”

Speaking on the budget of the Judiciary in 2022, Senator Bamidele said ,” It is trite to state that 2022 budget budget estimate for the Judiciary is one N120 billion only representing an increase in the sum of N10 billion , over the sum which was appropriated in the 2021 Appropriation Act.

“Even though this increase is not enough to meet the competing needs and challenges of the Judiciary, we must commend the present administration for listening to the voice of reason and clamour from various quarters advocating for increased funding for the Judiciary.”

Responding to the Chairman’s opening remark, the Chief Justice of Nigeria disclosed that there is no any interference from Legislators or Executives Arm of government on their activities adding that the National Assembly has not failed Judiciary.

According to him, Legislative arm of government has not failed us , there is nothing that we want that have not been granted by the Lawmakers, you are doing right thing , if you see that something is going with Judiciary, call our attention to it. There is no interference from Legislature and Executive on our activities.

He submitted that the Judiciary is ready to accept correction if something is going wrong.

In her submission, the Ag. Chief Registrar of Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello informed the lawmakers that 75 percent budget performance has been recorded in term of releases and 60 percent in expenditure .

She said that N368 million was appropriated to cater for the official vehicles of the Hon. the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Hon. Justices of the Court.

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Tax Reform Bills: Senate To Consider Viable Opinions Of Stakeholders

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The chairman, Senate committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, says the Senate will consider viable opinions of all stakeholders in the passage of current Tax Reform Bills .

Senator Musa who stated this during an interview with newsmen in Abuja emphasized the need for Nigerians to be patient for a tax regime that would be beneficial to all and sundry.

He explained that the red chamber would evolve a legislation that is workable in line with international best practices.

Senator Musa told newsmen that president TINUBU needs one trillion dollar economy adding that the proposed Tax regime would outlive every individual including the lawmakers.

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Price Hike: FCCPC Summons MultiChoice, Warns Against Exploitation

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

In a statement, the Director of Corporate Affairs in FCCPC, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu said the action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse and should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers” He warned

In his words”Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape”.

 

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Senator Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Asks ₦100bn Damages

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Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
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Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly defaming her

The suit was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday with Akpabio and his senior legislative aide Mfon Patrick listed as second to third defendants.

In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, referred to Akpabio’s words published by his aide on his Facebook page with the title, “Is local content committee of the senate Natasha’s birthright?” where he stated that the claimant thought being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.

Giwa alleged that the statement on Akpoti-Uduaghan was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, and lowered her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and right-thinking members of the public.

“A declaration that the words ‘it is a bottled anger by the Kogi Lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers’ used and written by the 3rd defendant at the prompting of the 1st and 2nd defendants is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection towards the claimant by members of the public,” her reliefs partly read.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the court to restrain the defendants or associates from publishing defamatory words against her on any platform.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates from further publishing or caused to be published the said defamatory words herein stated or any other similar publications about the claimant on the social media platform or in any other manner, which is capable of defaming the claimant,” she stated.

She, however, urged the court to order the defendants to pay her ₦100bn as damages and ₦300m as litigation costs.

“An order for payment of the sum of ₦100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for payment of the sum of ₦300,000,000.00 only as cost of action,” she said.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently voiced her concern after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle. She resisted the relocation and this led to a clash between her and the senate president.

The Kogi lawmaker has been referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee in the wake of the seating arrangement dispute.

 

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