Chieftaincy Disputes: Falana Criticizes Federal Courts' Jurisdiction

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has stated that Federal and National Industrial Courts lack the jurisdiction to preside over chieftaincy matters. In a personal statement, Falana criticized the courts for assuming jurisdiction in such cases, describing their decisions as "erroneous" and "unjustifiable" under the Constitution.

Falana cited the Supreme Court's ruling in Tukur v. Government of Gongola State (1987), which established that the right to be an emir is not a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, and therefore, Federal High Courts have no jurisdiction over such matters.

Femi Falana

He argued that the Federal High Court's involvement in the dispute surrounding the deposition of Emir Ado Bayero and the restoration of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was a clear disregard of the Supreme Court's decision. Falana also noted that the National Industrial Court lacks jurisdiction in chieftaincy matters, as stated in Section 254(C)(1) of the Constitution.

However, he acknowledged that a deposed traditional ruler who was denied fair hearing may still have legal recourse. The legal battle in Kano State continues, with a Federal High Court recently ruling on a human rights violation case filed by the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and senior councillor, Aminu Dan'agundi, against the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.

Comments

NGF Promises Improved Minimum Wage Amid Ongoing Negotiations

The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has assured Nigerians and organized labor that negotiations are underway to establish a better minimum wage. This comes after the governors previously rejected the Federal Government's proposal of N62,000, citing that some states would need to borrow to pay salaries. Despite this, organized labor continues to push for a wage of N250,000. Nigeria Governor's Forum Following the Federal Executive Council's postponement of the minimum wage discussion, the governors held an emergency meeting, which extended into the early hours of Thursday. According to a communiqué signed by NGF acting Director, Media, Ahmed Salihu, the forum discussed various national issues, including the new national minimum wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable solution, assuring that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations. They also discussed the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-

JUST NOW: Woman Caught with Stolen AK-47

Security forces apprehended a middle-aged woman, Aisha Abubakar, from Katsina State, while she was on a bus traveling to Abuja from Katsina. The woman was found in possession of a stolen AK-47 rifle, prompting her arrest. Suspected Aisha Abubakar During interrogation, Aisha revealed that she was driven by extreme hunger and desperation to accept the task from unknown individuals. She claimed that she was instructed to transport the weapon to a designated location near Yantumaki, where the owners would retrieve it. Aisha maintained that this was her first involvement in such a dangerous and illegal activity, and that her dire circumstances left her with little choice but to accept the job. Her statement highlights the devastating impact of poverty and hunger on individuals, leading them to engage in illicit activities out of desperation.

Tragedy at the National Assembly: Customs Officer Passes Away

Tragedy struck at the National Assembly on Tuesday when a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service passed away during a meeting with a House Committee. According to a statement released by House Spokesman Akin Rotimi, the officer suddenly fell ill at approximately 1 pm and despite prompt medical attention from first responders and the National Assembly Clinic's medical team, sadly succumbed to his condition. Nass Out of respect for the family's privacy, the officer's identity has not been disclosed at this time. The House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and stands ready to support investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

JASAWA TIMES

Search This Blog