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September 19, 2023 Wike Vs Kingibe: NASS Cant Control Wike – Femi Falana

Wike Vs Kingibe: NASS Cant Control Wike – Femi Falana

Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Femi Falana has lent his voice to the dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Senator representing the FCT; Ireti Kingibe.

The renowned constitutional lawyer noted that the FCT minister in terms of execution of duties was not answerable to Kingibe or the National Assembly.

The FCT  Senator  had warned Wike to desist from working without the supervision of the National Assembly, in the wake of appointments made by the FCT minister; Nyesom Wike. Kingibe also noted that the FCT minister does not have executive powers but must operate within the constitutional frameworks of the country’s legislative arm.

Ireti Kingibe had said, “You also have to remember that the minister of the FCT – I’m not sure we have had a former governor as a minister, I think we have had one. Some [former] governors may think that as an FCT minister, the minister does not have executive powers. He works hand-in-hand with the National Assembly and the president to administer the FCT.”

However, interpreting the constitution, Falana stated that Kingibe was wrong to have said that the minister was answerable to the National Assembly in the discharge of his duties.

He said, “The distinguished senator is wrong. The power of the executive with respect to the FCT lies with the President. Making laws and passing laws for the FCT are the business of the National Assembly.

“Section 299(a) of the constitution provides: The provisions of this constitution shall apply to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as if it were one of the states of the Federation; and accordingly

“(a) all the legislative powers, the executive powers and the judicial powers vested in the House of Assembly, the governor of a state and in the courts of a state shall, respectively, vest in the National Assembly, the President of the Federation and in the courts which by virtue of the foregoing provisions are courts established for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He further explained that since the executive powers of the FCT are vested in the President who then delegates them to the minister as he pleases, the minister can act in the capacity of the President who is the governor of the FCT.

Falana said, “The executive powers of the FCT are vested in the President, the legislative powers are vested in the National Assembly, while the judicial powers are vested in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

“To that extent, it is very wrong to say that since there is no governor in the FCT, the executive powers are vested in the National Assembly; those powers are vested in the President.

“So, whenever the president appoints a minister, the minister is performing in the powers delegated to him or her by the President.”

If you are dissatisfied with the decision taken by anyone in the FCT, you go to the FCT High Court.” Falana quipped.

September 15, 2023 UNILAG Cuts Down School Fees After Meeting with NANS

UNILAG Cuts Down School Fees After Meeting with NANS

The management of the University of Lagos; UNILAG, has announced the reduction of its fees after a meeting the representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students; NANS, yesterday.

In a statement made available to Newsmen on Friday morning, after the university had held a meeting with the executives of the NANS and other faculty members on Thursday evening.

The statement read, “Authorities of the University of Lagos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, had a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu accompanied by top officers of the Association and UNILAG Faculty leaders drawn from nine faculties of the University and College of Medicine.

The statement also revealed that at the commencement of the meeting, Barambu highlighted the demands put forth by the students. The demands include reversal of obligatory fees, reversal of hostel fees, and reinstatement of Students’ Union Government in UNILAG.

However, Ogunsola, stressed that the aim of the University was to deliver quality education to its students regardless of class, tribe or creed.

After careful evaluation of the issues raised by the students and management, the following consensus was reached at the meeting: Utility Charges for all categories of students was reduced to N15,000:00 from N20,000:00.

The obligatory fees for new undergraduate students was reviewed from N126,325:00 to N116,325:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio and N176,325:00 to N166,325:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio.

“The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students was reviewed from N100,750:00 to N80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio; N140,250:00 to N120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio; and from N190,250:00 to N170, 250:00 for Medical / Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.

“The Convocation Fee to be paid by all final year students was reduced to N27,000:00 from N 30,000:00. Hostels fees were reviewed as follows: For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees was reduced to N43, 000:00 from N90,000:00.

“For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees was reduced to N65,000:00 from N120,000:00. The fees for Sodeinde Hall was reduced to N135,000:00 from N250,000:00.”

The students of the University of Lagos had been protesting the hike in school fees, pointing at it’s absurdity at a time when the economic realities were not favorable to parents and students alike.

September 14, 2023 #SLI: Before You Acquire That LAND!!!

#SLI: Before You Acquire That LAND!!!

In Nigeria, acquiring land is a monumental decision laden with complexities and potential life-altering consequences. Many individuals have tragically lost both their resources and lives due to land-related disputes. This raises a pivotal question: Can a lawyer truly make a difference in land acquisition? The resounding answer is yes.

Whether obtaining land through purchase or inheritance, the process can be daunting, with inheritance often leading to unforeseen complications. This is where the expertise of a skilled lawyer becomes crucial.

In a recent episode of “Sharing Live Issues” with Damaris, Real estate executive Mr. Radiant Ekemini, and Mrs. Esther Orok; a seasoned real estate lawyer, highlighted the pivotal role of lawyers and surveyors in the land acquisition process. They stressed that securing a highly skilled lawyer is paramount for a successful land acquisition; “a competent lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of local land laws, can foresee potential issues, and safeguards against fraud and disputes“.

A good lawyer in this context isn’t just any legal practitioner but one with expertise in real estate matters. They understand intricate land laws, regulations, and regional practices, decipher complex land titles, assess legal risks, and offer invaluable guidance. Without a lawyer’s involvement, individuals may unknowingly purchase land with dubious titles, exposing themselves to legal battles and financial losses.

Mrs. Esther Orok encourages individuals looking to acquire property to seek referrals and recommendations from those who have successfully conducted land transactions and business. Additionally, thorough background checks on lawyers should be conducted to assess their credibility, integrity, and competence.

In conclusion, land acquisition in Nigeria is complex and fraught with risks, demanding expertise and vigilance. A skilled lawyer, especially one well-versed in real estate, is essential for secure and legally sound acquisition. Their ability to navigate land laws, conduct due diligence, and craft robust sale agreements cannot be overstated. In a nation where land disputes can turn deadly, securing a competent lawyer’s services is not an option but a necessity for anyone entering real estate investments. They are the guardians of a successful land acquisition, safeguarding your interests in this complex process, as Mrs. Esther Orok aptly advises.

Written by maris ‘Damaris’ Iloka.

September 5, 2023 NANS Dare DSS, Says Protests Will Hold

NANS Dare DSS, Says Protests Will Hold

The National Association of Nigerian Students has warned the Department of State Services not to interfere in planned protests by students, as their rights to protest was a fundamental human right.

The National Public Relations Officer of the union, Giwa Temitope, was reacting to the statement made by DSS that some politicians were mobilizing student leaders for violent protest against the Federal Government over socio-economic issues.

The DSS had raised alarm over plans by Politicians to mobilize student bodies to stage violent protest on the same day the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal; PEPT, has set aside to deliver judgement.

Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilizing unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action,” the spokesperson for the security agency, Peter Afunanya had stated on Monday.

The NANS PRO, in a statement sent to Journalists, said the student body would be be at the University of Lagos  for the protest and urged the DSS not to infringe on the rights of students.

, “It is quite embarrassing that the DSS has derailed to become the propaganda arm of the Federal Government, thereby, raising false alarms and even interfering in affairs that do not in any way relate to their line of profession.

“As an association, we maintain that we are not satisfied with how the Nigerian society is being run, most especially, as regards arbitrary fee increment across our tertiary institutions, with the University of Lagos being a model.” Giwa said

NANS said the failure of the UNILAG management to honour the agreement reached at the meeting with student leaders on August 2, “forced the student body to fix a date of action at the university for September 6 and the protest will hold till the management reverses the hike.

The UNILAG management in July 2023, increased fees from N19,000 to N190,250, for students studying medicine, while for courses that require laboratory and studio, the students were to pay N140,250.

 

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