The Cross River State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Abubakar Ewa, has passed away at the age of 61.
The commissioner died on Wednesday evening, January 8, 2025, at a private health facility in Calabar after complaining of a headache.
Prior to his appointment as Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Ewa was a one-time Secretary and later, Chairman of Boki Local Government Area.
He was elevated to Special Adviser, Community Relations to the Governor, and subsequently, served as Secretary of the state’s Anti-Deforestation Task Force.
In a groundbreaking decision, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled that law firms registered as business names have the capacity to enter into contracts. This landmark judgment, delivered in the case of A.G. BAYELSA STATE v. ODOK (2024) LPELR-63035(SC), has far-reaching implications for the legal profession, business community, and regulatory bodies in Nigeria.
Although the facts of the case are not really necessary to understand the espoused principle, it is evident that the dispute centered on the capacity of a law firm registered as a business name to enter into contracts. The Supreme Court’s decision has provided clarity on this critical issue, which has significant implications for the legal profession and business community in Nigeria. This case must be distinguished from the rule on signing of Court processes.
THE SUPREME COURT’S REASONING
In delivering the judgment, Justice John Inyang Okoro, JSC, relied on the definition of a “business name” under section 868 (1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. The court held that a business name is the name under which any business is carried on, either by an individual, firm, or corporation.
The court further reasoned that business is carried on by agreements, and the day-to-day transactions of a law firm involve accepting briefs from clients and getting paid for legal services rendered. The court astutely observed that each of these briefs constitutes a contract, and therefore, a law firm registered as a business name has the capacity to enter into contracts.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE JUDGMENT
The Supreme Court’s decision in A.G. BAYELSA STATE v. ODOK (2024) has significant implications for law firms registered as business names in Nigeria. The judgment confirms that such firms have the capacity to enter into contracts and engage in commercial activities.
This decision also provides guidance for legal practitioners, business owners, and regulatory bodies on the legal status of business names in Nigeria. It is expected that this judgment will have a positive impact on the business community, as it provides clarity and certainty on the capacity of law firms registered as business names to enter into contracts.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR LAW FIRMS
The Supreme Court’s decision has several practical implications for law firms registered as business names in Nigeria. These include:
– Capacity to Enter into Contracts: Law firms registered as business names can now enter into contracts with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders.
– Commercial Activities: Law firms registered as business names can engage in commercial activities, such as providing legal services, consulting, and other related activities.
– Regulatory Compliance: Law firms registered as business names must comply with relevant regulatory requirements, such as registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and payment of taxes.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision in A.G. BAYELSA STATE v. ODOK (2024) is a landmark judgment that has far-reaching implications for the legal profession, business community, and regulatory bodies in Nigeria. The judgment confirms that law firms registered as business names have the capacity to enter into contracts and engage in commercial activities. This decision is expected to have a positive impact on the business community, as it provides clarity and certainty on the legal status of business names in Nigeria.
The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has officially opened its 2025 legal year with a series of special sittings across its Divisions, aiming to address the increasing caseload and expedite the administration of justice.
On January 7, 2025, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem CFR, hosted a special sitting in Enugu. In her speech, she welcomed legal practitioners and stakeholders to the new legal year, stressing her personal connection to the state, having previously served in 2003 and 2019.
Justice Dongban-Mensem emphasized the significance of the special sittings, noting that their purpose is to alleviate the court’s heavy caseload and ensure the quick resolution of pending appeals.
“Having served here, I am well aware of the workload in this Division, and I understand the pivotal role Enugu State plays as a commercial center. These sittings are designed to ensure timely hearings, bringing justice closer to home for businesses and individuals,” she explained.
During the four-day special sitting, 80 appeals are scheduled for hearing and determination. Justice Dongban-Mensem encouraged lawyers and litigants to take full advantage of this opportunity to achieve prompt resolutions.
She also stressed the importance of avoiding conflicting judgments, sharing that the rigorous conference process—where Justices carefully deliberate on cases—will be closely followed under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun GCFR.
“This approach guarantees consistency in our rulings, strengthening public trust in the judiciary,” she added.
The Attorney General of Enugu State, Kingsley Udeh, thanked the Court of Appeal for its commitment to improving the state’s justice system. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the special sitting, including:
The resumption of Monday court sittings after a four-year suspension due to security issues.
The decongestion of the court’s docket, which will accelerate the resolution of long-pending legal matters.
The establishment of more legal precedents that will enrich Nigerian jurisprudence.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Udeh remarked. “This special sitting will not only expedite justice but will ensure its swift and transparent delivery.”
He further noted that the decisions made during the special sitting would serve as key references for lawyers pursuing the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
In her concluding remarks, Justice Dongban-Mensem urged legal professionals to familiarize themselves with the Court of Appeal’s rules to ensure smooth, efficient proceedings.
“Lawyers must come prepared. Knowing the court’s rules is essential to maintaining professionalism and ensuring justice is delivered promptly,” she said.
Both Justice Dongban-Mensem and Attorney General Udeh expressed optimism that the special sittings would set a positive precedent for the year, strengthening the justice system and promoting unity within Nigeria’s legal community.
The success of the Enugu special sitting is expected to serve as a model for similar sessions in other Court of Appeal Divisions, setting a strong foundation for the 2025 legal year in Nigeria.
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is being called upon to step in after Malam Surajo Yarima’s home, valued at around ₦20 million, was allegedly sold for just ₦2 million by a court to settle a ₦300,000 debt.
In a heartfelt interview in Kano, Yarima recounted the shocking events that led to the sale of his house. He explained that the court auctioned his property after he failed to attend a hearing for a lawsuit filed by a creditor, due to his absence from the state at the time.
Despite being served with multiple summons notices, Yarima was unable to respond to the court proceedings, and the house was eventually sold to settle the debt, leaving him, his wife, and nine children without a home.
Yarima managed to raise the ₦300,000 debt after the auction, but when he offered it to the creditor, his offer was rejected. Meanwhile, the court clarified that he had a three-week window to appeal the judgment, but Yarima missed the deadline.
“The auction took place on January 4th, and I came up with the ₦300,000 by January 6th. Unfortunately, the creditor refused to accept the payment, and now my family and I have been left homeless, sleeping outside,” Yarima said with deep sorrow.
Now, Yarima is calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene and ensure that justice is done in his case, as he seeks a resolution that can restore fairness and security for his family.
THE Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has sealed at least 619 facilities, including Mosques, Churches, hotels, among others for various environmental infractions in 2024.
General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a media interactive session in Ikeja, Lagos.
Ajayi revealed that noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures as the agency intensified its enforcement of environmental laws.
He said: “These operations are targeted households, hotels, and worship centres under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.”
While he noted significant achievements by the agency in 2024, Ajayi said the agency would double its advocacy for environmental consciousness in 2025 while focusing on stricter enforcement of existing laws.
He disclosed plans to intensify action against noise pollution, enforce anti-smoking regulations by designating smoking and non-smoking zones, and advocate proper waste management through authorised disposal bodies.
He explained that public complaints would be handled more effectively through an expanded complaints centre and digital channels, while academic publications and public awareness campaigns would also be increased.
Over N1,543 billion has been disbursed as payment of terminal benefits to 609 retirees in Jigawa State.
The payments were made to the retirees between August and December 2024 by the Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Board.
The Board Executive Secretary, Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, made this known while addressing the beneficiaries in the state capital.
Bilyaminu said the payment was categorized into four categories, indicating that the first batch of 465 retired staff consisted of those who retired either by reaching the mandatory retirement age of 35 years in service or sixty years by birth and were paid N1,173,946,287 billion.
The second category of 103 staff are those who died while on active service, adding that their relatives were paid the sum of N315,023,121.01 million.
He noted that the third batch consists of 39 retirees who retired from service and started receiving monthly pension but died before reaching their minimum period of five years after retirement. These people were paid N54,193,759.77 million, he added.
The last batch were beneficiaries who did not contribute up to a period of five years, disclosing that the law specified that for every staff member to qualify to be paid from the scheme, he should have contributed for a minimum period of five years.
“Under this category, we have paid two people the sum of N749, 010.31 including 15% interest,” he stated.
The Executive Secretary warned the pensioners against fraudsters, saying, “Our services are free; never bribe any of our staff for your terminal benefits, as we worked under guidelines establishing our Board in line with consonant pension regulations.”
He lauded the state governor, Umar A. Namadi, for his magnanimity toward pensioners in the state, while adding that the gesture would enhance service delivery and bolster the well-being of the retirees.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu have reaffirmed the importance of legislative and executive synergy to deliver rapid and transformative benefits to the people of the state.
Both political leaders stated this at the Nvosi, Ngwa private residence of the governor during a visit by the former governor.
In their separate addresses, Governor Otti (LP) and the Abia-North lawmaker, (APC) emphasised the need for political stakeholders in the state to set aside party affiliations and prioritise working for the overall welfare of the people of state.
Senator Kalu said the purpose of the visit is to commemorate with the governor for the new year, discuss issues pertaining to the progress of the state and brief him on developments at the National Assembly. He commended Governor Otti’s efforts at transforming the state.
“What holds me and Governor Otti is more than what separates us and party can never come in between us. I don’t discuss party issues with the governor, I keep away from party politics. We only discuss the process and wellbeing of the state and areas where the Federal Government should assist us.
“Our interest is more on the development of our people than party affairs and I want to thank you again. I came an hour ahead of schedule but you still broke the protocol to honour and welcome me as a former governor of this state. God will continue to bless you for the good of our people.”
Governor Otti commended Kalu for his representation, describing it as proactive and impactful. He urged politicians to set aside their political affiliations and focus on moving the state forward.
“I thank His Excellency for this visit. Once elections and litigation are over, party politics take the back seat while governance takes the front seat.
“Parties are mere social vehicles through which people get into power in Nigeria. That is why we have people jumping from one party to another.
“I thank you for the qualitative representation at the National Assembly. Any society that doesn’t have quality people who can speak for them is doomed.
“We have been collaborating and working together in the best interest of our people. Governance is about the welfare of the people and that’s why as a government, we pay special attention to the welfare of our people,” Otti remarked.
In response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s alarm on Monday about the influx of bandits into Oyo State, security agencies across the South-West have ramped up measures to tackle the security threat.
This includes intensified border patrols and enhanced collaboration among the police, Amotekun, and military forces in the region.
On Tuesday evening, Oyo State security chiefs convened an emergency meeting to devise new strategies.
Representatives from the military, police, civil defence, and Governor Makinde’s security aides were in attendance.
A top security chief confirmed the meeting to The PUNCH.
Governor Seyi Makinde had on Monday raised the alarm that bandits fleeing military onslaught in the North-West were coming down to Oyo State to take refuge.
Makinde, who spoke during the 2025 inter-faith service held on Monday, gave the assurance that the state government was determined to smoke out and eliminate the bandits.
Speaking on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Base Sociocultural Activities and Veterans’ Parley of the 655 Nigerian Air Force Station, on Tuesday, the governor particularly charged the military to intensify its efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing necessary support to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region.
“We want to charge the Nigerian military to intensify its efforts in 2025 to combat terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, and other security threats that could hinder the country’s economic development,” Makinde said.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, the Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), said the agency was conducting investigations into the Makinde’s alarm.
“My principal said it, and I don’t have any reaction to it until I have more information about that. I have to do my investigations,” Olayanju said.
In its response to Makinde’s outcry, the Ondo State Police Command disclosed ongoing collaboration with Amotekun to secure the state’s borders.
The Ondo Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, who made this known to our correspondent in Akure on Tuesday, asserted that the police were making all efforts to ensure that the state is safe.
“That is one of the reasons I’m emphasising community policing and community safety partnership. It is being done to ensure adequate safety of our communities.
“I have our men at the borders of the state. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Amotekun to ensure the safety of the people of the state. There wouldn’t be any room for the influx of bandits in this state,” Afolabi said.
In Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, expressed confidence that the state’s security infrastructure disallowed entry of bandits into the state, highlighting a peaceful holiday season as evidence.
“I am not aware of what the governor said and can only speak on what the Lagos State governor says. Besides, if such a statement had been made by the Lagos State governor, I would have reacted. But I can assure you that no bandits can enter Lagos State.With a focus on enhancing security across the state, the Corps has intensified its efforts to protect vulnerable areas such as Owena Ijesa and other strategic locations.
“Amotekun’s operations are designed to leave no room for kidnappers or other criminals to operate undetected in the forests.
“The Corps has deployed its personnel and resources in key forested areas, ensuring that criminal elements have nowhere to hide. Through vigilant surveillance and robust intelligence gathering, the Corps is staying ahead of criminal activities, monitoring developments on the ground and preventing potential threats from escalating,” Omoyele said.
Gani Adams warns
Meanwhile, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has called on governors in six South-West states to be vigilant and address security concerns decisively.
Adams, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, urged the South-West governors not to downplay the Oyo governor’s revelation.
He held that insecurity remained a major challenge in the country, with the South-West region as a target for bandits and kidnappers.
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the South-West Security Stakeholders Group, which includes organizations like the Oodua People’s Congress and Agbekoya Society, in maintaining regional safety.
“The alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a wake-up call to all the governors in the South West.
“I raised a similar alarm last year and nothing was done and it is sad that, up to the present time, nothing has changed, except that insecurity is increasing by the day.
“South West Security Stakeholders Group, including the Oodua People’s Congress, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, Omo Oduduwa United, and a few others, under my leadership, have been doing their very best in ensuring that the South-West region is safe.
“But now that Governor Makinde has raised the alarm, there is a need for an urgent approach to address the situation before it gets out of hand.
“Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region and anything that happens in the state, no doubt, has a direct effect on the entire area.
“So, I urge all the governors in the South-West to be vigilant and do the needful by addressing the security situation in their respective states, before it is too late
With a focus on enhancing security across the state, the Corps has intensified its efforts to protect vulnerable areas such as Owena Ijesa and other strategic locations.
“Amotekun’s operations are designed to leave no room for kidnappers or other criminals to operate undetected in the forests.
“The Corps has deployed its personnel and resources in key forested areas, ensuring that criminal elements have nowhere to hide. Through vigilant surveillance and robust intelligence gathering, the Corps is staying ahead of criminal activities, monitoring developments on the ground and preventing potential threats from escalating,” Omoyele said.
Gani Adams warns
Meanwhile, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has called on governors in six South-West states to be vigilant and address security concerns decisively.
Adams, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, urged the South-West governors not to downplay the Oyo governor’s revelation.
He held that insecurity remained a major challenge in the country, with the South-West region as a target for bandits and kidnappers.
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the South-West Security Stakeholders Group, which includes organizations like the Oodua People’s Congress and Agbekoya Society, in maintaining regional safety.
“The alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a wake-up call to all the governors in the South West.
“I raised a similar alarm last year and nothing was done and it is sad that, up to the present time, nothing has changed, except that insecurity is increasing by the day.
“South West Security Stakeholders Group, including the Oodua People’s Congress, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, Omo Oduduwa United, and a few others, under my leadership, have been doing their very best in ensuring that the South-West region is safe.
“But now that Governor Makinde has raised the alarm, there is a need for an urgent approach to address the situation before it gets out of hand.
“Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region and anything that happens in the state, no doubt, has a direct effect on the entire area.
“So, I urge all the governors in the South-West to be vigilant and do the needful by addressing the security situation in their respective states, before it is too late
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a diplomat and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, has described Gov. Chukwuma Soludo as a visionary planner who seemed to have anticipated every possible need of Anambra state.
Anyaoku gave the commendation on Tuesday in Awka during a visit to the ongoing Government House project and other developments, alongside Gov. Soludo.
He said, “I must commend Gov. Soludo for being a visionary planner. The synchronisation of the arms of government — the Government House with the judiciary and the state assembly requires a visionary planner.
“As I have seen, these buildings are meant to last. I cannot see a future governor of Anambra building anything more in terms of residence or the office of the governor. It is tremendous.
This is an extraordinary achievement, and I would like to congratulate Gov. Soludo and his administration for leading this vast construction.’’Anyaoku said.
In response, Soludo acknowledged that the 33-year-old wait for a befitting Government House and Governor’s Lodge would soon be over.
He stated that his administration was focused on building structures that would endure for generations.
The governor also described Chief Anyaoku as Africa’s most distinguished statesman and thanked him for taking the time to tour the projects with him. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday described Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)N as a shining example and an embodiment of the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President said this in his 60th birthday congratulatory message to Kyari.
The President commended Kyari’s diligence in transforming NNPCL into a profitable organisation, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, his said in a statement on Tuesday.
Tinubu noted that the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership has recorded notable achievements, including the resuscitation of two refineries, an increase in domestic natural gas consumption and a boost in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.
He also applauded Kyari’s dedication to service and professionalism at the NNPC, OPEC and as the first Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL.
He said “Kyari is a shining example and an embodiment of the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I commend his commitment to creating new opportunities and ensuring the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector.”
President Tinubu prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to grant Kyari sound health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation while mentoring the next generation of energy sector leaders.
