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Nigerian Judges are threat to democracy – Northern Elders Forum
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on the country’s judiciary to “consider the consequences of its actions and decisions” and uphold the rule of law in all its activities around the elections where Nigerians voted.
KANO FOCUS reports that the NEF in a statement, on Thursday, by its convener, Prof Ango Abdullahi, said the forum and other stakeholders would “closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalisation to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians.”
There have been outcries in the country over the recent judgments given by the Court of Appeal in cases involving states ruled by opposition political parties which are Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.
Speaking for the NEF, Abdullahi said, “The potential consequences of these actions may ultimately validate the concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice, Dattijo Mohammed in his valedictory remarks about corruption and undue compromises within the judiciary.
We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles.
“The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process. Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation.
“NEF, therefore, calls on all levels of the judiciary to uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain impartiality in their decision making processes.
“Judges should exhibit unwavering integrity and resilience when adjudicating cases, especially those pertaining to elections.
“The judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining constitutional democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and providing checks and balances on the other branches of government. However, if the judiciary fails to fulfill its responsibilities, it can have severe implications for the stability and functioning of a democratic society.
“The current trend may encourage politicians to view politics as a do-or-die affair. When the judiciary fails to effectively adjudicate disputes and hold politicians accountable for their actions, it creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices, abuse their power, and disregard the principles of democracy.
This erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms and values, ultimately undermining the legitimacy of the political system.
“Furthermore, a collapsing judiciary jeopardises the safeguarding of constitutionalism, which is the cornerstone of any democratic society. The judiciary acts as the guardian of the constitution, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the principles enshrined within it.
“Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms. This can result in a loss of public confidence in the democratic process, as citizens may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their rights are being trampled upon.
“The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.
“NEF believes that the judiciary should be an unbiased and independent arm of government, which is essential to the success of democracy and it should not be seen as compromising the integrity of its decisions particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with a range of challenges.
“NEF, therefore, calls on the judiciary to consider the consequences of its actions and decisions and strive to uphold the rule of law in all its activities to justify the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians. The NEF called on the public to remain vigilant in as to the direction the nation’s judiciary is headed and not to hesitate to expose any perceived misconduct on the part of the judiciary.
“It is our firm belief that a strong and incorruptible judiciary is crucial for the development and progress of our great nation. NEF, alongside other concerned stakeholders, will continue to closely monitor the conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalisation to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians,” he added.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday, it was revealed that Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.
The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.
Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.
The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.
However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.
“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise,” the governor remarked.
“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who much need for immediate employment with Kano state government, it is a shame on him”
“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”
Governor Yusuf’s intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the education sector.
The anticipated resolution of this issue is expected to enable the graduates to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to Kano State’s development.
This effort signals a new chapter of hope for the affected graduates and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a brighter future for its citizens.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) received five teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, to accredit nine academic programmes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the programmes under review include BSc Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, BSc Forensic Science, Masters in Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
This marks the third phase of BUK’s ongoing accreditation process, following the successful review of 30 programmes between November 18 and 30, 2024 under phase one and two.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the significance of accreditation as a peer-review exercise that enhances the quality of teaching and research at the university.
Professor Bashir Maina, speaking on behalf of the teams, highlighted their mission to assess the programmes and provide recommendations in line with global best practices.
The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba, explained that the current accreditation process is part of the final phase, which involves the evaluation of 22 programmes in total.
The NUC accreditation teams are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor later this week.
Zulaiha Danjuma
The rise of digital payment systems in Nigeria has transformed the way people conduct financial transactions.
KANO FOCUS reports, In Kano, traders in the Hausawa Sabon Titi community have been at the forefront of this shift, embracing digital payment solutions to facilitate their daily business activities.
The introduction of the MoniePoint POS machine has revolutionized businesses in the area. Mr. Kabiru Yahaya, a provision store owner, noted that the cash squeeze prompted him to adopt the MoniePoint POS machine. “Most of our customers prefer to pay electronically, so we had to adapt to meet their needs,” he explained.
Similarly, Yusuf Usman, a bread and tea vendor, reported that 85% of his customers use ATM cards, mobile wallets, or phone transfers to make payments. “The MoniePoint POS machine has made it easier for me to receive payments and make payments to suppliers too,” he said.
Provision Shop at Sabontiti, Kano
Benefits of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems
The adoption of inclusive instant payment systems has not only improved business operations but also enhanced financial security. Mr. Usman noted that the use of digital payments has reduced the risk of robbery and burglary.
Inclusive instant payment systems offer several benefits
Increased financial inclusion: IIPS provides access to financial services for underserved populations, promoting economic growth and development. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the number of Nigerians with access to financial services increased from 36.8% in 2016 to 63.2% in 2020.
Improved economic efficiency: Digital payments reduce transaction costs, increase the speed of transactions, and enhance the overall efficiency of the economy. A study by McKinsey found that digital payments can increase GDP by up to 6% in some African countries.
Reduced risk of cash transactions: IIPS minimizes the risks associated with cash transactions, such as robbery, burglary, and counterfeiting. According to the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the value of digital transactions in Nigeria increased by 50% in 2022, reaching ₦10.9 trillion.
Bread seller
Nigeria’s Cash Crunch Drives Digital Payments
Nigeria’s economy has traditionally relied heavily on cash transactions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns accelerated the adoption of digital banking and inclusive instant payment systems. The government’s efforts to curb excess cash circulation and promote digital payments have further driven the growth of IIPS.
According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the number of active mobile money agents in Nigeria increased from 10,000 in 2019 to over 1.4 million in 2022.
Challenges and Limitations of IIPS
Despite the benefits of IIPS, there are challenges and limitations to its adoption. Some of these challenges include:
*Infrastructure constraints:* The lack of reliable internet connectivity and electricity in some areas can hinder the adoption of IIPS. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s internet penetration rate stood at 44.6% as of 2022.
*Security concerns:* The risk of cyber attacks and data breaches can deter some individuals and businesses from adopting IIPS. According to a report by KPMG, the average cost of a data breach in Nigeria is estimated to be around ₦2.5 billion.
*Regulatory issues:* The lack of clear regulations and guidelines can create uncertainty and confusion for providers and users of IIPS. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the regulator is working to develop a more comprehensive regulatory framework for digital payments in Nigeria.
Expert Reaction
Dr. Tijjani Ahmed, a Senior Lecturer at the Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure and a Research Fellow at the African Center for Tax and Governance, explained that the advancement of digital technology and the introduction of digital instant payments have increased financial inclusion for small businesses.
Dr. Tijjani Ahmed
“Prior to 2015, Nigeria had experienced low financial inclusion, with over 40% of the populace financially excluded,” he explained. Dr. Ahmed noted that this excluded demographics were not just individuals but also businesses that were in need of financial inclusion.
“Largely, the businesses in Northern Nigeria are informal, and one of the requirements in this modern age is to be banked and run a business account,” he said.
Dr. Ahmed added that with the advent of inclusive instant payment services like MoniePoint, the majority of small businesses are now able to be involved in the financial system, making and receiving payments, paying bills, and keeping track of their financial inputs and outputs.
“The Nigerian government has a target to phase out cash transactions by 2030; these digital financial technologies will help this transition, making businesses resilient because without these financial inclusive platforms and no cash, business will die,” he said.
The adoption of inclusive instant payment systems in Nigeria has transformed the way people conduct financial transactions. As the country continues to navigate its cash crunch, the growth of IIPS is expected to drive financial inclusion, improve economic efficiency, and reduce the risks associated with cash transactions. With the increasing adoption of IIPS, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in promoting financial inclusion and driving economic growth.
As the country continues to evolve and adapt to the changing financial landscape, it is essential to address the challenges and limitations associated with IIPS to ensure its sustainable growth and development.
This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus Newspaper online.
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