Sir Joe Edet Ph.d, KSS, FICMC, FICAN, FHNR.

@edidiong254 You are next, Edidiong. Surely, you'll make us proud

@ntufam_ Congratulations to all my seniors, we would continue to make the university proud

BREAKING NEWS: ARTHUR JARVIS UNIVERSITY MAKES HISTORY IN LAW SCHOOL No less than 212 students, including students of Arthur Jarvis University, have bagged a First Class grade as the Nigerian Law School released its Bar Final results for the 2025 mainstream set. The University, through its pioneer and second sets, has made history as the first graduates from its Faculty of Law in the Nigerian Law School. The University has recorded an almost 100% percent success rate from the results released so far. Reacting, the Chancellor of the University, Sir Dr. ARTHUR Jarvis Archibong, showered encomium on the University’s Management. In his words ‘We give God all the glory, my Prof. Thanks to you and the Faculty. With over 7 faculties, more than 40 departments, and a Graduate school, our University cannot be termed small anymore… we need to entrench solid structures as we truck along… The examination was held last December. This represents 2.8% of the 7,602 candidates who registered for the examination. The result, however, is marginally lower than the 260 students (3.6%) who posted a First Class grade during the November 2024 Bar Final examination. 7.134 students registered for the examination. Aside from the First Class graduands, 1,216 students posted Second Class Upper grade, representing 16% of the students, while 2,961 students, or 39%, bagged Second Class Lower grade. 1622 students or 21.3% recorded a Pass grade, while 314 students or 4.1% posted a Conditional Pass grade. No less than 1,067 students failed the examination and had their dream of being admitted to the Nigerian Bar temporarily truncated, while 210 students were absent during the examination. Led by its pioneer female Director General, Dr. Gbemi Odusote, the Nigerian Law School is reputed for its strict disciplinary regimen and excellence.

@FrEvaristus Amen

When those who persecute you think they have broken and confined you, may the Lord send his angels to the rescue.

@FrEvaristus Agbado can never say he's too old

I remember once when I was still at the Catholic Secretariat and had a meeting in Geneva. Monsignor Obiora Ike brought us to dinner at an African restaurant. Myself, Bishop Kukah and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar were being hosted. At some point, the former HoS excused himself to receive a phone call. When he returned, he told us that some people were lobbying him to contest the 2019 elections and he told them he was too old. I wonder at what point people realize they are too old for an office.

INEC ought to be truly independent of the government to ensure credible, transparent, and fair elections in a democracy. If INEC depends on the federal government, especially one controlled by a ruling party, it may be pressured to favor that party. An independent INEC is more likely to act as a neutral umpire, treating all political parties equally. Elections only work when citizens believe the process is free and fair. A truly independent INEC can resist political pressure and uphold electoral integrity. If the same government organizing elections is also contesting them, it creates a conflict of interest. An independent electoral body Promotes Equal Political Competition; thus, all parties should compete on a level playing field, as independence guarantees fair competition. It also aligns with the Global Democratic Standard that electoral bodies operate independently of government control. This strengthens international credibility and reduces election-related crises and Electoral Violence. When people believe elections are rigged, tensions rise.

INEC is constitutionally established as a regulatory and supervisory body, and its powers are administrative and do not extend to the adjudication of disputes concerning party leadership. No provision under the Constitution or the Electoral Act confers on INEC the authority to: Determine the legitimacy of party leadership; or Disrecognise a leadership that a court of competent jurisdiction has not set aside. The courts have consistently maintained a clear position regarding the autonomy of political parties: In Onuoha v. Okafor, the Supreme Court held that the internal affairs of a political party are generally non-justiciable. Also in Dalhatu v. Turaki, the courts reaffirmed that courts and external bodies must refrain from interfering in party affairs. Equally in APC v. Marafa, the court emphasized that consequences of internal irregularities arise only upon judicial determination. In light of the foregoing, INEC lacks the legal authority to disrecognise the leadership of the ADC. The purported disrecognition constitutes unlawful interference in the party's internal affairs. The action amounts to a usurpation of judicial powers and is therefore unconstitutional. The decision is null, void, and of no legal effect whatsoever. Therefore, the ADC should proceed with its internal affairs, including the planned congresses.

African Catholicism is increasingly adopting a charismatic, Pentecostal-style approach, characterized by lively liturgies, ecstatic prayer, and expressive worship, particularly in Nigeria and other regions. This shift features spontaneous worship, raised hands, and call-and-response, reflecting a need to compete with evangelical movements and provide spiritually relevant worship. Dance is our culture, and it's who we are—a clear departure from the more solemn and traditional Catholic style. #sclp

The solution to Nigeria’s security situation is community policing and not State Police. Community policing builds trust, enhances public safety, and reduces crime by fostering partnerships between police and residents. It proactively addresses neighborhood issues, reduces crime-related fear, improves officer morale, and increases collaboration, leading to more tailored, effective law enforcement. The locals know who the criminals are in their domains and the ways and means to identify and check them. The practice of traditional community policing is of immemorial existence. Sadly, the government is playing ostrich with a matter as serious as security.

I used to think a tree cannot make a forest. However, a single tree can start a forest through natural regeneration or clonal expansion, in which a single tree sends out roots/shoots to form a genetically identical forest. You can make a difference through small, personal actions such as offering kindness, listening to others, or volunteering, collectively creating a significant positive impact on the world. Be that one tree. Happy Sunday, family.

When all else fails, find consolation in the little things of life. It's match day, and London is red.

Success is not a "silver platter" experience, but a journey involving obstacles and sometimes heartbreaking failure. You must apply your intellect, wisdom, and effort to be productive, as life does not reward inactivity; the "worm-chasing early bird" gets the results, suggesting you cannot wait for luck to come to you all the time.

Students no longer read as before; they now engage in full-scale examination malpractice. Some don't even attend lectures for a whole semester or an academic year. Sadly, Examination malpractice—ranging from the introduction of illegal materials to impersonation and AI-assisted cheating—severely damages the educational system by promoting mediocrity, eroding public trust, and undermining student integrity. It fosters laziness, produces unqualified professionals, and hinders national development. Consequences range from severe academic penalties, like result cancellation or expulsion, to legal prosecution. This must stop!!

Micro-states occupy a distinctive place in comparative constitutional discourse, challenging assumptions about the links between territorial size, population, and constitutional design. Such States include the Vatican City, Liechtenstein, and Monaco, three microstates that exemplify divergent yet functional models of governance and legitimacy. Drawing on primary legal instruments, the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State (2023), the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein (2003), and the Constitution of Monaco (1962, as amended). These states construct coherent constitutional orders despite limited administrative and demographic capacity. Vatican City, for instance, is a highly centralised theocracy grounded in religious authority; Liechtenstein is a hybrid system combining princely sovereignty and direct democracy; Monaco is a modernised hereditary principality with a representative legislative council. The micro-states sustain constitutional stability by minimalist institutional design, concentrated executive authority, and legitimacy derived from historical continuity rather than majoritarian democracy. These findings broaden constitutional theory by demonstrating that viable orders can emerge from alternative, non-majoritarian foundations, underscoring micro-states as significant contributors to global constitutional scholarship.

@FrEvaristus Salt was valuable. Today, our ‘salarium’ can't take us home

Years ago, I was surprised to learn that the word “salary” derives from sal, Latin for salt. Salarium was the stipend Roman soldiers received to buy their portion of salt, probably to preserve their food. Salt was so valuable that it was once called white gold. Today Christ calls us “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Be grounded where you are. Add value. Preserve the good. Prevent decay. But also be outstanding. Stand against the darkness of ignorance and evil. Be Christlike. Be a Christian.

*ADEDEJI AUSTINE FALUJO V ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION & ORS (Suit No: M/32/2024)* Is it lawful to drop one’s mobile phone and digital gadgets at the security post before accessing the security agencies' offices in Nigeria? The case between Adedeji Austine Falujo v EFCC sets a distinct tone for arbitrary abuse of power by security agencies at their offices, detention centers, and facilities across the country. The Applicant, a legal practitioner, visited the Ibadan office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 20, 2023, in the course of representing a client. Upon arrival, he was informed by EFCC officers that he could not gain access to the premises unless he surrendered his mobile phone and smartwatch. When he inquired about the legal basis, he was told there was no law supporting the restriction and that it was just an internal decision of the Commission. Due to the urgency of seeing his client, the Applicant complied with EFCC’s demand, albeit under protest. It was the Applicant’s case that the restriction prevented him from receiving essential calls and messages while within EFCC premises. Aggrieved, the Applicant commenced an action at the High Court of Oyo State claiming, inter alia, that the compulsory collection of his mobile devices as a precondition to access the EFCC office violated his constitutionally guaranteed right to receive, impact an idea, and pass information under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. The Applicant contended that the EFCC's action of seizing his phones as a precondition for gaining entry to see any living law in Nigeria did not support his client. In response, the EFCC argued that fundamental rights are not absolute and can be derogated from in the public interest, for “public safety, morality, welfare of person and prevention of disorder and crime”. The Respondent also argued that the reliefs sought by the Applicant are not cognizable under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009. Quite strangely, the Respondent also relied on Section 24(1) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, maintaining that it had the authority to regulate the use of electronic devices on its premises to prevent security breaches and the unauthorised dissemination of information. In a well-considered judgment, the court held that the compulsory submission of electronic devices at the EFCC Office constituted a breach of the Applicant’s right to freedom of expression. The court reasoned that the word “expression” is not limited to speaking; it includes the medium of speech. The court held that “the only circumstances when the 1st Respondent and its officers can seize the phones (or other personal effects) of a citizen is after the arrest, issuance of a search warrant, or investigation of a citizen has begun. These not being the case, I hold that policy of asking the Applicant or any other citizen of this country to surrender their means of communication, which is a phone, or any other communication device, as unlawful and unconstitutional interference”. This judgment reinforces the position that security agencies must operate within the confines of the law, and that seizing phones at the entrances to their facilities is wrongful and unlawful.

@Gosleepriya Fela

What does your country has?

Sometimes an enemy may turn out to be your destiny enabler. Thanks Tottenham and May God bless you guys today. Just for today…#arsenal

The name April derives from the Latin Aprilis, likely rooted in aperire ("to open"), signifying the opening of buds and flowers in spring. It was originally the second month of the Roman calendar before becoming the fourth. May the doors of endless opportunities be opened to you this month and always.