The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) said there might be flight delays and cancellations in compliance with safety regulations during the 2022 rainfall season.
This is contained in the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) report made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
According to the agency, rainfall season in Nigeria is usually cloudy and accompanied by thunderstorms resulting in frequent turbulence during flights.
“Thunderstorms could lead to flight rescheduling, diversion and cancellation leading to loss of revenue. The usual reduced visibility during heavy downpour will not be uncommon in 2022 rainy season.
“Similarly, during the dry season, dust haze and spells can affect visibility that may affect flight operations. Runoffs and aquaplaning on tarmacs and runways also occur during the rains especially at the peak of the rainfall season.
“This may increase skidding off the tarmac,’’ it said, adding that there would be normal rainfall season in 2022.
The agency further said, “Rainfall characteristics in most parts of Nigeria namely, onset dates, cessation dates, amounts of rainfall and length of season are not anticipated to deviate much from long-term average values implicating the air transport sector.
“Furthermore, the predicted warmer temperatures (especially in April) will also increase the frequency of micro-burst and wind shear over the aerodromes which are threats to flight operations.
“Hot weather decreases the density of air. Consequently, an aircraft would need to travel a longer distance on the runway to generate enough lift to take off.’’
It said that this increases fuel consumption and consequently the operational cost of the airline.
“During the season, there could be increased chances of bird strike due to influx of migratory birds (black kites) from the South (Southern winter) into northern region,’’ it said.
The agency advised airlines to get their weather folders from NiMet`s airport forecast offices and weather briefing rooms for proper planning of their flight operations.
It also advised airline operational crews to attend weather consultation in line with provisions of ICAO Annex3 regularly access weather updates especially during periods of active weather.
The agency urged airlines to adhere strictly to advisories from NiMet in line with regulations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari says the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022, passed by the National Assembly holds a lot of promises for improving the election processes with a lasting legacy to the country.
The president stated this while signing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022 into law at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
He noted with delight the introduction of new technology and efforts to engender clarity and transparency in the nation’s election processes as contained in the electoral amendment act.
Buhari, however, highlighted the need to amend section 84(12), which contravenes the rights of political office holders to vote, or be voted for in political party conventions and congresses.
He said, “Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive.
“I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others.
“This, however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which provision constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.
“Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election.’’
While quoting the section, “84(12) No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election,” the President noted that:
“It had introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection.’’
According to him, the practical application of section 84(12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He said, “It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election.
“Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restriction into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84(12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.
“Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84(12) accordingly.’’
Buhari commended the National Assembly for its commitment and dedication to improving on the previous Electoral Bill 2021.
“It is gratifying to note that the current Bill comes with a great deal of improvement from the previous Electoral Bill 2021.
“There are salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionize elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations.
“These innovations would guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.
“The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties.
“These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of,’’ he said.
The president said he received inputs from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, after careful and thorough reviews of the bill and its implications to democratic processes, before signing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022 into law.
Buhari noted that the National Assembly forwarded the Electoral Bill for Presidential Assent, via a letter dated Jan. 31, 2022.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, witnessed the signing of the bill at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja, on Friday.
Others at the Council Chamber included Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari. (NAN)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says that Borno, inspite its challenges, has proved how resilient Nigeria can be.
Osinbajo made this submission during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-kanemi, on Thursday in Maiduguri.
The vice president was in Borno to unveil the 30th edition of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics in Maiduguri and also to inaugurate some projects completed by Gov. Babagana Zulum.
“Borno State has proved so many things; it has proved what Nigeria can be; how resilient we are; how courageous we are; how committed we are to the Nigerian project.
“From the days of former Governor, Kashim Shettima, now a senator, I have seen a steady hand of progress here in Borno State; a commitment to development, a commitment to growth.
“And then over to Zulum, who has proved that it is possible to do incredible things with very little.
“ And I think that just looking at his so many achievements, every time I make a speech somewhere, I always refer to what Zulum is doing because he has demonstrated that with little resources, we can do a lot.
“And that the problem that we have in this country is not so much poverty or lack of resources; it is a commitment to the people; that commitment to the people to do the best we can for our people.
“That is what Zulum has shown today,” he said.
Osinbajo said that he had inaugurated projects in the state and was looking forward to inaugurating more.
He commended the governor for the excellent work that he was doing; and for the great encouragement that he was giving to all Nigerians everywhere and also to the political class.
Osinbajo told the traditional ruler that aside inaugurating projects, he was in the state for MSMEs Clinics.
“That it is possible to develop our country; it is possible to do well; and it is possible for us to do the best that we can for our people especially the poorest and most vulnerable of our people.
“It is a clinic for small businesses; what we do from state to state is to bring together all the small businesses and the Federal Government brings the regulatory authorities to meet them.
“So, today we have brought the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); we have brought NAFDAC; we have brought the Bank of Industry (BOI); the FIRS; the different regulatory agencies to meet with the small businesses.
“This is so that the small businesses can lay their complaints before these regulatory authorities; because very few businesses can travel all the way to Abuja and the other centre where the regulatory authorities are.
“So, we go from state to state taking the regulatory authorities to the small businesses,’’ he said.
He thanked El-Kanemi for his hospitality and friendship.
Earlier, El-Kanemi appreciated the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the vice president for their efforts in ensuring the restoration of lasting peace in Borno and the North-East Zone in general.
He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to resume oil exploration in Borno and to set up international border markets to promote trade, industry and rapid development in border communities.
The traditional ruler said that Borno bordered Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroun.
On his part, Zulum said that the president recently inaugurated a committee which was being chaired by the vice president with the mandate of repatriating indigenes of Borno that were living in the Republic of Cameroun, Chad and Niger.
The governor also sought Federal Government’s assistance in bringing back to their homes internally Displaced Persons and indigenes of the state who were refugees in neighbouring countries.
“The mandate of the committee among others is also to look into the defectors; managing ex Boko Haram members.
“This is indeed one of our major constraints in Borno because if we manage these defectors very well, insurgency will come to an end very soon.
“In addition to this, we have about 66, 000 indigenes living in Cameroon, 120, 000 living in Niger Republic and about 25, 000 living in Chad.
“This is a huge figure and the state government cannot shoulder the responsibilities and our people are yearning to come back home.
“We are pleading with our leadership to assist the people and government of Borno in ensuring quick repatriation,’’ he said.
Zulum said he was upbeat that two-third of the IDPs would be returned to their respective home towns in the next one year.
Osinbajo inaugurated the Doctors’ Quarters Maiduguri, RCC Resilience Commercial Centre, Mai Deribe Memorial Senior Secondary School, Old Maiduguri, and Goni Damgari road project.
The vice president also visited the North-East Learning Centre, El Badawi IDP camp and camp for rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram insurgents.(NAN)
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has partner with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to improve hygiene and meat handling practices, using advanced technologies in Abuja abattoirs.
The Mandate Secretary for FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Malam Abubakar Ibrahim, made the disclosure when a team from JICA paid a courtesy call on the secretariat, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ibrahim said the measure was part of effort to standardise abattoir operations in the nation’s capital.
The secretary expressed hope that JICA’s interest in the abattoir sector would compliment FCTA’s efforts toward meeting the desired standards in meat handling practices across the territory.
Ibrahim said the visit was no doubt significant in so many ways, considering the renewed interest of the secretariat to standardize abattoir operations by addressing the important issues of infrastructural decay.
He also said that the secretariat had ensure constant inspection of meat, pollution, sanitation as well as stamping out the use of tyres to process cow skin.
” Let me use this opportunity to intimate you that my boss, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu has been a strong advocate of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative as an effective strategy in addressing our country’s developmental challenges.
“JICA has no doubt proven to be worthy partners in progress that is why I assure you of our readiness to work with you towards repositioning the agricultural sector.
” As you undertake a visit to our abattoirs with members of my management team, I urge you to feel free to bare your minds on any issue that may require our clarifications.
” I have already directed the Director Veterinary Services to furnish me with a report on the visit to guide us on the our next line of action.”
Earlier, Country Representative of JICA, Sasaike Jako, said hygiene was the critical problem, and the organisation was looking out for how to bring in Japanese technologies into Nigerian Abattiors.
Sasaike stated that the initiative was a product of a collaboration between the government and JICA, targeted at improving meat handling practices using advanced technologies.
Similarly, Dr Umar Haliru, a representative of JICA, commended FCTA for making JICA relevant in the development of the FCT, which paved way the longtime relationship between both parties.
Also, the Director Veterinary Services at the Secretariat, D Regina Adulugba, said the partnership would set a standard for what a modern abattoir should be.
She explained that the structure and areas to be considered for upgrade comprised veterinary slaughter points, carcasses processing tables with running water and animal skin gas burning points, among others.(NAN)
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle, says efforts are being made to reopen the agency’s Bureau in Addis Ababa.
Ponle made this known in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when he paid a courtesy visit to Amb. Victor Adeleke, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Republic of Djibouti.
He described the reopening of the office, which was closed down in 2015 due to funding issues, as important and critical considering the economic and political challenges being faced by the African continent.
“As Africans, we need to tell our stories ourselves with utmost sense of patriotism,” the managing director said.
He also identified unprofessional reportage, fake news and lack of patriotism as factors giving Africa a negative image.
When reopened, the Bureau which was initially established in 2010 would cover the positive strides of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, developmental programmes of the African Union Commission as well as the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Horn of Africa.
Ponle, who solicited the support of the ambassador in the early take off of the office, said the current management was poised to reopen at least three of its foreign offices in Addis Ababa, Cote d’Ivoire and Johannesburg, South Africa.
He also told the Ambassador that the Agency was working toward collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services for Africa (CISSA) in the area of balanced reportage on Africa.
Responding, Adeleke said it was high time African media took the driving seat in reporting African issues.
He described the proposed reopening of the NAN Bureau in Addis Ababa as a right step in the right direction, adding that African stories needed to be told differently.
Adeleke said there were many positive developments in Africa that were either underreported or not reported at all.
He thanked the NAN management for the visit and promised to provide necessary support to the new bureau.
The managing director had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary of CISSA, Amb. Zainab Ali-Kotoko, at the CISSA Secretariat in Addis Ababa.
He also had discussions with the AU Director of Communication and Information, Ms Leslie Richer, who was represented by the Head of Information Division, Mrs Esther Tankou, on possible collaboration between NAN and the AU on information dissemination and training.
NAN reports that the managing director was accompanied to Addis Ababa by the Agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Dele Ojo, and the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management, Mr Abdulhadi Khaliel.(NAN)
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is going to deploy Revenue Assurance Solution (RAS) to monitor revenue generated by its licensees in a bid to block leakages in their Annual Operating Levy (AOL).
The Executive Vice-Chairman, (EVC) of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, during an interactive session with stakeholders on the deployment of RAS in the Nigerian telecommunication industry.
Speaking on the importance of RAS to the nation’s economy, Danbatta said it would enable the commission determine how much their licensees generate annually.
He explained that the technology solution would not wait for licensees to submit information to the commission before determining what they should pay as AOL.
“The financial burden of deployment will be on the operators. This project relieves the commission of the initial financial burden that will be required for the deployment of the RAS project.
“It will also ensure that accurate revenues generated by the licensed network operators are tracked, analysed and utilised for the benefit of the industry. Beyond revenue assurance, when deployed, the NCC RAS will bring a lot of solutions to the industry,” he said.
He added that the solution would include a more effective and enhanced monitoring and regulation of the licensed telecommunications operators by the commission.
The EVC said, the commission believed that the deployment of appropriate revenue assurance solution would confer higher levels of integrity and fidelity on the AOL figures obtainable in the industry.
He said the RAS would enable NCC to validate the information, records and data supplied to it by the licensees from time to time, amongst others.
“This is in addition to plugging possible loopholes and leakages in the revenue computation and collection processes. The AOL, is a very important tool in the regulation of the telecommunications industry. In Nigeria, the importance of AOL is well expressed in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
“AOL can be described as the tap root of an efficient and effective telecommunications regulatory environment. The mechanisms for collection and computation of AOL, are of interest and important to both the regulator, and the operating networks,” he said.
He explained that various efforts had been made towards achieving a very effective AOL administration, pursuant to the powers of the commission under Section 72 of the NCA Act 2003.
He informed that one of these key efforts include the making of the Regulations 2014, which was also currently undergoing review.
According to him, some of the major objectives of the AOL Regulations, as provided in Part 1 (2) of the AOL Regulations 2014, are to: “Create and provide a regulatory framework for the effective and efficient administration by the Commission of the Annual Operating Levy regime and all matters related thereto;
“Stipulate the mode and methods of assessment of Annual Operating Levy and the payment modes thereof; specify guiding standards and principles for the administration by the Commission of the Annual Operating Levy regime.”
He also said that, the size of the Nigerian telecommunications industry and revenue events engaged by the network operators, demands effective, accurate and technology-driven revenue assurance solution which NCC-RAS represents.
He said appropriate revenue assurance systems have resulted in higher revenues and plugging of leakage and that modern revenue assurance systems had shown to be equipped with additional capacities to generate and analyse information beyond those required for revenue computation.
“The system is designed to be connected to the licensed telecommunications operators’ systems. It will have the capability of capturing and reporting in near real-time billing activities by the operators for the purposes, amongst others.
“Computing and assuring with minimal, if any, error margin, the accrued AOL payable to the NCC by the licensees,” he said.
He advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who might need data not to duplicate efforts but come to the NCC for it.
“This effort maybe relevant to the FIRS for payment of taxes by our licensees and so there is no need for a duplication of this effort by another agency of government.
”So the whole essence is to ensure a seamless cooperation of all MDAs that require the kind of data we will be getting from this effort. Which is for the purpose of computation of other levies, operating tax levies that are supposed to be paid to government.
“The benefits of this exercise is a very long one and that is why the Federal Government attaches great Importance to this effort,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently gave approval for the RAS project through the Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer (DFBOT) Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The transaction received the Certificate of Compliance from the ICRC in line with the Provisions of the ICRC Act 2005 on December 17, 2021. (NAN)
Excess levels of radiation have been recorded in Chernobyl after Russian forces took the city, a Ukrainian government organisation said.
The State Inspectorate for Nuclear Regulation of Ukraine (SINR) said the reasons for increasing radiation in the seized city were unknown after the Russian invasion claimed Chernobyl yesterday.
It is possible Putin is trying to kill Ukrainians by using an already delicate Chernobyl nuclear power plant instead of shooting a nuclear weapon.
Russia has no business in Chernobyl neither do they have business with the defunct power plant.
Developments after taking full control of the plant show patterns that Putin is trying to kill the world with nuclear radiation and weapons.
Now might be a good time to packup and lockup in those bunkers underground if you have one. If you don’t, now is a good time to build.
Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, the Director, Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), has called on the Federal Government and policymakers to create a budgetary allocation to help address sickle-cell disease in the country.
Nnodu made the call on Thursday, in Gwagwalada at the Sickle Pan African Consortium NigEria Network (SPARC-NEt) Stakeholders Engagement and interactive workshop between researchers and sickle-cell patients to improve care.
She said the aim of the workshop was to engage critical stakeholders, patients, caregivers, health workers, policymakers, and the media on the nature of sickle cell disease.
According to her, the workshop was also aimed to ascertain the challenges that patients face in accessing care and the best way to provide the services and follow up actively in the clinics at the SPARC-NEt sites.
“Sickle cell disease is highly prevalent in Nigeria, according to the National Demographic survey 2018, 20 per cent of children ages 6-59 months have SCT (HbAS) and two per cent have the hemoglobin C trait (HbAC).
“Sickle cell disease is a debilitating condition which can lead to severe health problems like pain, organ damage or failure, infections, stroke, headache, liver problems, and so many others.
“The government should have budgetary allocation for sickle-cell disease starting with newborn screening and there should be legislation support National Health Insurance for sickle-cell patients.
“There should be a budget for research for sickle-cell disease and newly delivered mothers in the country should also take newborn screening for sickle cell seriously for healthy living,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Sickle Cell Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to increase awareness about the sickle-cell disease and its cure.
Nnodu said that the burden of sickle-cell disease could be controlled and averted if people make informed choices based on their knowledge of genotype before marriage.
The expert added that sickle-cell disease remains a major public health problem in the country, especially in rural areas due to the low level of awareness.
However, she also advised parents to give their children health education early in life to help them make informed decisions on the dangers associated with sickle-cell disease for healthy living.
A 22-year-old sickle-cell patient, Okpanachi Easter thanked the organisers for the workshop and called on the government to create a health insurance scheme for sickle-cell patients in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, (rtd.), on Thursday in Lagos, charged youths to shun violence and be advocates of peace and nation building.
Gowon gave the charge at the National Peace Summit and Awards 2022 with the theme, “The Mechanism of Sacrifices and Compromise in Nation Building and Pursuit of Peace for an Emerging New Nigeria.”
Gowon, who attended the event virtually, urged Nigerian youths to rise up to the challenges of nation building and channel their energy positively.
“In spite of the distraction, I want to urge Nigerian youths to stay courageous. Violence has never solved any problem; channel your energy to things that are productive.
“Whatever talent you have; be it in health, technology, entrepreneurship and so on and so forth, stay dedicated and do what you can as youths to give back to the nation. By so doing you’d be building the nation.”
Gowon at the National Peace Summit and Awards 2022
Gowon also called on government to create an enabling environment for youths, saying, “in a society where majority are youths, I believe it is important that government has plans for them by having an enabling environment and put in place policies that will keep them engaged.
“I believe that we all have a role to play as leaders, our youths should work as a unit with government; violence doesnt solve anything, rather, be ambassadors of peace wherever you are.”
Samuel Uche, the Prelate of Methodists Church, Nigeria, urged Nigerians to be tolerant of one another, especially with people of different religious beliefs.
“For us in Nigeria, nation building is a multifaceted idea, involving the dynamic participation of Nigerian citizens and residents based on strong connections linked with peace, love and understanding.
“I lived in the North for 10 years, most of my domestic staff were Muslims and Hausas, they have where they pray in my compound, when is time for Salah, I give them money.
“And they protected my interest all through my stay there, even if you come to my quarters in Yaba you will see them living with me, we should practice what we preach, live in peace and love like Jesus Christ,” he said.
Prof. Chris Nwanne, Chaplain General, Divine Institute of Chaplaincy Corps International, said the time had come for everyone to play an active role in nation building.
“Nothing good comes out of a chaotic environment, peace is vital with 2023 in view; we should encourage our youths so they can do better.
“Some people get rich in chaos, some institutions gain massively when there’s no peace. We need to work together to make sure these evil people don’t win,” he said.
The founder of African Youths Initiative on Crime and Prevention, noted that it was necessary to get youths involved in nation building in order to pursue their agenda in nation building.
“Nigerian youths have been marginalised, and it’s sad to watch, if we continue to ignore the youth, we are sitting on time bomb.
“Nigerian youths don’t need so much from the government, just create an enabling environment and we will do wonders; we as youths have so much to give, and we know the importance of peace.
“We need to change our image internationally as youths, and as government, we all have a role to play,” he said.
Solomon Adodo, the President National Youths Council of Nigeria, also called on government to toe the path of peace in governance.
“Leaders write your names in gold, he who doesn’t want peace must prepare for war, we can build a peaceful Nigeria.
“We need to move from words to action and from action to results, we can’t continue to downplay how the Nigerian society is stifling the youth.
“Be genuine with your support for the youth and I bet you our country will be better for it,” he said.
Sanni Dammauttaka, Chairman Northern Nigeria Youths Organisation,said nation building involved all and sundry for a better Nigeria.
“All my life I have lived in Lagos, so have my parents and I am raising my children here too, I am a Nigerian irrespective of my other affiliation.
“With our collective support, there’s nothing we can’t achieve,” he said.
Chief Mrs Aduni Udu, one of the awardee’s called on the youth to take their rightful place in the society and go all out to prove their mettle.
“During the ‘End Sars’ protest, I saw a set of Nigerian youths I didn’t know existed and they meant well, this has shown that our youths can be tools for change.
“As a mother we will support you, women and youths have no place in the current dispensation, but we have to fight to be heard and contribute our quota,” she said.
Apostle Chuks Alozie, the National Coordinator of National Peace Summit and Awards, applauded all the speakers at the event for their passion for a better Nigeria.
“It has been a wonderful experience to have listened to people with so much intellect and I hope that our leaders pay attention to all of our demands,” he said. (NAN)
The Justice Department filed suit against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS) for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The department previously notified the UJS that its courts had engaged in discrimination by prohibiting or limiting the use of lawfully prescribed medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) by individuals under court supervision. That letter of findings demanded that the UJS address the civil rights violations identified by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania.
The Justice Department identified three individuals with OUD who were discriminated against by UJS Courts — specifically, the Northumberland and Jefferson County Courts of Common Pleas. Two individuals alleged that the Jefferson County Court ordered all probationers to stop using their prescribed medication for OUD. A third individual alleged that the Northumberland County Court required her to stop using her prescribed OUD medication to graduate from drug court. The department’s investigation corroborated these allegations and additionally found evidence that other UJS Courts have policies that discriminate against individuals with OUD.
“This lawsuit aims to safeguard the rights of people with Opioid Use Disorder who are too often subject to discrimination rooted in stereotypes and myths rather than in science,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Court-involved individuals with Opioid Use Disorder deserve access to medications needed to support their recovery and to break the cycles of addiction. We hope that this lawsuit against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania sends a strong message about the need for courts to protect the rights of individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.”
