General Electric, a United States based Multinational Corporation with a strong presence in Nigeria and enjoying the patronage of the federal government in the oil and gas sector, has accused the country’s judiciary of understaffing, inefficiency and corruption.

In its Motion for Summary Disposition of a petition before a Detroit, Michigan Circuit Court, to recognize a Nigeria money Judgment which was filed against it by Q Oil Services Nigeria Ltd, another Nigerian Company, General Electric International Company urged the US Court not to recognize the Nigerian judgment because the Judgment “was rendered under a Judicial System that does not provide impartial Tribunals or procedures compatible with the requirements of due process of law”.

In its submission to the court on why the Nigerian judgment must not be recognized in the US, the General Electric relies on the US State Department’s country’s Report on Nigeria for 2012 which contains the following findings about the Nigerian judicial system: “Although the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, the judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the executive and legislative branches and the business sector.

Political leaders influenced the judiciary, particularly at the state and local levels. Understaffing, underfunding, inefficiency, and corruption continued to prevent the judiciary from functioning adequately. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials, often because they were pursuing other sources of income and sometimes because of threats against them. In addition court officials often lacked the proper equipment, training, and motivation to perform their duties, with lack of motivation primarily due to inadequate compensation. During the year Supreme Court judges called for a more independent judiciary”.
A part of the State Department’s description of the prevailing atmosphere in Nigeria further reads, “On August 18, the National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami, after he refused the NJC's directive to apologize to the NJC and the chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu. Salanii had accused Katsina-Alu of interfering in the proceedings of the 2007 Sokoto State gubernatorial court case.



In an attempt to settle the dispute, the NJC set up three panels to investigate the disagreement. The panels declared neither justice was at fault, declared the issue resolved, and requested that Salami apologize to the NJC and Katsina-Alu. The Nigerian Bar Association reached contrary findings, and Salami refused to apologize. After the NJC suspended Salami, President Jonathan used his constitutional authority to recommend the compulsory retirement of Salami and appointed Justice Dalhatu Adamu as acting president of the Court of Appeals. The case raised questions regarding the partisan nature and level of independence within the judiciary. Salami appealed the ruling, and the court case continued at year's end”.

According to General Electric, the US State Department’s findings on Nigeria are consistent with a similar finding in the Liberian Courts for the same year, which a US Court of Appeals had relied upon to refuse recognition to a Liberian Judgment in the US.

“The court found the Country Reports reliable because the Reports are submitted annually, and are therefore investigated in a timely manner. They are prepared by area specialists at the State Department." Based on the State Department's findings, the judgment of the Nigerian court is unenforceable in Michigan, GE argued.

In addition, GE also urged the US Court not to recognize the judgment because it was “rendered in circumstances that raise substantial doubt about the integrity of the rendering court with respect to the judgment, or the specific proceeding in the foreign court leading to the judgment was not compatible with due process of law." Accusing the presiding Justice of a High Court of Rivers State of possible bias in the proceedings, GE stated that “the Nigerian trial court's September 29, 2010 default Judgment granted Q Oil's claim for declaratory relief claims and all of the damages it sought, including $5,000,000 USD in supposed "general" damages, without a shred of evidence, and without a formal trial, contrary to Nigerian law and public policy”.

Finally, GE prays the Court to dismiss the petition for recognition or in the event the Court does not dismiss the complaint, to enter an order staying the proceedings until the conclusion of all appeals in Nigeria.

The Plaintiff, Q Oil and Gas Services Nigeria Limited had asked the US Court to "recognize" a Nigerian Court Judgment in the sum of $5.5 million entered against Defendant GE International Operations, Nigeria Ltd, pursuant to the Michigan Uniform Foreign Country Money Judgments Recognition Act of 2008 ("UFCMJRA".
Q Oil and Gas Services is expected to file its response to the allegations this week.
http://saharareporters.com/news-page/us-firm-general-electric-accuses-nigerian-judiciary-corruption-us-court

I just have to admit it because its very simple our judiciary sucks... Every thing written in this report is true!!!!!!!!!

General ELectric should f.uc.k off from the abo.de of humans. F.u.ck off degenerate offspring of devils.

Can anything good come out of nazareth?

If they can't obey Nigerian laws, then they should take their business elsewhere. The Chinese or Indians will gladly replace them. This shows a recurring trend in this country of lack of respect by a lot of foreign companies for Nigerian laws. They can fu<k off. For every GE, there are plenty more who can replace them. Arrant nonsense!!!

Lolz ehhen we corrupt so ? Wetin b dia business dia na ? Here na nija no b Us if u can't beat them join dem.. Shikena

I wnoedr woh klils ngireians msot! Boko or the govt?

Unfortunately for them,US courts have no authority in Nigeria.

Mavor: If they can't obey Nigerian laws, then they should take their business elsewhere. The Chinese or Indians will gladly replace them. This shows a recurring trend in this country of lack of respect by a lot of foreign companies for Nigerian laws. They can fu<k off. For every GE, there are plenty more who can replace them. Arrant nonsense!!!

I'm really disappointed that a grown up like you will make such comments. GE came to Nigeria to build 10,000mw plant in one site instead of scattering them in bits.they have already sign MOU now how can they continue the project. We all know when it comes to Nigerian judiciary they are equals to ZERO. As you can see since 1999 how many politicians have been prosecuted.120 something count charges against ibori he was set free. He obviously bribed judges. He went to British court just 10 charges he started confessing. Cos he has met learned judiciary. Few weeks ago EFCC said the judiciary is their problem.that's why dey have not successfully prosecute all dis corrupt politicians sucking Nigeria dry. They are some cases that have been in court for more than 80 years no judgement cos lawyers must eat. They are always quick to prosecute poor people. And you are defending your almighty judiciary, you must be stu pid. That 5.5 million dollars do you know how much some of the judges are going to get from it ? moro-n why don't you like good thing and progress. Andy Uba scamming every Tom and Harry and you think is funny. Everyday so so person embezzle billions of dollars, efcc will show evidence the court will say its not authentic to prosecute the person. How about lawan farouk , even if I haven't seen him face to face before hearing his voice from a phone conversation I will know its him. Where is he?now they want to frustrate otedola instead. Oteh nko with hembe. Look I can go on and on. But to me its waste of energy. BUT IT BAFFLES ME WHEN THE SUFFERInG MASSES WILL STILL WANT TO DEFEND CRIMINALS IN DIS COUNTRY.

Mavor: If they can't obey Nigerian laws, then they should take their business elsewhere. The Chinese or Indians will gladly replace them. This shows a recurring trend in this country of lack of respect by a lot of foreign companies for Nigerian laws. They can fu<k off. For every GE, there are plenty more who can replace them. Arrant nonsense!!!

Guy, you no try at all o,
They never complained about our Law. But they questioned the credibility and competence of our Judicial arm of government.
Do we blame them?
NO. Why?
The same Nigeria Judiciary acquitted James Ibori of over 150 count charges of corruption and theft, only for him to the thrown into jail by a working judicial system.
It is no longer news that our judiciary is not totally independent. Where they are appointed indirectly by the executive and hence accountable to them. Where judgments are given to the highest bidder. Let us accept our faulty system and not throw blames to GE. I'm not saying GE may be innocent of whatever the case is, but that our judicial system is faulty is enough excuse to hide under in bid to reject the judgment.

Stop abusing GE! In fact, Blame not GE, the blame rests squarely on our collective shoulders.

@uihebom,thank you for answering mavor

What do you expect from a judiciary which let Ibori off for the same charges he's doing time for in the UK?
And for those diickheads always eulogising Ebele,what is 'free' elections with an emasculated judiciary?
Ayo Salami's case is a stain you cannot wash away with all the oil in Nigeria.
A PDP example to all judges to cooperate

What else do we expect from the judiciary when the politicians made up the judiciary.Hisss

uihebom: I'm really disappointed that a grown up like you will make such comments. GE came to Nigeria to build 10,000mw plant in one site instead of scattering them in bits.they have already sign MOU now how can they continue the project. We all know when it comes to Nigerian judiciary they are equals to ZERO. As you can see since 1999 how many politicians have been prosecuted.120 something count charges against ibori he was set free. He obviously bribed judges. He went to British court just 10 charges he started confessing. Cos he has met learned judiciary. Few weeks ago EFCC said the judiciary is their problem.that's why dey have not successfully prosecute all dis corrupt politicians sucking Nigeria dry. They are some cases that have been in court for more than 80 years no judgement cos lawyers must eat. They are always quick to prosecute poor people. And you are defending your almighty judiciary, you must be stu pid. That 5.5 million dollars do you know how much some of the judges are going to get from it ? moro-n why don't you like good thing and progress. Andy Uba scamming every Tom and Harry and you think is funny. Everyday so so person embezzle billions of dollars, efcc will show evidence the court will say its not authentic to prosecute the person. How about lawan farouk , even if I haven't seen him face to face before hearing his voice from a phone conversation I will know its him. Where is he?now they want to frustrate otedola instead. Oteh nko with hembe. Look I can go on and on. But to me its waste of energy. BUT IT BAFFLES ME WHEN THE SUFFERInG MASSES WILL STILL WANT TO DEFEND CRIMINALS IN DIS COUNTRY.

You are missing the point. What makes the US court superior to the Nigerian court? Ok, so if the US court rules in their favor, what happens? They will refuse to adhere to the Nigerian ruling?? In Nigeria!! Lol. If they have grievances and they have no confidence in the Nigerian judicial system, why not make their case through our very excellent media? Why not take it to the International Court of Arbitration?

ebere1712: General ELectric should f.uc.k off from the abo.de of humans. F.u.ck off degenerate offspring of devils.

you succeeded in saying nothing

In my opinion, if the Nigerian environment is not conducive enough for them to transact business, then they should leave. It's a corrupt company that operates well in Nigeria. I know a lot of British firm that would not even come near the borders of this country cos of corruption. For every heavy industry firm from the US, there is always a cheaper chinese alternative to replace them. They don't even have a manufacturing or assembly plant on ground to generate employment. We pay them for goods manufactured in their plants in the US or Brazil.

I am very sure they are aware that Nigeria is corrupt before coming in. So why are they bitching now...oh I see, a local firm took them to court and the judgment is not favouring them.

uihebom: I'm really disappointed that a grown up like you will make such comments. GE came to Nigeria to build 10,000mw plant in one site instead of scattering them in bits.they have already sign MOU now how can they continue the project. We all know when it comes to Nigerian judiciary they are equals to ZERO. As you can see since 1999 how many politicians have been prosecuted.120 something count charges against ibori he was set free. He obviously bribed judges. He went to British court just 10 charges he started confessing. Cos he has met learned judiciary. Few weeks ago EFCC said the judiciary is their problem.that's why dey have not successfully prosecute all dis corrupt politicians sucking Nigeria dry. They are some cases that have been in court for more than 80 years no judgement cos lawyers must eat. They are always quick to prosecute poor people. And you are defending your almighty judiciary, you must be stu pid. That 5.5 million dollars do you know how much some of the judges are going to get from it ? moro-n why don't you like good thing and progress. Andy Uba scamming every Tom and Harry and you think is funny. Everyday so so person embezzle billions of dollars, efcc will show evidence the court will say its not authentic to prosecute the person. How about lawan farouk , even if I haven't seen him face to face before hearing his voice from a phone conversation I will know its him. Where is he?now they want to frustrate otedola instead. Oteh nko with hembe. Look I can go on and on. But to me its waste of energy. BUT IT BAFFLES ME WHEN THE SUFFERInG MASSES WILL STILL WANT TO DEFEND CRIMINALS IN DIS COUNTRY.

Brother you brought tears of joy to my eyes..you made me realize there is hope for this C....d country, if there were just 50 like you Nigeria would be better

Mavor: You are missing the point. What makes the US court superior to the Nigerian court? Ok, so if the US court rules in their favor, what happens? They will refuse to adhere to the Nigerian ruling?? In Nigeria!! Lol. If they have grievances and they have no confidence in the Nigerian judicial system, why not make their case through our very excellent media? Why not take it to the International Court of Arbitration?

Dude shut up already!! U ARE TALKING NONSENSE!!

saxywale: In my opinion, if the Nigerian environment is not conducive enough for them to transact business, then they should leave. It's a corrupt company that operates well in Nigeria. I know a lot of British firm that would not even come near the borders of this country cos of corruption. For every heavy industry firm from the US, there is always a cheaper chinese alternative to replace them. They don't even have a manufacturing or assembly plant on ground to generate employment. We pay them for goods manufactured in their plants in the US or Brazil.

I am very sure they are aware that Nigeria is corrupt before coming in. So why are they bitching now...oh I see, a local firm took them to court and the judgment is not favouring them.

Are you educated?? I really doubt that, because from what I read u are actually justifying the corrupt judiciary? seriously

In its submission to the court on why the Nigerian judgment must not be recognized in the US, the General Electric relies on the US State Department’s country’s Report on Nigeria for 2012 which contains the following findings about the Nigerian judicial system: “Although the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, the judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the executive and legislative branches and the business sector.

Political leaders influenced the judiciary, particularly at the state and local levels. Understaffing, underfunding, inefficiency, and corruption continued to prevent the judiciary from functioning adequately. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials, often because they were pursuing other sources of income and sometimes because of threats against them. In addition court officials often lacked the proper equipment, training, and motivation to perform their duties, with lack of motivation primarily due to inadequate compensation. During the year Supreme Court judges called for a more independent judiciary”.
A part of the State Department’s description of the prevailing atmosphere in Nigeria further reads, [b]“On August 18, the National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami, after he refused the NJC's directive to apologize to the NJC and the chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu. Salanii had accused Katsina-Alu of interfering in the proceedings of the 2007 Sokoto State gubernatorial court case.

In an attempt to settle the dispute, the NJC set up three panels to investigate the disagreement. The panels declared neither justice was at fault, declared the issue resolved, and requested that Salami apologize to the NJC and Katsina-Alu. The Nigerian Bar Association reached contrary findings, and Salami refused to apologize. After the NJC suspended Salami, President Jonathan used his constitutional authority to recommend the compulsory retirement of Salami and appointed Justice Dalhatu Adamu as acting president of the Court of Appeals. The case raised questions regarding the partisan nature and level of independence within the judiciary. Salami appealed the ruling, and the court case continued at year's end”.[/b]

According to General Electric, the US State Department’s findings on Nigeria are consistent with a similar finding in the Liberian Courts for the same year, which a US Court of Appeals had relied upon to refuse recognition to a Liberian Judgment in the US.

What a shame!!!

Another achievement for GEJ....

lestat:
you succeeded in saying nothing

US courts and the whole political system is just as corrupt as their Nigerian counterpart. The difference is that you will never see an american regard your court more than theirs. That is the only difference. GE should Bleep off and go back to america. We don't need them.

ebere1712:
US courts and the whole political system is just as corrupt as their Nigerian counterpart. The difference is that you will never see an american regard your court more than theirs. That is the only difference. GE should Bleep off and go back to america. We don't need them.

Guys are sure this guy no be Jonathan? I mean you Ebere!

Mavor: If they can't obey Nigerian laws, then they should take their business elsewhere. The Chinese or Indians will gladly replace them. This shows a recurring trend in this country of lack of respect by a lot of foreign companies for Nigerian laws. They can fu<k off. For every GE, there are plenty more who can replace them. Arrant nonsense!!!

Am really disappointed in your remarks, if you can't use the medium to help fight corruption in this country of ours then you have no biznes here... U sound like a person if responsibilities are handed to you mismanagement will follow you all the way and we don't need people like you any longer again in this our lovely country... You have been school my Nigerians who still care for their home land, please if you have any thing positive to the growth of the nation stay away from this site maybe go to @go or their kinds and open your empty mouth there, no this respect but its the truth.......

lestat:
Are you educated?? I really doubt that, because from what I read u are actually justifying the corrupt judiciary? seriously

Oh yes, I am well educated. You product of a failed educational system.

Where in my post do you see me justifying a corrupt judiciary system. In summary, if GE does not find the Nigerian business environment conducive, then they should leave. We have Siemens and several Chinese firms that would replace them. They don't have to make a mockery of our judicial system.

GARRI (x7):


What a shame!!!

Another achievement for GEJ....

My frnd dont just go there u hear. I hv personally made the concious decision to stay off debating this Salami issue cos of its possible extremely negative effect on d image and integrity of d judiciary, which is in all our interests. Howeva, dont behave as though Salami is clean in all dis. Salami was in communicatn at various times with oppositn politicians whose cases he was overseeing as head of d Appeal court (as proven by details of MTN call log); what was d judge discussing with dem about, just sharing sm of those beautiful yoruba greetings perhaps? Do u know sm of d CSOs who were vehemently supporting him last yr hv abandond him (eg Joe Odumakin's group)... Abeg guy, just let sm mata rest; it is to all our interest

saxywale:
Oh yes, I am well educated. You product of a failed educational system.

Where in my post do you see me justifying a corrupt judiciary system. In summary, if GE does not find the Nigerian business environment conducive, then they should leave. We have Siemens and several Chinese firms that would replace them. They don't have to make a mockery of our judicial system.

I endorse dis...and no i wont debate anyone dat think odawise in dis case

The fight against corruption in Nigeria will amount to a waste of time and resources if efforts are not made to sanitize and clean up the judiciary. Our judiciary stinks. The 'judge' who sold to Ibori is still wheeling and dealing, adjudicating over cases. He is not an exception.

lestat:
Dude shut up already!! U ARE TALKING NONSENSE!!

You are retar-ded. You've been sucking a lot of western co<k lately right?

This talk of corruption is besides the point, GE is just trying to muddy the waters, the simple question is: Did the Nigerian Court err in point of law and/or procedure in awarding the judgement against GE? Their argument is frivolous and does not address the core issues of the case. Lets stop responding based on sentiment.

Everything said about the Nigerian judicial system is nothing but the truth, but let us ask ask who the givers of the bribes are: Shell,GE,Chevron, Haliburton, Total, Schlumberger etc with active support of their home government.