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Nigeria Governors Forum Supports Victims Of Train Attack With N50 Million

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Fayemi and Nasir El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors, Forum, (NGF), has donated N50 million to the victims of Kaduna-Abuja train attack.

The train, which was going from Abuja to Kaduna, was attacked by terrorists leading to the death of  eight Nigerians, while more than 100 of the passengers were kidnapped, and still in the  den of the terrorists.

The terrorists have insisted on negotiation with the Federal government before those being held will be released.

Their relations have embarked on peaceful demonstrations with government assuring them of their safe return.

Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, announced the donation, when he led a two-man delegation of the Forum to Kaduna State to commiserate with the Government and people of the state on the recent Abuja – Kaduna train attack.

Dr Fayemi expressed deep sympathy to Kaduna State and its people and described the attack as mind-boggling because of the  number of casualties.

“The criminals were audacious enough to also take away some hostages which is a concern to the state of insecurity in the country”, he said.

The Governor pointed out that the attack was the handwork of some enemies of the state to distract Governor El-rufa’i from transforming the state.

He maintained that Governors will continue to talk to the President on the challenges of insecurity to ensure peace in the country.

“The Northwest of the country has been a region of calm before now but whatever it is, Governors will continue to put heads together along with the President to bring sanity back to the country.”

Dr Fayemi also agreed with the submission of Governor Elrufa’i that proactive action should be taken by various stakeholders to ensure that banditry is rooted out of the country.

He advised Governor El rufai to remain focused in promoting the affairs of the state.

“I agree that we as Governors must join hands with the President to deal ruthlessly with the bandits, that they are to be crushed, as you have always advocated.

“We are here to commiserate with you, your Government and the people of Kaduna State, to show solidarity with them and align with the Governor who as a public servant, should continue to be focused.”

Responding, Governor El-Rufai commended the leadership of the Forum and disclosed that 61 victims of the attacked were still recuperating including a top government official and his 8-months pregnant wife.

He explained that the bandits were currently hiding somewhere in Niger State.

Governor El Rufai regretted that the attack was avoidable because the state government had tipped the Nigeria Railways Corporation before the incident.

Unknown Gun Men Killing: A Wrong Strategy

By
The Source
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By Osita Chidoka

“Resorting to armed violence in Igboland will create bad blood, internal conflict and reduce support for whatever the agitators are pushing for. Families of victims will not forget or forgive easily. Criminal elements will use the opportunity to kidnap and extort, creating a climate of fear, repression and the significant exodus of businesses and people”

I saw the video of the attack on INEC staff and the killing of one of them by hooded armed men. The voice-over announced the date and repeated no more elections in the South East. The attack saddened me, as my heart went out to the dead and the kidnapped. Even the Christian week of lent was not a deterrent in a profoundly Christian community like Igboland.

I condemn the attack.

Again, I appeal to the unknown gunmen to stop the killings. The strategy of armed insurrection to achieve a political end is not a successful method. We can draw lessons from global examples.

The Spanish ETA, the armed group seeking separation of the Basque Region, ended the violent agitation in 2011. Ten years after ending the violence, families of victims of their violence are still protesting, and some have carried out reprisal attacks.

From 1968 to 2010, ETA killed 829 people and injured thousands more in its fight for an independent Basque Country. There is still pain and bitterness for those killed, mainly the civilians. The ETA focused its attacks on Police stations, military formation and infrastructure.

The leadership of ETA in 2021 apologised in a reported statement “Basque separatist politicians on Monday expressed “sorrow and pain” over the violence perpetrated by the ETA terror group in its quest for independence from Spain.”

Support for Basque separation dropped during the armed struggle era as many Basque people opposed the violence.

Today, years after the end of violence and the formation of a political party to press for separation, support for a break has risen in the region.

FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc, after the initials in Spanish), was Colombia’s largest rebel group. Founded in 1964 as the armed wing of the Communist Party and follow a Marxist-Leninist ideology.

They fought for decades, attacking government institutions, Police and military formations and blowing up pipelines and bridges. They kidnapped and extorted local communities to raise funds, while engaging in drug trafficking to fund operations.

After many years of negotiations and failed ceasefires, the FARC surrendered their weapons in 2016 and 2017 under a UN-supervised process. FARC has metamorphosed into a political party with some unelected seats in the Parliament.

Again, some of the issues plaguing the peace process are reprisals from victims’ families and civic groups campaigning for justice for victims.

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998, ended the violence in Northern Ireland after decades of conflict between the late 1960s and the late 1990s that killed more than 3,500 people. The agreement led to IRA, the militant group announcing the end of violence and decommissioned its weapons. The political process arising from the Agreement has led to stability and peace in the region despite hiccups.

Back home the Niger Delta militancy ended in an amnesty program.

Lesson: Resorting to armed violence in Igboland will create bad blood, internal conflict and reduce support for whatever the agitators are pushing for. Families of victims will not forget or forgive easily. Criminal elements will use the opportunity to kidnap and extort, creating a climate of fear, repression and the significant exodus of businesses and people.

ETA, FARC, IRA all eventually joined the political process. Stopping elections is a wrong strategy as a referendum will require electoral infrastructure.

I appeal for peace. We can organise, protest, demand for referendum for Biafra or restructuring without resorting to violence.

Like Ezeulu in Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God, who warned the people of Umuaro against war with Okperi, I ask for a rethink of the violent route. Nwaka, the orator, riled the people, telling them what they wanted to hear by calling for war. The war ended against Umuaro, and the people agreed that Ekwensu’s hand was in it.

Igbo value of sanctity and respect of ndu (life), which we captured with the name Ndubuisi, should not be forgotten as we struggle for a better life.

I beg for peace.

Chidoka was a former Minister for Aviation under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration

2023: Olu Of Warri Denies Endorsing Tinubu As President

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olu of Warri

By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to reports making the rounds that revered Monarch, Olu of Warri, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Tsola Emiko, has endorsed the aspiration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential  aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Monarch   says he never endorsed him.

In a statement from the office of the Olu of Warri, the Head, Back Office Operations, Oriiz U Onuwaje, firmly rebutted the statement claiming Ògíamẹ̀’s endorsement of Asiwaju Tinubu, restating that the Ògíamẹ̀ has no political affiliation or preferred political candidate for any office in the forthcoming 2023 elections be it at the Regional, Sub-national or National level.

It stressed that Ògíamẹ is a father figure to all and has no personal favourite or special interests in any candidate or political party vying for any office in the forthcoming elections one way or another and will, therefore, not endorse or discredit any candidate to the detriment or advantage of others.

It noted that the headlines credited to Ògíamẹ in the referenced quotes have been taken out of context and reworked to suit a specific narrative. They cannot be farther from the truth.

“For an unclear motive, the writer contravenes the Palace’s avowed role of non-partisanship. Ògíamẹ is a father figure to all who have a genuine interest in advancing the course of development of our nation. Ògíamẹ is duty-bound to receive and proffer advice and blessings to all those who seek his audience and counsel.

“Therefore, His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III – The Olú of Warri is using this medium to make this important clarification for the avoidance of doubt and further requesting that in the future, any queries and clarifications on Palace communications should be directed to the Palace media office”, the statement reads.

A delegation of the South West Agenda For Asiwaju (SWAGA “23) and Delta State for Bola Ahmed Tinubu DESBAT’23 had paid him a courtesy visit in preparation for the launching of DESBAT ’23 in Delta State.

The delegation was led by National leader of SWAGA’23 Senator Dayo Adeyeye, who briefed the  Monarch on the purpose of the movement and what it intends to achieve.

On Adeyeye’s Entourage were The facilitator of SWAGA ‘23, Hon.Oye Ojo, the National Secretary, Hon.Bosun Oladele, National Treasurer, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, Hon.Ifedadayo Abegunde, Alhaji Ibrahim Raji the Chairman, North Central Alliance for Asiwaju, Hon.Gani Omoluka, Hon Eni Omosule, Hon.Gani Dawodu,Chief Frank Awoefe, Hon.Mukaila Musa,and DESBAT representatives led by its leader Hon Austin Oribioye, its patron Hons. Tunde Okorodudu, Mario, Wasiu and others.

For the records, Tinubu’s wife, Remy, a Senator, is an Itsekiri, from Delta State.

Ekiti: Fayemi Insists He Has No Business With LG Funds

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described as ‘mischievous’, the allegation by a former Chairman of Ado Local Government, Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi, that he is tampers with Council funds.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda had, on Friday, defended the allegation, which he said was laced with political sentiments.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on same matter on Saturday stressed the need for serving and former political office holders to be truthful and avoid mischief.

The statement reads “The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to a  misleading news story in  circulation and credited to the immediate past Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi.

“She was reported to have alleged that she signed for N100 million allocation monthly, while she held sway as Council Boss, only to be given a paltry N7 million to run the Council.

“While it serves no purpose joining issues with Mrs Fajuyi, it is important to state that either Mrs Fajuyi or the news media that reproduced her radio interview misrepresented the facts of the matter, hence, the need to put the record straight for the sake of the reading public and to correct the wrong impression created.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the Local Government are determined by the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) at the State level. This is in line with relevant provision of the law.

“While the JAAC meeting is held monthly to determine how the allocations to the Local Government would be disbursed, it is on record that Governor Kayode Fayemi has never meddled in the JAAC affairs, nor superintend over any of its meetings.

“Except for the purpose of mischief, Mrs Fajuyi knew the Governor never had anything to do with JAAC throughout her tenure as Council Boss.

“It is a common knowledge that the difference between Gross Allocation to all Local Government (After FAAC) and Net Distributable (ND) is  because of some statutory deductions which are usually done before the Local Government Councils are credited.

“These statutory  deductions include payment of staff salary; primary school teachers’ salary; payment of Traditional Institutions, proportional payment of pensioners, payment of political office holders, including the Chairman; payment of health workers salary, proportional payment for security outfits.

“All the above are deducted at the JAAC meeting which usually have in attendance the Council Chairmen, Commissioner for Local Government, State and Local Government Auditors General, among other state officials.

“It is important for serving and former public office holders to always demonstrate high sense of responsibility in their daily conduct and public engagements, be as truthful as possible, avoid mischief and unwarranted mudslinging as did Mrs Fajuyi.

“It is a shame that Mrs Fajuyi’s remarks have created the impression of unwholesome financial activities on the part of State officials.”

The statement claimed that Governor Fayemi never attends JAAC meetings where funds are allocated. Findings show that his Chief of Staff presided over the monthly meeting, being held at the Governor’s office.

Lagos Postpones Toll Collection On Lekki Tollgate

By
James Orji
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Lekki Toll Gate
By James Orji
The Lekki Construction Company, LCC has announced the postponement of resumption of toll collection at Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.

The company had earlier announced that tolling will resume at the gate tomorrow, even though residents in the area had expressed their dissatisfaction with the state’s government decision on the issue.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu had also met major stakeholders in the issue, to douse the tension the resumption of tolling is likely to cause, where it was agreed that LCC slashed the toll rate.

The Source magazine learnt that the company’s decision to postpone collection of toll at the gate, where some ENDSARS protesters were killed in October 2020 by soldiers, is not unconnected with the uproar that the issue has generated among residents and Lagosians.

Sources close to the state government said the Sanwo-olu administration wants to avoid a resurgence of violence as a result big the issue, and is doing everything to harmonize the suggestions of all stakeholders before toll collection can take off.

The firm which opened the gate on  April 8 close to two years after the symbolic ENDSARS protest had fixed April 17 for collection of toll to resume.

But in a statement on Friday by the managing director of LCC Yomi Omomuwasan, the concessionaire said its decision was necessary to give residents more time to register for electronic devices.

The LCC statement said; “As a responsible organisation, we must take full cognizance of everyone within the axis. Therefore, we want to continue with the ongoing engagements with our stakeholders.

“The preparatory operations to resume tolling on the Bridge have been smooth so far, and we are grateful to all the key stakeholders for their cooperation.

“The planned commencement of toll collection has now been postponed, allowing more of our customers to register for the electronic toll devices to enable seamless passages at the toll plaza.”

Meanwhile, the news of the postponement has been well received by the residents. Some of them who spoke to the magazine said there’s need for more consultation on the issue.

Falana Condemns Buhari’s Pardon For Ex-Govs

By
James Orji
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Femi Falana
By James Orji
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s pardon for two former governors convicted for corruption as discriminatory.

Formers governors Jolly Nyame and Joseph Dariye, of Taraba and Plateau states, respectively, were convicted for corruption, but have now been pardoned by the president.

The two ex-governors were jailed for cumulatively stealing close to N3 billion belonging to their states, and are yet to serve half of their jail terms.

On Wednesday, the president pardoned the former governors alongside 157 others in line with the Council of State resolution.

But not a few Nigerians have condemned the act, particularly on the basis that such has watered down the administration’s fight against corruption.

For instance, critics of the government say it’s wrong to pardon the former governors who stole billions from their respective states while those who stole less are meant to rot in jail.

Others have correctly slammed the administration saying the president  granted the pardon to gain support for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in next year’s general election.

In his reaction, Falana a rights activist said the president should have set all convicted criminals in Nigeria’s prisons free. Pardoning the two former governors, he said is discriminatory.

Falana disclosed this at the 1st anniversary of late Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin’s Lecture and Book Presentation on Friday in Lagos.

“All petty thieves in our prisons should be released. Under Section 17 of the 1999 Constitution, there shall be equality and equal rights for all citizens,” he said.

According to him “Section 42 of the Constitution says there shall be no discrimination on the basis of class and gender, so you cannot take out a few people on the basis that they belong to a category or section of the society.
“I can assure you that if the government did not release others, I am going to call on lawyers whose clients are left in custody to come to court and challenge the discriminatory treatment on their clients.
 “Just two weeks ago, a Nigerian was jailed for stealing N1,000 in Abuja; the accused pleaded with the judge that he had no food but the judge jailed him for six months.

“When we’re talking of justice and fair play, if you want to pardon some set of people, then you must also extend presidential pardon to petty thieves in the prisons.”

Census Should Not Be Priority Of Federal Government Now – Col Abubakar Umar

By
Ayodele Oni
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Col Abubakar Umar

By Ayodele Oni

Radical former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col Abubakar Umar (rtd) has reacted to the proposed national census slated for next year saying in the midst of mounting insecurities, census should not be a priority.

The National Council of States at its just concluded meeting among others approved conduct of another population census for next year.

According to the National Population Commission, (NPC) the exercise will come up immediately after the general elections slated for February and March next year.

The Commission has, also, slated the conduct of a mock census for later this year after political parties might have concluded their primaries.

Col Umar, Chairman Movement for Unity and Progress said in a statement on Friday that “The decision of the FGN to seek and gotten the approval of the  National Council of State to conduct National census in April 2023 must have come as a great shock to most well meaning Nigerians.

“A country that is facing existential challenges such as unprecedented level of insecurity, collapsing economy cannot have as one of its priorities the conduct of a National census.

“We therefore urge the Buhari administration to suspend what will amount to misadventure and waste of scarce national resources.

“This Administration should focus all its attention on securing the nation and conducting the 2023elections.

“A National census at this point is certainly not a priority assuming that its conduct is possible.”

Peter Obi’s Daughter Weds April 17; Agulu Agog

By
The Source
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Peter Obi, his daughter and Family

By Charles Igbo

On Saturday April 17, 2022, Agulu the hometown of Peter Obi will be agog. His first child and only daughter with his lovely wife, Margaret, named, Gabriella Nwamaka Francess Obi, popular as Amaka, will get married, traditionally, to her heartthrob, Chukwuma Okeke-Ojiudu. The groom is from Alor, Anambra State.

The ceremony will take place at the Golden Tulip, Agulu, a five star hotel.

The Peter Obi most people know would  prefer a quiet ceremony to a big bang. Unfortunately, it is out of his hands. His political status, and the status of the family his daughter is marrying into, will not allow it.

The Bride’s daughter, Peter Obi, was a two-term Governor of Anambra State. Before that, he was a banker and investor and entrepreneur. He is still an investor and entrepreneur.

He was the Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, a position he relinquished when he was pronounced the Governor of Anambra State by the Courts which sacked Dr Chis Ngige.

In 2019, Obi was the Vice Presidential candidate, and has declared his intention to run for the Presidential office of Nigeria in 2023.

The groom, Chukwuma, comes from a no less prominent family. His father, Chief Tony Okeke-Ojiudu, is the owner of the Zodiac group of hotels, while his grandfather, Chief P.N. Okeke-Ojiudu and a former Minister for Agriculture in the First Republic. He was, also, into Real Estate.

It is believed that the groom is also into real estate.

Amaka read abroad – United Kingdom- but with all the opportunities before her, she chose to work with children in a school, on her return to Nigeria. She is as unassuming as her parents.

It will be a sight to behold how Peter Obi will cope with his guests, likely to be very high profile, including, at least one former Nigerian President, and a former Vice President- Atiku Abubakar – and several high profile politicians cut across political parties.

The question is: will champagne, among other expensive beverages, be served there  – something Obi never served anybody as a Governor, or even stll in his house, preferring to serve non alcoholic drinks?

Even though the former governor wants a low key event due to his political engagements across the country, dignitaries like former President Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar, top PDP brass, and corporate titans are expected to grace the occasion.

Gabriella Nwamaka Frances Obi is the only daughter of  Peter Obi. Much is not known about her education and career, but sketchy information ANAMBRA PEOPLE gathered about her, confirms that Amaka is a shareholder in most of the ex-governors companies and lives in the UK.

Amaka’s hubby, Chukwuma, is a member of the prominent Okeke-Ojiudu Family of Alor in Anambra State. He is the son of Hotelier and Businessman Chief Tony Okeke-Ojiudu (Zodiac) and Grandson of the Late great Chief P.N Okeke-Ojiudu Minister of Agriculture (first republic) and Real Estate Titan.

Like his grandfather, Chukwuma has also acquired a taste for prime real estate. He is the owner of a 2500sqm piece of land within the same area which is being developed by Ojiudu Rock Ltd.

Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili Retires From Supreme Court

By
The Source
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Justice Mary Odil

By Charles Igbo

After a brilliant, fruitful decades of service to her fatherland, the beautiful Justice of the Supreme Court, Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, is retiring from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

She  will retire on May 12, 2022, the day she will be 70 years old, the retiring age for Supreme Court Judges.

Married to a Medical Doctor-turned politician, Dr Peter Odili, CON, former two-term Governor of Rivers State, the beautiful and elegant Justice Peter-Odili does not look anywhere near 70 years. She looks like somebody in her early 60’s.

Born to the family of Nzenwa of Amuzi Obizi Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State,    she followed in her father’s footstep and read Law at the Enugu campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,  and graduated in 1976.  It was there that she met her heartthrob, a medical student, Peter Odili, a native of Rivers State.

She was called to the bar in 1977, and has never looked back since then, not even in the eight years she was the First Lady of Rivers State. She, like the late Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Atinuke Ige, late Bola Ige’s wife,  effortlessly combined both, and carefully avoided political cases. Justice Ige, as the First Lady of Oyo State, got on with her career as a Judge.

Just like Justice Peter-Odili followed in the footsteps of  her father, two of  her daughters, Chinelo Odili and Njideka Iheme-Nwosu,(nee Odili) also followed in her footsteps. While Chinelo is a Judge of the Rivers State High Court, Njideka is a Judge of the FCT High Court.

On her retirement day, respected elder Statesman, and Legal luminary, Professor Ben Nwabuze, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, will deliver a valedictory address on behalf of the Body of SANs.

A letter to Nwabueze signed by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, asking him to take up the role, reads: “On behalf of my humble self and brother Justices of the Supreme Court, I cordially invite Your Honor  to deliver an address at the Valedictory, on behalf of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili,  was born on the 12 May, 1952.

She attended  St Benedict’s Primary School, Obizi Ezinihitte, St Michael’s Primary School, Umuahia, St Agnes Primary School, Maryland, Lagos and Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba, Lagos between 1959 and 1965.

She also attended various Secondary Schools including Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Yaba, Owerri Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Mbaise Girls Secondary School, Mbaise and the Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha between 1965 and 1972.

She proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu Campus) and obtained her Bachelor’’s Degree in Law (LL.B (Hons)) in 1976 and the Nigerian Law School in 1977 for her B.L certificate.

Her previous professional appointments/positions include:

*Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Abeokuta, Ogun State (1977 – 1978)

*Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Benin, Bendel State (1978)

*Magistrate Grade III, Benin, Bendel State (1978 -1979)

*Chairman, Juvenile Court, Benin, Bendel State (1978 – 1979)

*Magistrate Grade II, Rivers State(1979 – 1981)

*Chairman, Juvenile Court, Rivers State (1979 – 1981)

*Magistrate Grade I

*Chief Magistrate Grade I (1981 – 1992)

*Judge, High Court of Rivers State (1992 – 2004)

*Justice, Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division (2004 – 2010)

*Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division (2010 – 2011)

She was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (JSC) on  June, 23, 2011.

A mother of four and doting grand mother of many, Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili holds the National Honour of the Commander Federal Republic (CFR).

Ekiti: LG Boss Exposes Govt; Attorney General Defends “Outrageous” Deductions From LG Funds

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti state, Mr Olawale Fapohunda, has flayed ongoing misinformation about Local Government finances in the State.

Fapohunda, in a reaction to claims by a former Council Chairman, Mrs Omotunde Fayuji, that the State Government controls substantial amount from funds accruing to Councils, said this position may be far from truth.

Mrs  Fayuji, former Chairman, Ado Local Government, reportedly claimed during a radio interview that she would sign for N200m but only N7m was released to the Council by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

There have been complaints that funds accruing to Local Governments in the State are being diverted by the State Government through Joint Accounts Allocation Committee,(JAAC) monthly meetings.

But the Chief Law Officer of the State explained that “To be sure, what the woman said was that she is aware that the allocation for Ado Ekiti LGA  is 200m Naira out of which she had about 7m to undertake capital projects.

“However depressing that sounds, is that not the historical tragedy of our Federation? Is that not why we have been clamoring for fiscal federalism at least since 1999?

“Without prejudice to the accuracy of the amount allocated and amount received by Ado LG, in Nigeria, there is what is called statutory deductions.

“These are amounts deducted as first line charge from allocations of Federal, State and Local Governments.

“I am aware that in every Local Government in Ekiti State, such deductions will include salaries of local government staff, primary school teachers, allowances of traditional institutions, existing commercial debts( judgement debts) the list goes on including funding security in each LGA.

‘The story is not different with the States. You all may wish to look at what comes to each of the States in the Federation and find out how much is left for tangible projects after deductions.

“I dare say in Ekiti State, once salaries are paid there is very little left for capital projects.

‘Even the most vociferous critics of the Fayemi administration marvel about how we have managed to balance prompt payment of salaries and still undertake legacy projects while not forgetting social investment programs.

“Statutory deductions from what comes to a state includes salaries ( in Ekiti State this is a matter of life and death ) debts ( again we are servicing contractual /judgement debts that go back as long as the Oni era). Pensions.

“There are also debts owed the Federal Government which has recently become payable. And of course security.

“It is simply not true that the Federal Government is solely responsible for the funding of police and other security agencies.

“The States have a more than passive interest even if they have no command control over them.

“In summary by the time you make all these necessary deductions, you will find that there is little left for capital projects.

“The bad news is that this is not likely to change soon. Even in the unlikely event of the PDP or SDP winning the next election.

“Sadly, we have not been able to get politics out of the way in dealing with important issues that affect us especially at the state level.”

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