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Anambra: Sen Nwoye Accuses Soludo Of Issuing Executive Bills To Siphon LG Funds

October 11, 2024

Senator Tony Nwoye has accused Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state of trying to tamper with funds belonging to local government in the state against the Supreme Court judgment.

Nwoye representing Anambra state on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, in the upper chamber of the National Assembly said the governor is trying to circumvent the judgment of the apex court.

The senator spoke on Channels Television on Friday saying some state governors in the country are trying to be clever by half by trying to siphon the Supreme Court through the back door.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier on Thursday passed a resolution directing the Federal Government to deny states funds where local government election have not been held. The senators’ action followed a motion by Senator Nwoye.

Speaking after the unanimous approval of the voice vote by the senators, Akpabio said it was now mandatory for all states, all tiers of government in the federation, to immediately comply with the recently pronounced judgements of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, particularly relating to local government accounts.

Akpabio said local government funds should go directly to the local government administrations for utilisation to improve the lot of Nigerians.

He said, “The Supreme Court has said the money should go directly to the accounts of the local governments in the country, so we have deliberated on it. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the final court of the law.

“In other words, the Nigerian Senate stands strongly behind the Supreme Court’s position on its efforts, through judicial pronouncement, to sanitise the administration of local governments in the country and stop further abuse of local government councils.

“So we stand strongly behind the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“In addition to that, we have looked at the motion (as earlier presented by Nwoye), and we agreed that some of the prayers in the motion are such that could conflict with existing regulations, including the constitution.

“We believe strongly that if there is any legacy that this administration will leave behind, including the 10th Senate, it is the legacy of sanitising the local governments.

“We will ensure that local government funds are well utilized for the benefit of the rural people and at the same time local governments are allowed to function and function well. That will also in due course include their elections.

“I want to thank all of you for your contributions and assure you that the 10th Senate, working with our colleagues in the House of Representatives, will alter any aspect of our constitution and amend any section of our laws to ensure full autonomy for the local government administrations in this country.

“We will ensure that local governments will be recognized fully in action and in fact as a third tier of government of the federation.”

According to Nwoye, Governor Soludo had recently sent three Executive Bills to the state House of Assembly with the aim to corner funds belonging to the local governments in the state. The bills have now been passed by the Assembly, he said.

The senate had earlier warned state house of Assembly not to make laws that violate the supreme court judgment.

In July this year, the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment affirmed financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country.

The judgment has however pit the federal government against the sub-nationals as ding dong continues on the implementation of the apex court ruling more than four months after.

Why Lagos Sacked Six LASTMA Officials

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has sacked six officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, for official misconduct.

This was disclosed in a Press Release signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, and the General Manager of the Agency, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, posted on the X (former twitter) Page of the Transport Agency.

The statement affirmed that the Lagos State Civil Service Commission has fully endorsed the Personnel Management Board’s recommendations as they concern severe misconduct and general inefficiencies.

Bakare-Oki confirmed that these disciplinary actions were implemented in accordance with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

He reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its operations and called on Lagos residents to actively engage with the Agency by providing both positive feedback and reports of any observed misconduct, along with relevant evidence.

“I wish to inform the general public that this is an ongoing exercise aimed at purging the Agency of errant officers. Another Personnel Management Board session will be convened shortly to address additional indicted LASTMA officials,” he added.

He also urged road users in Lagos to strictly comply with traffic regulations, warning that violations would attract penalties, including fines, as enforced by the Lagos Mobile Courts in accordance with legal provisions.

He emphasized that adherence to traffic laws is crucial to the realization of the “Greater Lagos” vision, as outlined in Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Development Agenda. The first pillar of this agenda, which focuses on traffic management and transportation, is essential for the actualization of this vision.

Furthermore, Bakare-Oki reassured the public of LASTMA’s steadfast commitment to addressing complaints promptly and impartially.

Citizens are encouraged to lodge complaints through the toll-free hotline 080000527862 or by visiting the Walk-In Complaint Centre at LASTMA’s Headquarters in Oshodi.

While assuring the motoring public of their civil rights’ protection on Lagos roads, he urged all motorists to comply with the Lagos State Transportation Sector Reform Law of 2018.”

Again, Court Stops Emir Bayero From Renovating Palace; Refuses To Halt Kano LG Polls

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 10, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon Justice Aije Aboki, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, reaffirmed her earlier order restraining the Kano State Government- deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from embarking on his planned renovation of the Nasarawa Mini Palace.

Justice Aboki had, on September 13, granted an injunction restraining the Emir from restructuring, refurbishing or renovating the mini palace pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the Kano State Government.

The Source reports that following his dethronement on may 23, 2024, Emir Bayero had moved into the mini palace following his displacement from the Main City Palace by Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

Emir Sanusi, who, himself, was deposed in 2020, as the 14th Emir by the immediate past Governor of the State Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, was however, reinstated in place of Emir Bayero by Governor Yusuf.

However, a couple of Court cases from both camps, have since ensured that the Kano Emirate is for the first time in history, playing host to two Emirs- Bayero and Sanusi.

While Sanusi is holding forte at the City Main Palace ,Bayero, since arriving from Abuja where he was before his deposition, has been holding court at the Nasarawa Mini palace which, also, serves as the final resting place for Kano Emirs.

Justice Aboki’s ruling followed an application filed by the Kano State Government seeking to restrain Emir Bayero from renovating the structure, and also praying the Court to evict him.

In another development ,a Federal High Court sitting in Kano, on Thursday, again rejected an application for an interim order to stop the planned October 24 Local Council Polls in the State.

About three weeks ago, the All Progressive Congress, APC, had unsuccessfully sought the stoppage of the same election ,in Court.

It had, also, prayed the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC from releasing the national voters register to the Kano state Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC for the purpose of the planned Council Polls.

Justice Simon Ameboda, while ruling on an ex-parte motion brought before the court by Engr Muhammad Babayo, member of a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, insisted that the respondents be first put on notice.

He had toed the same line of argument during the suit filed by the APC .

Similarly, in his application ,the factional member of the NNPP ,had sought to restrain KANSIEC from going ahead with the election,pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit .

Engr Babayo had also prayed the court to restrain INEC, the Inspector General of Police, and other Security Agencies from participating in the October 24 election.

We Want To Make Abia One Of The Cleanest States In Nigeria – Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 10, 2024

Alex Otti - Abia State Governor — Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has appealed to residents to collaborate with the Government in ensuring a clean, habitable and safe environment.

He also charged constituted Government officials not to compromise their positions in the task of enforcing compliance with extant environmental laws.

This is even as he stated that his adminstration is poised to transform Abia major cities into some of the cleanest in the country.

Governor Otti who spoke in Aba on Wednesday October 9, 2024, at the inauguration ceremony of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency ASEPA Monitoring and Compliance Team, Aba Zone, also, called for concerted efforts to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all.

Represented by Aba Zonal Coordinator of the Abia Harmonized Taskforce and Mayor of Aba South Metropolitan Council, Chief Uche Nwogu, the Governor informed that the constitution of the enforcement team is part of Government’s continued efforts at addressing the problem of poor waste management culture among residents, as well as create a more friendly Eco-System.

To ensure the effective discharge of its primary duty of waste disposal management in the Commercial city, the Governor, also, launched some newly acquired ASEPA waste disposal vehicles and tricycles.

The ASEPA Monitoring and Compliance Team, according to Governor Otti, will serve to promote the State Government’s vision of ensuring a clean Abia, and enhance the internally generated revenue profile of the State, through the arrest and penalization of environmental sanitation offenders.

While calling on the people to be properly guided in waste disposal management culture, Governor Otti noted that more refuse collection and disposal buckets will be acquired and placed at strategic locations within the city.

He, however, urged the Monitoring Team to be strict in the discharge of their duties .

“You are the image of the Government and as such, you must conduct yourself with decorum in the line of duty.

“Any body caught extorting members of the public would be made to face the music”, the Governor stated .

He thumped up the Management of ASEPA for the good job that it has been doing in the commercial hub of the State, adding that his administration is determined to make Abia one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

Earlier the General Manager of ASEPA, Elder Ogbonnaya Okereke informed that the Agency has conceived a template for pragmatically tackling the disturbing trend of indiscriminate waste disposal habit of the people.

This, he noted, has ensured that the State remains clean and healthier. He promised that very soon, monitoring teams will also be launched for Umuahia, the State capital and Ohafia town.

The ASEPA boss noted that the Monitoring Team is to liaise with the Abia state Harmonized Taskeforce in enforcing the State’s Basic Environmental Laws .

Ogbonnaya expressed the optimism that Aba will, in no distant, time wear the gab of one of the cleanest cities not just in Nigeria, but in West Africa.

Oyo Gov’t Says 2025 Budget ‘ll Reflect Stakeholders’ Inputs

Ayodele Oni

October 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State government is set to present the 2025 budget as it has concluded the consultative meetings with stakeholders across the six geo-political zones of the State.

Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, in a statement stated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth zonal stakeholders’ consultative engagement in Ibarapa zone, assured that the submissions of stakeholders would reflect in the 2025 budget.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, said that the government is not relenting in its efforts to make agriculture more profitable for farmers in the state.

Makinde noted that his administration had supported farmers across the 33 local government areas of the state with inputs and fertilizer for improved yields during the planting season.

He called on farmers who are yet to identify with a recognized farmers’ association to do so, promising that more benefits and support await them.

On education, the governor emphasized the need not to play politics of any form with education for the development of the sector.

He assured the people of the zone that successful applicants in the ongoing teachers recruitment would be employed in due course, adding that his administration will not compromise standards in the recruitment process.

Governor Makinde reiterated the commitment of his administration to security of lives and property, while admonishing the residents of the state to assist the government and security agencies with useful information in their localities for prompt action.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Musibau Babatunde appreciated the people of the zone for their cooperation and understanding.

He admonished them to contribute more to the development of their zone particularly the education and agricultural sectors.

UNICAL Suspends HOD For Allegedly Altering 235 Exam Result Scripts

Akinwale Kasali

October 10, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Management of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, has annouced the suspension of one of its Lecturers, Dr Jospeh Akpan, who is also the Head of Department, of Pharmacology.

Dr. Akpan, was suspended for, allegedly, altering examination result scripts.

Akpan was said to have engage in this illicit action using his privileged position as the HOD.

UNICAL’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, disclosed that Akpan, allegedly, altered students’ scores in the Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology, PHM 311, Course

results.

Obi claimed the HOD altered the scores in 235 result scripts out of the 242 result scripts entrusted in his care, adding that only five scripts were genuinely marked without alteration.

The VC also noted that Akpan had admitted to the alleged misconduct before the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee, SEMC.

According to her, the Lecturer, allegedly, admitted that he inflated the scores of students in PHM 311 to protect the department’s image, which management finds ridiculous and unacceptable.

She added: “The lecturer also (allegedly) gave out marks to two students who did not participate in the examinations.

“Consequently, the Management of the University has directed that he should be relieved of his appointment as HOD and Coordinator of PHM 311, as well as be suspended from duty with effect from Oct. 8, 2024.

“Akpan’s official responsibilities are to be reassigned to other qualified lecturers in the department.

“He has also been directed to stay away from the University forthwith, unless while responding to the invitation of relevant Committees.”

Ondo Assembly Steps Down Debate On Supplementary Appropriation Bill, As Commissioner Shuns Invitation

Ayodele Oni

October 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Lack of communication between the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Executive Arm has stalled further debate on the 2024 Supplementary Budget submitted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the Assembly.

The Assembly on Thursday refused to present the bill for the supplementary appropriation for debate for second reading following the absence of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac at the plenary despite being summoned by the Assembly.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had presented a bill to the Assembly to amend the 2024 appropriation bill and authorize the issuance from the consolidated revenue fund of the state a sum of #487,437 billion.

Out of the fund, a sum of N246,198 is for recurrent expenditure while the balance of N241,239 is for capital expenditure for the services of the state until the end of the year.

The Assembly had summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, to explain the performance of the 2024 appropriation law signed into law before it could consider the supplementary budget.

The Commissioner, however refused to honour the invitation, but sent a letter through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. A.O Akinseloyin stating the inability of the Commissioner to appear before the lawmakers. The letter was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Benjamin Jayeola.

At this point, the lawmakers vowed not pass the bill for a second reading until the Commissioner appears before the Assembly.

Lawmakers that reacted to the absence of the commissioner said The bill should be stepped down till when the commissioner will show up.

Felix Afe, representing Akoko Northwest constituency, said the letter is an affront to the people of Ondo State. He said the invitation letter was not addressed to the Permanent Secretary but to the Commissioner.

“The letter did not state where the Commissioner for Finance went to, and when she would come back. We want her to tell us the performance of the budget for 2024.

“Without the appearance of the Commissioner for Finance, we should step it down. If she does not show up next time, the assembly should issue a bench warrant against her.”

In his ruling, the Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji said the supplementary budget should be stepped down until the commissioner appears before the lawmakers to defend it.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly to write another letter for the commissioner to appear before the lawmakers. He fixed October 17 for the appearance of the Commissioner.

According to him, her failure, may lead to further action.

Rivers: Appeal Court Orders Gov Fubara To Represent 2024 Budget To Pro Wike Lawmakers

Akinwale Kasali

October 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni and Akinwale Kasali

Confirms Amaewhule as Speaker of House of Assembly

More troubles loom for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the Court of Appeal has ordered him to represent the 2024 appropriation bill to the Lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesome Wike .

With the judgement delivered on Thursday by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, Fubara has lost the grip of the state House of Assembly, firmly in the hands of Wike.

18 of the 23 Lawmakers of the Assembly are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike.

The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal brought before it by Fubara seeking to remove 27 members of the State House of Assembly on account of their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Court said that Fubara has no basis to bring out the appeal having withdrawn his opposition to the case of the pro-Wike lawmakers at the Federal High Court.

Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole who delivered the lead judgment held that the governor, having withdrawn from the case cannot claim to be aggrieved with the judgment of the Federal High Court.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal barred Fubara from interfering with the affairs of the House of Assembly under Rt Hon the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

The Appellate Court, also, barred him from withholding the House of Assembly funds and removing the Clerk and Deputy Clerk from the House.

Justice Oyewole maintained that Fubara’s blunder in withdrawing from the suit in the Federal High Court cannot be redeemed by any known advocacy.

The Judge also held that the Governor’s appeal has no utilitarian value as it cannot confer any advantage on him having lost his legal rights by admitting all issues raised against him with his voluntary withdrawal from the suit.

By coming to the court, Justice Oyewole said that Fubara was approbating and reprobating and blowing hot and cold at the same time adding that such conduct had no basis in law as parties must be consistent in their approach to court matters.

He, therefore, voided and set aside the passage of the 2024 budget by four out of 23 members on the ground of illegality that must not be allowed in a democratic setting.

The Court, also, held that Fubara engaged in executive recklessness that are unknown to law by presenting budget to only four members and signing same to law within 24 hours.

Oyo Targets 350,000 Residents For Screening Under Health Programme

Ayodele Oni

October 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Government is set to screen about 350,000 individuals under a health programme tagged ‘Project 10 Million Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers’ commences in Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi disclosed this at the unveiling of the Project with the members of the State Executive council at the office of the Governor.

According to the Commissioner, the Project 10 Million is a nationwide screening initiative, aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT within seven days period this month.

Dr. Ajetumobi explained that the objective of the project is to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, promoting early detection, prevention, and control of cardiometabolic diseases, using the slogan – “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers”

She added that “knowing your vital health metrics empowers you to take timely actions and make the right decision concerning your health, while controlling them prevents complications that may arise from ignorance or neglect.”

The Commissioner added that the screening will include blood pressure and blood sugar tests to detect hypertension and diabetes, alongside other anthropometric measurements that relate to the health of the heart, blood vessels and general body metabolism processes.

She stressed that the screening process is safe and uses standard, point-of-care testing.

“The Nigerian Health Commissioner’s Forum is initiating the project and executing in partnership with professional bodies, developmental agencies, and Donors.

“Project 10 Million will utilize a team of trained healthcare workers who will visit various communities within each state.

“They will set up temporary screening stations at designated locations, making the screening accessible to the community.”

The Commissioner stated that everyone aged 18 years and above are eligible for the screening and the screening is absolutely free.

“This means that you do not have to make any payment for the registration as well as other services accessed during the screening exercise”.

Dr. Ajetumobi said participants will receive their test results and counseling on the spot.

People who have abnormal results will receive some first contact care or be referred to nearby government-owned health facilities for further evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

Nigeria Army Chides Ndigbo: Destruction Of NOUN Centre Not In People’s Interest

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 10, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Refutes alleged killing of Soldiers In Army Camp Ehime Mbano

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, described as untrue and mere fabrications reports trending in the social media suggesting the killing of soldiers at Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

The Source reports that the social media, on Wednesday, October 9, was awash with reports of several military and civilian deaths resulting from a purported confrontation between Soldiers and members of Biafra Liberation Army, allegedly, loyal to Finland-based Simon Ekpa.

However, in a statement on issued by the Spokesperson for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Jonah Unuakhalu, a Lt Col., the Army blamed the misinformation on some sympathizers of dissident groups .

” The 82 Division, Nigerian Army has been made aware of these baseless allegations circulating in some online media platforms, which asserts that an attack on our troops stationed at the Ehime Mbano Local Government Secretariat resulted in numerous casualties.

This narrative is a fabrication originating from the minds of the terrorist indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB and their supporters aimed at undermining the confidence of the people of Imo and, by extension, the entire South East region in the abilities of the military to protect lives and properties, “the Army statement reads in part.

According to the spokesman, the Headquarters of Isiala Mbano local Council was actually attacked and destroyed by some members of the IPOB/ESN on October 3.

But, he said, there were no attacks and or casualties on the troops or civilians as being claimed by the various media reports

Col. Unuakhalu noted that a similar attack that took place on October 3 was re- enacted at the Ehime Mbano Local Government Headquarters on Wednesday October 8, 2024.

But unlike the October 3 Isiala Mbano attack which led to the destruction of public facilities, the Army spokesperson said that valiant troops were able to frustrate the efforts of the hoodlums to unleash mayhem on the Council’s Secretariat .

“The armed assailants who approached in large numbers and fired indiscriminately from a distance, were forced to retreat due to the superior firepower of our vigilant and courageous troops .

“In a follow-up operation conducted early today ( Thursday October 10) evidence of heavy casualties among the dissidents was confirmed as indicated by blood stains found on the Ehime Mbano-Oriagwu Road”, he stated.

While urging the public to disregard the spate of misinformation being peddled in the media, the Army spokesman, expressed the readiness and commitment of troops to safeguard the people and also confront the criminal elements disturbing the peace and stability of the region.

He called on the people of the South East geo-political zone to collectively condemn the unapatriotic acts of destroying public facilities in the name of agitations.

“This cowardly actions of these dissidents who destroy public buildings funded by taxpayers, where law abiding citizens earn their livelihoods, is unfortunate.

“The IPOB elements demonstrate that they are not acting in the interest of the people, but for their own selfish motives.

“The 82 Division Headquarters encourages all Imolites and residents of the South East to continue providing security information that will assist law enforcement agencies in eliminating these criminal elements” the statement further reads.

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