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Category: Governance

  • Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy

    Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy

    The presidency has reacted to Thursday’s victory against 36 state governors at the Supreme Court on local government autonomy.

    The Supreme Court ruled that all federal allocations for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts.

    In Nigeria, most states operate a joint account with local governments, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, said local government allocation should be paid directly to a separate account belonging to each local government.

    The federal government through the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) approached the Supreme Court, in a suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, and sought that 36 governors of the federation grant full autonomy to the 774 local governments.

    Giving details of federal government’s prayer in the suit, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X handle on Thursday, wrote, “The details of the Supreme Court ruling giving 774 local councils financial autonomy

    “The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that all federal funds for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts.

    “Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors.

    “According to the judgment, henceforth, no more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts. The court also prohibited the governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds meant for local governments.

    “Furthermore, the court barred the governors from dissolving democratically elected officials for local governments and deemed such actions a breach of the 1999 Constitution.

    “The federal government had approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel the governors of the 36 federating states to grant full autonomy to local governments in their domains. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.

    “The Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power in its suit, which was based on 27 grounds. In the originating summons, the FG prayed the Supreme Court to make an order stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments.

    “The justice minister also requested an order restraining governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.

    “Finally, the Federal Government sought an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, contrary to the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.”

  • Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Sale Mamman Collapses In Court

    Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Sale Mamman Collapses In Court

    The trial of Saleh Mamman, who served as the Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed on Thursday after he fainted just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Mamman, who was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning for his trial, fainted before the proceedings began.

    The lawyer for Mamman, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho right after the trial was announced that Mamman needed to take his plea.

    When the trial resumed, the former minister entered the courtroom and took his place on the dock, with some of his clothing already soaked.

    Justice Omotosho then inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if he was overheating or if it was raining outside.

    Mamman, from his position on the dock, replied that he had been drenched with water.

    The lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while speaking in court, mentioned that the trial for Mamman had been scheduled, but there was an unexpected incident outside the courtroom.

    Olumide-Fusika explained that he had a conversation with Ate outside the courtroom regarding Mamman’s health issues.

    “I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learned senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday morning, Ate said Mamman, “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”

    Ate stressed that his client (Mamman), was served with the charge after he was resuscitated.

    “He was served this morning,” he added.

    The senior lawyer requested a delay in proceedings from Olumide-Fusika to ensure the arraignment could take place on Monday, when his client would be in a better state.

    However, the judge informed them that the court was so busy with cases that the arraignment could only be rescheduled for the end of September.

    Following this, Olumide-Fusika decided to cancel the request for a delay.

    Olumide-Fusika mentioned that he had corrected a typo in the defendant’s name earlier that morning and asked the court to inform Mamman of the updated charge, hoping he would give his plea. However, Justice Omotosho opposed this request.

    The judge then inquired if Mamman was capable of giving his plea today, to which he replied in the affirmative.

    The former minister explained to the court that he fainted outside the courtroom due to not eating and the effects of the drugs he had taken. While waiting outside, his blood pressure dropped.

    Mamman, on the other hand, stated that he was in good health and ready to proceed with the arraignment.

    “It can happen to anyone,” the judge said.

    The former minister stated to the judge that he notified his attorney about the mistake the EFCC made regarding the name included in the arrest warrant they presented to him.

    “I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said.

    However, Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm today.

  • BREAKING: It’s Unconstitutional For Govs To Hold LG Funds, Supreme Court Declares

    BREAKING: It’s Unconstitutional For Govs To Hold LG Funds, Supreme Court Declares

    The Supreme Court, on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations.

    He said local governments has since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead.

    Justice Agim noted that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

    He dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors).

    The suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Government sought an order preventing the governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected councils.

    Justice Agim said the AGF has the right to institute the suit and protect the constitution.

    The apex court consequently directed that Local Government allocation from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them henceforth.

    More to follow

  • Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

    Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

    The Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists to attack some critical national infrastructures in the country.

    This revelation was made public on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.

    He, however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to forestall such attacks.

    General Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat terror in Nigeria.

    Details later…

  • CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright

    CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Wednesday, charged the newly inaugurated 22 Appeal Court and 12 FCT high court justices to be upright in the discharge of thier duties in the temple of Justice.

    The CJN reminded the justices that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, should deliver justice to Nigerians without fear or favour.

    “It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.

    ‘The number of Justices that we have just sworn-in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, 28 June, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn-in. That was preceded by that of Monday, 5th November,2012 when 12 Justices were inaugurated.

    “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation.

    “Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise.

    “No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response tO the challenges of the time.

    “This underscores the tact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail.

    “The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running.

    “You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity. You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court ot Appeal.

    “In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with Plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land.

    “We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud ot; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.

    “Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion.

    “With Your Lordships’ elevation to the higher Bench today, you have to be very mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in you vis-a-vis their expectations.

    “Like we often say, to whom much Is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your oars, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately and transparently.

    “So, you must, individually and collectively, guide your loins to do more to earn lasting trust and integrity. Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry.

    “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail ot misleading and conflicting judgments as well as trivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice.

    “Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we win never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must detinitely be meted out to such erring Judges.

    “We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct.

    “As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind Ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations.
    congratulate

    “Your Lordships for making the list and wish you the best that you can achieve in this strategic position you now occupy”, the CJN said.

    Those inaugurated into the bench of the appellate court by the CJN, are:

    Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State; Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State; and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively.

    Others are: Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State.

    The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.

  • Tinubu Creates New Ministry 

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

    The President announced while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    But President Tinubu did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry as it is expected that he has to forward the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it’s a new nominee.

    Present at the Inauguration were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila amongst cabinet members.

    Recall that President Tinubu on 15th September 2023, approved the establishment of the Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

  • Federal Government Suspends Duties and Tariffs on Essential Food Imports

    Federal Government Suspends Duties and Tariffs on Essential Food Imports

    The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on select essential food items imported through land and sea borders.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Monday.

    Kyari revealed that the affected food items, including maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will benefit from a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.

    This initiative is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in Nigeria.

    The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to combat the ongoing food inflation crisis, which has led to unprecedented price increases.

    Kyari assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and preventing hunger.

    “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities, suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through land and sea borders,” Kyari stated. “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”

    He emphasized that the government’s standards would not compromise the safety of the imported food items for consumption. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize.

    These semi-processed food commodities will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

    In a related development, Kyari announced the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee.

    This committee is tasked with developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

  • CJN to swear-in 12 new Judges for FCT High Court, July 10

    CJN to swear-in 12 new Judges for FCT High Court, July 10

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will on Wednesday July 10, swear-in the newly appointed 12 Judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The inauguration of the jurists has been slated to hold at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at 10am.

    A statement by the Director of Information and Press of the Supreme Court, Dr Akande Festus indicated that the new Judges are Buetnaan Mandy Bassi from Plateau State; Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo from Kwara State; Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi from Lagos State; Iheabunike Anumaenwe Godwin from Imo State and Odo Celestine Obinna from Enugu State and Hauwa Lawal Gummi from Zamfara State respectively.

    The rest are Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh from Bayelsa State; Maryam Iye Yusuf from Kogi State; Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria from Oyo State; Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike from Rivers State; Ibrahim Tanko Munirat from Bauchi State and Abdulrahman Usman from Taraba State.

  • Rivers Crisis: Oko-Jumbo- led Assembly insists on challenging A’Court decision

    Rivers Crisis: Oko-Jumbo- led Assembly insists on challenging A’Court decision

    The Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers Assembly has insisted that it will challenge the decision of the Appeal Court on the assembly crisis.

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Thursday nullified the removal of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State High Court.

    But the speaker of the pro-Fubara lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo has maintained that he and his members believed that the Appeal Court erred in its decision.

    He was seen saying this in a video shared by Channels TV via their X handle on Saturday, July 6.

    He said: “We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024.

    “Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria Challenging the Judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July 2024.”

  • Court Gives Two Kano Judges 48 Hours To Resign

    Court Gives Two Kano Judges 48 Hours To Resign

    Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court has instructed Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf, judges of Kano State High Court, to step down from their positions as chairmen of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets as well as Political Violence and Missing Persons within 48 hours.

    The National Judicial Council (NJC), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Attorney General of Kano State, Justices Faruk Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf are defendants in the case.

    In a ruling on Thursday in a case brought by former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Justice Amobeda stated that the NJC should halt payment of any remuneration, allowances and benefits to the two judges from the consolidated revenue fund if they do not comply with the order.

     Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had on April 4 inaugurated the two judicial commissions of inquiry under the chairmanship of Justices Adamu and Yusuf to investigate cases of misappropriation of public properties, political violence and cases of missing persons from 2015 to 2023.

    Justice Amobeda directed that the judges should refrain from carrying out the executive functions assigned to them by the governor in courtrooms designated for adjudicating disputes between individuals and authorities in the state.

    The judge held that “The combined effects of sections 6, 84, 153(1), 271(2), 272 together with paragraph 21(c) of part 1 of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the 4th and 5th defendants (Justices Faruk Adamu and Zuwaira Yusuf) are not legally permitted, “while purporting to hold the office of a judge of high court of Kano State, to accept appointments as chairmen of commission of inquiry with quasi-judicial powers equivalent to that of a Magistrate and subject to review by a judge of the High court of Kano State.”

    The court ruled that the governor lacked the authority to appoint and administer the oath of office for individuals to serve as chairmen of a commission of inquiry, a position designated for commissioners exercising executive powers.

    The court emphasized that Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman’s ruling, which stated that only the EFCC and the ICPC have the jurisdiction to investigate the former governor, deems it an abuse of power and a violation of judicial integrity for the governor to establish a commission of inquiry to probe the plaintiff’s administration.

    Nevertheless, the court dismissed the plaintiff’s counsel’s argument that the judges compromised their judicial roles by participating in the judicial commission of inquiry.