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Category: Politics

  • LG Autonomy: Gov Soludo upsets the applecart

    LG Autonomy: Gov Soludo upsets the applecart

    Governor Charles Soludo’s recent proposal for legislation may pose a threat to local government autonomy in Anambra State, raising concerns among representatives and citizens. 

    The proposed bill mandates that local government areas (LGAs) transfer a portion of their federal allocations into a unified account controlled by the state, sparking fears of reduced financial independence for local councils.

    Hon. Henry Mbachu, a member of the Labour Party representing Awka South I, has expressed strong objections to the bill, urging the governor to withdraw it from consideration by the Anambra State House of Assembly. 

    Mbachu argued that the legislation undermines the Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of local government autonomy, enabling the state government to access funds meant for LGAs.

    Despite these concerns, Governor Soludo maintained that the bill is consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, suggesting that any opposing parties should seek legal recourse if they disagree. 

    READ ALSO: GOVS IN FRESH MOVES TO DELAY LG AUTONOMY

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has already approved the bill, which establishes a “State Joint Local Government Account.” This requires all federal allocations for LGAs to be deposited into this account.

    Under the proposed law, local governments are compelled to remit a set percentage of their allocations to the consolidated account within two business days of receipt, even if the funds originate directly from the Federation Account. 

    Additionally, the state would withhold a percentage of these allocations before disbursing the remaining funds to the LGAs.

    Mbachu had raised alarms about the detrimental effects this legislation could have on local government operations, emphasizing that the mandated deductions might severely limit their ability to manage federally allocated resources effectively. 

    He had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to monitor state governors to prevent interference in local government elections and ensure that elected officials can operate without undue pressure from the state.

  • Soludo Warns Traders Over Monday Market Closures

    Soludo Warns Traders Over Monday Market Closures

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to traders in Onitsha’s Main Market regarding the continued closure of shops on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive. 

    Soludo expressed dissatisfaction with the number of locked shops, stating that any business failing to open on Mondays would be penalized.

    The governor gave the warning during a visit to the market.

    The sit-at-home practice, originally called by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021, has significantly affected business operations in the South East.

     Despite the suspension of the order, fear of enforcement has led to continued closures. 

    Soludo emphasized that the ongoing shutdowns were damaging the local economy and warned that shops could be sealed for up to a month if they failed to comply.

     He also promised adequate security to support traders in resuming full commercial activities.

  • President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    President Tinubu Condemns Violence In Rivers

    Gov Fubara expresses reservations about the manner of President’s intervention

    President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.  

    In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.  

    He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.  

    President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.  

    While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

    President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

    He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.  

    According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.  

    Gov Fubara, Angio Briggs express reservations

    Reacting to the President’s intervention however, Governor Siminlaye Fubara and Niger Delta Environmental Rights activist, Angio Briggs berated the manner of the President’s intervention.

    Speaking on a Channels TV programme last night the duo wondered why the President singled out Governor Fubara’s name while leaving out the name of the alleged traducer.

    Ms. Briggs rhetorically asked who are the political leaders President Tinubu referred to but couldn’t call their name(s)?

  • IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP Egbetokun Rejects Fubara Allegation

    IGP assures the public of the commitment of the police to neutrality and adherence to legal directives.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allegations about the police’s role in the recent local government elections. 

    Egbetokun described Fubara’s remarks as baseless and unnecessary, emphasizing that the police acted lawfully.

    Fubara had accused the Nigeria Police Force and its state command of attempting to disrupt the elections by attempting to seize materials. The Governor warned Egbetokun to be mindful of his position.

    In response, Egbetokun clarified that the police only followed a Federal High Court ruling from July 19, 2024, which restricted their involvement in the elections. 

    He explained that the Rivers State High Court later issued a conflicting order on September 4, directing police to provide security at the elections. 

    However, the Federal High Court reaffirmed its earlier stance on September 30, declaring the police’s involvement unlawful.

     He stated that all court orders were reviewed by the police’s legal team, who advised compliance with the Federal High Court ruling.

    He urged the public to disregard misinformation and emphasized the importance of political decorum, stressing that the police would not engage in any political disputes but remain focused on their mandate.

  • FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After Wike’s Intervention

    FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After Wike’s Intervention

    The teachers are set to resume work today, October 8, 2024.

    Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their three-week strike following the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. 

    The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the FCT announced the suspension after an emergency meeting of its State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in Abuja.

    The teachers had initially gone on strike on September 18 over unresolved issues related to welfare, including the payment of allowances, minimum wage arrears, and salary adjustments. 

    This recent action was part of ongoing efforts by the union to secure better conditions, following previous strikes in October 2023 and January 2024.

    The union acknowledged that Wike’s intervention included the release of 40 percent of the 25-month 2019 minimum wage arrears. 

    They also appreciated his commitment to settling the remaining 60 percent by directing the FCT Treasury to use a portion of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the area councils.

     The union emphasized that they will continue pushing for the fulfillment of outstanding entitlements, such as peculiar allowances and salary reviews, to prevent future strikes.

  • Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze

    Violence Erupts in Rivers State as Protesters Set Local Government Secretariat Ablaze

    On Monday, unrest unfolded in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, leaving one person feared dead after gunfire was reported. 

    The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, though it coincided with widespread protests across several LGAs, following a police directive to reopen all 23 council secretariats that had been closed since July.

    In Ikwerre LGA, demonstrators stormed the council headquarters in Isiokpo, setting a section of the building on fire, forcing staff and the newly appointed chairman to abandon the premises.

     Although authorities intervened to control the situation and extinguish the flames, some parts of the building sustained damage.

    In Emuoha LGA, protesters prevented the newly sworn-in chairman from entering the council headquarters.

     They voiced opposition to the election results, claiming the Action Peoples Party’s candidate was not popular enough to win.

     The demonstrators blocked access to the administrative building, insisting on the reinstatement of the previous chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, whose tenure, they argued, was extended by the state House of Assembly.

    Earlier in the day, violence also broke out in Eleme LGA, where protesters set the secretariat on fire, destroying several structures and vehicles, including a police car.

     The police responded but were still assessing the extent of the damage.

  • Fubara Swears-in Newly Elected Council Chairmen

    Governor Siminlaye Fubara of Rivers State has sworn-in the newly elected Chairmen of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State.

    The new helmsmen of the last tier of government emerged yesterday following fractious election that brought the state governmemnt on collision course with agencies of the Federal Government.

    At the end of the exercise yesterday, the Action Peoples Party (APP), the proxy party of Governor Fubara, won in 22 of the LGAs, while the Action Alliance won one of the LGs.

    Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn Local Government on their electoral victories

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Each elected Chairman was accompanied by a guest to the event which took place 4 pm.

    The newly elected chairmen will represent the 23 local government areas of Rivers State

  • Floods Ravage University of Ibadan, Destroys Students’ Properties 

    Floods Ravage University of Ibadan, Destroys Students’ Properties 

    Flood wreaks havoc at the University of Ibadan, leaving several hostels submerged, destroying students’ belongings. 

    The Awo Hostel, particularly the underground rooms, is most severely impacted, with about 16 rooms completely submerged. 

    Personal items such as documents, books, and foodstuffs were lost as the floodwaters surged through the students’ living spaces. 

    Some students, who were away for exams, returned to find their properties destroyed, including valuable electronics like laptops.

    The affected students have made attempts to salvage what they can, but videos from the scene reveal the extent of the damage, showing items floating in the water and entire rooms, toilets, and kitchens inundated. 

    The flooding has not only caused significant property loss but also left students stranded and struggling to find basic necessities. 

    This marks the third occurrence of flooding at the institution, but it is the first time students’ rooms have been affected to this degree.

  • Rivers LG Election: Armed Gunmen Disrupt Polls in Wike’s Ward

    Tensions have escalated in the Rumuepirikom community, Rivers State, as gunmen disrupt voting in the ongoing LG election.

    Rumuepirikom is the home of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory who is opposed to the election taking place.

    Observers say that voting could not take place as heavy gunfire rings out during election day. 

    Further reports indicate that earlier, unknown individuals warned residents to stay indoors, discouraging them from participating in the polls. 

    As electoral officers approached the voting station in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, armed assailants arrived and launched an attack, effectively seizing control of the area.

     One person has reportedly been injured by gunfire and is receiving medical treatment.

     The violence has left voters in fear, disrupting the electoral process.

  • Gov, Eno Appoints Daughter as Acting First Lady

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state.

    This appointment follows the recent demise of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

     The decision was made public during a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Uyo.

    As First Lady, Helen Eno-Obareki continues the legacy and initiatives started by her late mother, particularly the Golden Initiative For All.

     Governor Eno expressed confidence in Helen’s ability to carry forward the projects and values her mother embodied.

    He addressed rumors about the possibility of remarrying, humorously dismissing such claims, stating that he has no intention of paying another bride price. 

    The move to appoint his daughter reflects the governor’s commitment to sustaining the legacy of his late wife, both in public service and within the family.