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Supreme Court Judgment On LG Autonomy To Promote Accountability — Falana
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist Femi Falana has expressed support for the Supreme Court’s decision, instructing state governments to refrain from controlling the federal allocations of local governments.
Falana a guest on Channels Television’s flagship programme, Sunrise Daily on Friday, argued that the judgment was not meant to strip the state governments of its influence on the LGAs, but rather, would promote accountability at the grassroots level.
He said, “A lot depends on the Nigerian people because right now, it is difficult to talk about the autonomy of the local government. The state’s electoral commissions are manned by appointees of the state governors.
“And what they have done over the years is to manipulate the local government elections in a way that only the candidates of the ruling parties would be declared the winners.
“Now, local governments would be expected to fix some schools, tar some roads, and even pay some workers. So, it is not that state governments will no longer participate in the affairs of the local governments…the state governments should create state economic councils and allow the local government to participate in them, just like they are part of the federal economic council.
“The judgment has to be studied by the governors so that everybody will appreciate that what the Supreme Court has done is to promote public accountability at the grassroots levels.”
In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court on Thursday, mandated the Federal Government to begin immediate and direct payment of local government funds to the latter’s exclusive accounts.
The Supreme Court scolded the decades-long refusal of the state government on financial autonomy for local governments
President Bola Tinubu in the wake of the verdict said it will pave the way for more accountability.
He said, “By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu as saying in a statement.
“What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.
This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.
Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.
For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.
THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.
He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.
There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….
A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.
The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.
The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.
He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”
Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.
As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election
……. As Speed Darlington queries Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy over his Grammy win.
By Ojomah Austin.
Controversial Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has sparked controversy with his claims that Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win can be attributed to the influential role of American rapper and entrepreneur, P. Diddy.
Amid allegations against US rapper, P.Diddy, resulting in his arrest, Speed Darlington suggested that Burna Boy had an intimate relationship with Diddy which paved the way for him to win the Grammy.
Speed Darlington’s bold and contentious assertion comes amidst recent allegations surrounding Diddy, who was reportedly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of human trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
In a provocative Instagram video, Speed Darlington credited Diddy for Burna Boy’s rapid ascent to international fame and Grammy success, highlighting the American rapper’s significant impact on Burna Boy’s music career.
Speed Darlington openly challenged Burna Boy to disclose the nature of his relationship with Diddy. Suggesting an amorous relationship between the duo, he blatantly asked Burna Boy to reveal how many bottles of oil Diddy used on his buttocks before he was able to win a Grammy.
In his words:
“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on your nyash before they gave you the Grammy Award?”.
In response to Speed Darlington’s video, One @oluchukwu_____ wrote: “Akpis confidence need to be studied 😂😂.”
vibe_with_fiona wrote: “When burna comes for him,make una no say burna too do o?”
godson_allsom wrote: “If there is Grammy for comedians 😂 akpi for done win like 10.”
official_kahlan wrote: “Presido I don tire to defend you 😂 ga zu ike 🙄.”
asikosharon50 wrote: “Very anyhow talk, Burnaboy won Grammy for his hard work and talent . If na Diddy dey share Grammy why him own Artist for him label nor dey win the Grammy? Na him be say Tems dey and wizkid sef they nick people dem work with naa, useless talk …”
jaytee_yna wrote: “I’m a big fan of Akpi but this is so irrelevant and irresponsible. Burna’s hardwork & God’s grace gave him the Grammy. Okbye!”
lorah_irez wrote: “If person never bèat akpi he no go rest, wetin be this na 😂😂😂.”
Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo
Guber poll :PDP govs storm Edo to support Ighodalo
Speed Darlington taunt Burna Boy about his grammy award (+Video)
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