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Reps Promise To Give 5% FCT Area Councils Deduction Legislative Backing
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, has that it will look into the possibility of giving legislative backing to the five percent deduction from Area Councils funds for the traditional institutions, upgrade of the trade stools and creation of more chiefdoms for effective functions.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi stated these during an interactive session with the traditional council in FCT on Monday in Abuja.
Agbedi said “We recognize and appreciate the critical role traditional rulers play in cultural preservation, security, conflicts resolution and community development in governance.
“Your leadership has been instrumental in fostering peace and stability within the FCT, and your contributions to local development is invaluable.
“I also want to use this avenue to acknowledge sets of your requests regarding the allocation of five percent from the funds designated for the Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, to support traditional institutions. However, the disbursement and allocation of funds within the FCT are governed by provisions of statutory budgetary framework that prioritize various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare.
“While we acknowledge the merit of your request, the current financial framework does not explicitly provide for such an allocation to traditional institutions. Any allocation of such funds will require legislative review and policy amendments to ensure compliance with existing financial regulations.
“Additionally, we wish to inform you that there is currently an Area Councils Administration Establishment Bill that has just gone through the first reading in the House of Representatives. This committee will liaise with all relevant stakeholders to consider all avenues for creating provisions that address the concerns of traditional rulers, including the allocation of funds for traditional institutions. In the interim, we encourage traditional councils to also engage with Area Councils to discuss potential avenues for partnerships and mutually beneficial initiatives that align with existing budgetary provisions.
“We also assure you that we’re open to further discussions on this issue, and will continue to support the recognition of traditional institutions within the broader governance structure. That said, we remain committed to collaborative efforts toward enhancing the welfare of traditional institutions and to explore possible mechanisms though which the role of traditional rulers can be better supported within the bigger and financial framework of the FCT and Area Councils”.
In his remarks, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa (Abaji Chiefdom) informed the committee that the graded chiefs under the council have 17 chiefdoms across the six Area Councils with Ona of Abaji as the only 1st class chief.
“The Council’s operations are faced with myriads of challenges that inhibit its functioning, including inadequate financing of the institution, lack of existing legal/policy framework that will strengthen the financing of traditional institution in the FCT”, he said.
He therefore appealed that the implementation of five percent of local government allocations as being done by some states for traditional rulers will go a long way to addressing those challenges.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has paid glowing tributes to the President of Nigeria, National Leader of All Progressives Congress APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he celebrate his 73rd birthday.
Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of the Republic of Ireland who mobilised and campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll is a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, in a congratulatory massage to the septuagenarian described him as a visionary and transformative president.
She said the Nigerian leader who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, has remained a Colossus and a phenomenon in the annals of the ruling party and the nation’s political history.
Kemi also noted that the exceptional political career and service of Tinubu, has inspired so many people and has produced many successful leaders in the country.
She continued to disclose further that the APC National Leader is an icon, bridge builder and a patriotic elder statesman who believes in the development, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, I feel so elated and fulfilled to join other well meaning Nigerians across the globe to felicitate with you on your 73rd birthday. You are indeed an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in the Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and examplary leadership style.
“So many people owe their successes to your magnanimity and accommodating nature. You are truly a legend, an astute politician with uncommon intellect. It is my prayer that your tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continue to inspire vista of hope and resilience among Nigerians”, she said.
Kemi prayed for more years in good health and wisdom for the president, to continue to serve Nigeria and humanity by extention.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, praising his courageous decisions that have saved Nigeria from economic collapse.
Kalu specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “whited sepulchre” that had deceptively appeared economical on the surface but was, in reality, draining the country’s resources.
He emphasized that this bold move served as the crucial catalyst that jump-started Nigeria’s economy.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the President’s courageous decision has crystalized Nigeria’s economic prospects, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.
Kalu also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geopolitical zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.
He believes that the initiative will meet the infrastructure needs of the people and foster economic prosperity and social cohesion.
While acknowledging the current hardship in the country however, Kalu urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring that better days lie ahead as President Tinubu’s economic policies mature.
He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration could not have come at a better time, stressing that the President is diligently working to reposition the nation for greatness.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run”, he said.
Wishing President Tinubu well, Kalu also prayed for many more years in good health, saying, “We celebrate not just your birthday, Mr. President, but also your tireless efforts to build a better Nigeria for all.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The president of Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs S.M Akintayo, has adjourned a divorce suit brought before it by a man, Kasali, against his wife, Ajoke, on the account of irreconcilable differences.
Kasali stated that he and Ajoke never had a traditional wedding, but that she moved into his house shortly after they met.
Kasali added that he refused to pay Ajoke’s bride price because she was no longer a virgin by the time they met
The plaintiff insisted on divorce because according to him, no meaningful communication ever held between him and his wife.
Kasali stated that he and Ajoke did not understand each other which was the reason for their regular fight.
Kasali further stated that Ajoke was already dating another man which made it imperative that the relationship between him and her be brought to an end.
Ajoke was not in court, although she was served court summonses.
Kasali, in his evidence, said, “My wife moved into my house shortly after we met.
“We never held any marital rites.
“I refused to pay her bride price when her parents insisted on having it because she is not a virgin.
My lord, living with my wife was an error.
“We never understood each other and hardly agreed on any issue.
“We lived like cat and dog; shouting at each other and nagging.
“There was communication breakdown in our relationship.
I heaved a sigh of relief the day she moved out of my house.
“I came to court to end our marriage. This I believe is necessary because she has started dating another man.”
(TRIBUNE)
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