News
Court Stops Rivers Govt From Withholding 42 LGs’ Financial Allocations
Justice James Omotoso of a Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Rivers State Government from withholding the financial allocations of the 42 Local Government Areas in the state pending the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by the Chairmen of the Council against the state and nine others.
In a ruling on Friday, the Judge also stopped the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Police Commissioner in Rivers, Director General, the Department State Services (DSS), and Director, State DSS from withdrawing the security personnel of the local government Chairmen pending the final resolution of the their motion on notice.
Delivering ruling in an exparte application argued by counsel to the Chairmen, Aliyu Hussein, the Judge directed the Rivers State Government not to frustrate or prevent the local government Chairmen from discharging their duties and rendering services to their respective councils till the determination of the suit.
The Chairmen had, in the exparte application prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chairman, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, Attorney General of Rivers and Commissioner for Finance from withholding the revenue accrued to them pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice.
They also sought order of the Court restraining the IGP, Commissioner of Police in Rivers, DG, DSS, Director, DSS in Rivers, and AGF from withdrawing the security personnel attached to them.
They also sought an order prohibiting the defendants from preventing the enforcement or implementation of the newly amended Rivers State Local Government Law N:5 of 2024 pending the determination of the motion.
In a 33-paragraph affidavit in support of the application, the Chairmen claimed to have been duly elected in a democratically conducted election for a term of three years under the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government Law.
They asserted that they are autonomous and Constitutionally recognised as one of the tiers of the government and that Rivers State House of Assembly Enacted Rivers State Amended Law to guide their affairs and activities.
They claimed that Rivers State Government, AG, and Finance Commissioner who are not happy with the amended law have approached the IGP, CP, DG DSS, and Director DSS seeking the withdrawal of policing and other security services from them to frustrate the implementation of the amended law.
The Chairmen alleged that the Police Commissioner in the state who has the responsibility to advise the IGP on the policing and security needs of Rivers State is under substantial control of Rivers State Government and would implement the directive of the state government.
They further asserted that it would be impossible for them to carry out their respective functions and duties without policing and security services of the IGP.
Justice Omotoso, in a brief ruling, ordered that all parties in the suit should maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and warned that no party should take any step that would make the motion on notice nugatory.
Part of the ruling read “The plaintiffs are hereby ordered to serve the motion on notice seeking for interlocutory injunction on the defendants to enable them to have the opportunity to respond to same.
“That this matter is adjourned to 2nd day of May 2024 for the hearing of the motion on notice.”
The plaintiffs are Dr Chidi LLoyd, Chairman, Emohua Local Government, Hon Alwell Ihunda Chairman, Port Harcourt Local Government, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, Ikwerre Local Government area, Barrister George Ariolu, Chairman, Obio-Akpor Local Government, Dr Obbinna Anyawu, Chairman, Etchi local government area and Hon Chidorom Nwaiwu, Chairman, Omuma local government area.
Others are, Dr Hope Ikiriko, Chairman, Ahoada West local government area, Barrister Benjamin Isreal Eke, Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government, and Dr Roland Sekibo, Chairman, Akuku-Toru local government area among others.
The defendants are IGP, CP Rivers, DG DSS, Director DSS Rivers, AGF, Chairman Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Rivers State Government, AG Rivers State, and Finance Commissioner in Rivers State as 1st to 9th defendants.
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has stated that despite the 205 colleges of education which included federal, state, and privately owned is insufficient to address the country’s educational needs.
Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Speaker emphasised that the rising demand for education in Nigeria makes it necessary to establish more colleges of education.
The Speaker who noted that human capital is the foundation of any society’s development, explained that while material resources are valuable, they remain untapped unless harnessed through human knowledge, skills, and innovation to drive national progress, social mobility, and economic growth.
He further stressed that education was central to human capital development, and a key way to sustain the education system was by continuously producing well-trained and highly skilled teachers for primary and secondary schools.
“To achieve this, we must strengthen teacher education in Nigeria by expanding access to quality institutions that will equip the next generation of educators,” he said.
Speaker Abbas added that the bills under review demonstrate the lawmakers’ collective commitment to ensuring that all regions of the country have fair access to quality teacher education.
According to Abbas, public hearings are a crucial part of the legislative process, giving opportunity for stakeholders to refine proposed bills, and that the discussions would help lawmakers better understand the education sector’s needs and expectations.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to inclusive governance and values stakeholder engagement, and encouraged policymakers, education experts, community leaders, and the public to actively participate by offering insights that could shape policies to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
Chairman of the House Committee on Colleges of Education, Rep. Adamu Tanko, reaffirmed that education remains the foundation of national development, and assured that the House was committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality teacher education.
Tanko further highlighted that establishing new federal colleges of education is key to addressing gaps in teacher training, improving the education sector, and building a skilled workforce to drive national development.
He noted that the public hearing provides a platform for policymakers, education experts, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions.
House Leader and sponsor of ten related bills, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, expressed concern over the shortage of qualified teachers in many schools across the country. He stressed the urgency of establishing more teacher training institutions to meet the demand for skilled educators.
Rep. Anamero Dekeri, who is sponsoring a bill to establish the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Ogute-Oke, Okpella, highlighted the importance of technical education in driving national development. Representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, he stated that the proposed institution would harness the area’s potential and contribute to workforce development.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, has called for tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), insisting they should not be required to pay taxes.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by PWDs in Abuja, Rep. Dawodu also urged the government to grant tax relief to companies employing PWDs and those manufacturing facilities for their use.
The Chairman who acknowledged the need for tax reforms identified loopholes in existing bills, and stated that the committee would push for tax credits and waivers for companies producing equipment for PWDs.
Dawodu also advocated scholarships for teachers involved in special education and the establishment of a disability trust fund to protect the interests of PWDs.
He expressed concern over the poor implementation of the 2018 Disability Act, which has a five-year moratorium, stating that both government agencies and the private sector have not diligently enforced its provisions. He revealed that the House was working on amendments to impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.
The lawmaker highlighted some key provisions of the Act, including accessibility to public buildings, transport terminals, education, and healthcare facilities. He noted that despite the creation of the Disability Commission, only 22 states have domesticated the Act, urging others to follow suit.
Dawodu criticized the inadequate budget allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission, describing it as a sign of the government’s neglect of PWDs. He stressed the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organizations, noting that with over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities, the country must do more.
Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion, stated that the MoU includes a nationwide medical access support initiative for PWDs in underserved areas. He added that it also covers talent discovery, a reality TV show showcasing the resilience of PWDs, and an inclusive musical concert.
News
Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A prominent transporter in Oyo State and convener of a pressure group, “Know Your Right”, Kehinde Adebeshin a.k.a “Baba Ibeji” has cautioned the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to force the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products.
This surprise call came in the wake of industrial action by the PTD in Lagos State to protest the “persistent harassment” of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers attached to the Task Force and LASTMA officials in Lagos State.
Although the strike has been called off by the Union’s leadership on Wednesday, February 25, 2025; however Adebeshin decried the ripple effects of the hardship the action of PTD had caused Nigerians since Saturday, February 22, 2024, he described the Union’s decision as an act of economic sabotage. He maintained that it was unfortunate and regrettable that the union flagrantly failed to comply with the existing Lagos e-call-up enforcement which was aimed at regulating truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis.
Adebeshin blamed PTD and its parent body, NUPENG’s overzealousness and highhandedness on leadership gap, incompetence, lack of tact and administrative indiscretion. He also expressed disappointment on the implications of the strike on Telecom operators who also raised an alarm over an impending service disruption within Lagos and Ogun states, as diesel supply to their service locations were blocked for three consecutive days when the strike was on.
Adebeshin’s statement on Tuesday reads in parts:
“For lack of tact, competence, administrative discretion, and leadership gaps in operations, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have openly given opportunity for the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products and put a total stop to transportation of products through the road.
“The Union must be able to properly measure situations critically before down tooling, unfortunately, NUPENG and PTD have created room for business owners and Nigerians as a whole to label them economic saboteurs who stand the risk of being invited by the DSS. The Union brazenly failed to do its background check whether trucks arrested by Lagos State Task Force and LASTMA officials have not flaunted the existing Lagos e-call-up regulations which was designed to regulate truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis. Standing as an encumbrance to the government’s well intentioned program and policy is an affront which should never be tolerated.
“The circular by the Lagos State government to all stakeholders to streamline and regulate truck activities along Lekki-Epe axis of the state, effective March 1, 2025 did not exempt NUPENG or PTD, therefore all violators would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“NUPENG should note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has already collaborated with APM Terminals (APMT) to kick start container traffic service on the standard gauge railway, connecting Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan. This milestone can be replicated in the downstream sector of the Petroleum industry to enhance Petroleum products lifting and distribution activities, and providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation and ultimately help to reduce or put into a total halt, petrol tanker accidents which have claimed many lives and destroyed properties.
“It is good news to hear that NUPENG had eventually swallowed its pride by calling off the 3-day strike, they should engage more in peaceful dialogue with the government of Lagos State in the larger interest of Nigeria so as to foster symbiotic industrial harmony and prosperity. The Union should also try to fix the PTD leadership crisis in the nick of time and give room for people with vision, experience and positive direction to take charge of the PTD Branch and restore its old glory and dignity,” he said.
Reps Push for More Colleges Of Education to Strengthen Nigeria’s Education Sector
Reps Advocate Tax Exemption, Better Support for Persons With Disabilities
Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products
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