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President Tinubu Vows To Strengthen LGs To Tackle Insecurity

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By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Tinubu has pledged commitment to strengthen Local Governments (LG) to overcome the challenges of insecurity in the country.
The President stated this at a one-day  National Discourse on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governace at Local Government Level organised by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the UK International Development and Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL), on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu said that it is imperative to confront the challenges of insecurity headon, if Nigeria has to move forward in the ourney towards development.
According to him, the challenges of insecurity have persisted over time, posing a threat to safety and well being of the nation.
He said that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, had inflicted untold suffering on the people and undermined collective peace and prosperity.
The President said: “We must realise that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security architecture by empowering local governments to fulfill their mandate if we efficiently and ethically create a solid foundation for ensuring safety, stability and well being of Nigerians.
“It is in light of the foregoing that our administration is committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system.
“This commitment is deeply rooted in our bottom of development approach; recognising that sustainable development, national security and prosperity can only be achieved when every level of government functions effectively and accountably”.
The President further said though significant strides and remarkable results had been made under his administration, so much more is needed to be done particularly by governments within the local areas where these attacks are prominent.
He said that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace and security and political stability, but with true national security laid in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
According to him, addressing these factors hold the key to achieve an enduring national security.
“The Local governments being the closest government to the people are strategically position in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address those challenges by empowering local government authority with the necessary resources and capacities to implement sustainable development initiative.
“We can create a more secure and stable nation, it is crucial to acknowledge that security is fundamentally about human beings first and foremost, not just the state.
“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities need and challenges,” he stated.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that effective governace at the national and subnational levels will bring about all round meaningful growth.
He believes that every Nigerian should, as a matter of civic responsibility, be interested in the effective functioning of governance and that good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society which encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness.
According to Speaker Abbas, Nigeria has a total of 774 Local Government Area which are viable instruments for development and for the delivery of social services to the people as a result of their proximity to the grassroots.
He said that an effective and efficient local government is an important recipe and tool for good governance at the grassroots and therefore we must do everything to improve good governance and enhance service delivery at our local government levels.
He expressed worries that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salary.
But said that Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more money into the coffers of their councils to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the states.
He said: “It is also necessary for the states to be devoid of Local Taxes and Levies, Commercial activities for example, public transportation, markets, car parks among others.
“This will enable Local Governments to use money generated to discharge their statutory responsibilities and embark on more developmental projects”.
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BREAKING: Tension in Delta as soldiers invade another community

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Fear grips Okpare-Olomu town, located in the Olomu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, after Nigerian military personnel invaded the community with three Hilux vehicles.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning around 7:30am, has left residents on edge, with reports indicating that the soldiers took control of the community town hall by force. It was learnt that locals are concerned about the military’s presence in their community.

It was gathered that the military stormed the community in search of some of the community’s leaders, especially its President-General, Okiemute Otoka.

The sudden appearance of the military in Okpare-Olomu community sparked widespread panic, with residents fleeing in all directions, while women and children ran for safety to avoid a repeat of a similar incident in Okuama community.

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According to Otoka, Okpare-Olomu community President-General, the military’s true intention was to disrupt the community’s annual conference, scheduled for Thursday, where crucial decisions on growth and development were to be made.

Otoka’s allegations suggest that the military’s presence was not just a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to interfere with the community’s affairs.

Otoka further accused some elders and leaders of the community of unlawfully selling communal land without the approval of the annual conference as those behind the invasion of the community by the military.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, there was apprehension in the community as the invading military personnel were still in the community.

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Source: Saharareporter

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Sad! Ex- Kwara Commissioner Abdulraheem Adisa Is Dead

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Ex-Kwara State Commissioner and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulraheem Adisa, has passed away at the age of 91.

He died in the early hours of Thursday, according to sources in Ilorin, the state capital.

Adisa, a loyal figure in the Saraki political dynasty, had an extensive career in journalism and public service.

He served as the Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, and as the Commissioner for Information in Kwara State. He also held the position of Chairman of Moro Local Government Area in the state.

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The burial arrangements are currently underway, with the funeral scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Muslim Public Cemetery in Ilorin.

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Stop Managing Nigeria Like Your Personal Business – Edwin Clark Blasts Tinubu

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Elder statesman Edwin Clark has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to refrain from treating Nigeria as if it were his personal outfit.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader and elder in Nigerian politics, emphasized that the nation’s leadership must be grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and respect for democratic principles.

Clark, who has long been an influential figure in Nigerian politics, expressed deep concerns over recent policies and actions he believes favor narrow interests over the collective good. He cited the President’s economic decisions and appointments as examples of a tendency to prioritize personal or regional advantage, rather than acting in the best interests of all Nigerians.

“Nigeria is not a personal business where one person’s decisions rule unchecked,” Clark declared. “We have a democratic system in place, and the people of Nigeria expect the President to be accountable to them, not to his personal interests or those of his inner circle.”

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The 86-year-old statesman also called on President Tinubu to embrace a more inclusive governance model, one that listens to the voices of all Nigerians, including opposition groups and civil society organizations. “This is not about personal power,” Clark said. “It’s about national unity, prosperity, and the future of our children.”

The call comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, as debates over the President’s economic reforms, security strategies, and appointments continue to dominate public discourse. Critics argue that some of the administration’s policies have disproportionately benefited certain groups while leaving others behind, exacerbating existing inequalities.

In response to Clark’s comments, government officials have yet to release a statement, but supporters of the President have dismissed the remarks as part of a broader political attack aimed at undermining the administration’s legitimacy. They argue that the President’s actions are driven by a desire to modernize the economy and stabilize the nation, especially in the wake of mounting challenges such as security concerns and a faltering economy.

Despite the differing views, Clark’s warning resonates with many Nigerians who feel that their country is at a crossroads, and that leadership must be more than just a pursuit of personal power. As the nation prepares for the years ahead, calls for a government that serves all citizens, rather than a select few, continue to echo across political and social platforms.

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