News
House of Reps set to stop Federal allocation of 21 State Governors over Local Govt autonomy
The House of Representatives has announced measures to suspend local government allocations for councils across Nigeria led by unelected officials, effective immediately.
This decision follows the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ademorin Kuye, highlighting the urgent need to uphold democratic principles in local governance and address financial irregularities linked to non-elected local government officials.
The House has tasked the joint Committees on Finance, Revenue Mobilization, and Allocation (RMAFC) to withhold allocations from local governments not governed democratically. Alternatively, RMAFC will establish a dedicated account to hold these funds until democratically elected representatives assume office in those councils.
Additionally, the House has instructed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (oAuGF) to initiate legal action against any state government that prematurely terminates the tenure of local government administrations. RMFAC is directed to withhold allocations intended for these affected local governments.
Furthermore, the Committee on Legislative Compliance has been mandated to ensure strict adherence to these directives.
Hon. Kuye emphasised the motion’s intent, criticising state governors for disregarding Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the governance of local governments by democratically elected officials and mandates state governments to support their operations.
He said: “The House is aware also that by virtue of section 8 of the 1999 constitution as amended, mandates the State House of Assembly to make laws for the establishment, tenure, structure, composition, finance and functions of these councils stipulated by the constitution.
“The House is further aware that the local government, as envisaged by the constitution, is the most important tier of government as it is the closest to the people and the obvious foundation of both the subnational and the federal government.
“The House is informed that in December 2023 the Senate adopted a resolution to stop allocation to some States after debate on a motion sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro on the urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy, as more Senators urge the extension of sanctions to other States that have usurped and upended democratically elected council officials and had installed unelected caretaker executives.
“The House is concerned that the dissolution of democratically elected council officials is in direct contravention of section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, The supreme court pronouncement on such matters and a deliberate affront on democracy.
“Worried is the increasing number of States acting with such impunity and constitutional disregard as about 21 State Governors are currently running Councils with Caretaker Committees.
“The House is dismayed that this impunity and constitution disregard is a deliberate effort to upstage democracy, shrink the development potential of Local Councils, enshrine lack of accountability and limit transparency in Local Governments and the state as a whole.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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