..demands Tinubu’s intervention

…counsels gov, agencies to avert breakdown of law

…threatens to use legislative instruments to curtail situation

Peeved by the manner elected local government chairmen and vice chairmen are being treated as if they are errand boys, the House of Representatives Minority caucus has condemned such acts that desecrates democracy.

To this end, the Caucus in a statement jointly signed by Rep. O. K. Chinda
Minority Leader , Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C Minority Whip, Hon. Aliyu Madaki ,Deputy Minority Leader and Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip demand an immediate intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

The Caucus also called on the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo and agencies to wave the big sticks they’re carrying with caution to avert breakdown down of law and order in the state.

In the statement, it outrightly condemned growing actions by the Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and some of his appointees to forcefully remove from office constitutionally elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of LGAs.

The Caucus declared: “It is disheartening that the Edo State Government (EDSG) has embarked on illegal, and unconstitutional methods ranging from coercion, intimidation, lawlessness, and propaganda to eject these elected officers which is tantamount to extermination of constitutional democracy.

“These acts of brazen executive recklessness, gross abuse of office, and disrespect for Nigeria’s constitution, if left unchecked, can lead to breakdown of law and order in the state.

“It is highly preposterous, and shamelessly ludicrous that the EDSG; governed by a lawmaker, with senior appointees who have legal backgrounds have the effrontery to disrespect the court judgement delivered by the state Chief Judge; Justice Daniel Okungbowa which upheld that the state (and/or it’s agencies) have no legal right to suspend or dissolve elected government councils.

” Indeed, it is very disturbing that even when the EDSG knows that Justice Okungbowa in his ruling, cited, and aligned with the Supreme Court judgement delivered in July 2024, in a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice; Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria which declared unconstitutional, null and void attempt by any state government or state House of Assembly to dissolve or suspend elected LGA Councils, the EDSG is bent on having its way.

The Caucus is deeply concerned that the flagrant disregard for judiciary, continued unlawful actions, and the deliberate disrespect for Nigeria’s constitution portends grievous threat to democracy.

” The serial harassment, coercion, intimidation, and forceful attacks on the LG Councils executives, party leaders, officials, members, and supporters across the state is a dangerous precedent that may snowball into constitutional crisis, and affect the peace, and unity of the state.

“Worried about the dangers of the illegal and unlawful actions of the EDSG, as well as the likely damage it may have on the image, and credibility of the present administration, the Caucus appeals to President Bola Tinubu to urgently call Governor Monday Okpebholo to order, and stop him from bringing our nation’s democracy to the gutters, and global disrepute. Mr. President needs to take immediate actions to rein in Governor Okpebholo, and take other measures that will inspire confidence in the minds of Edo state indigenes and residents; majority of who are terrified, apprehensive, and disillusioned about the growing tensions across the state.

“From various reports of the incidents, officers and men of the Nigerian Police, and other security agencies are allegedly being used by the EDSG, and other state actors to perpetrate these undemocratic actions, and unlawful shenanigans across the state.

“The Caucus charges the Inspector-General of Police; Kayode Egbetokun, and the leadership of other security agencies to intervene by giving marching others to their personnel to play their roles as unbiased enforcers of law and order.

Finally, as a responsible and responsive group, the Caucus reiterates that it may resort to legislative actions against further illegal and unconstitutional methods to forcefully remove elected LG Councils members from office by the EDSG, and rubbish democratic ethos.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the era when someone had to know a governor before becoming a Permanent Secretary has ended in the state.

Makinde made this declaration while speaking at the 2025 annual interfaith thanksgiving service held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday.

While addressing the gathering, the governor commended the state’s workforce and the labour union leaders for their support and cooperation since the inception of his administration.

He used the opportunity to charge them to put in more effort towards upholding their values as civil servants.

Makinde further emphasised that civil servants no longer need to know anyone or the governor before they can become permanent secretaries.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate the 45 newly appointed permanent secretaries.

Makinde, who spoke further, maintained that most of them merited the appointments after undergoing rigorous examinations and screening exercises.

He added that the outcome of the exercise was a testament to the fact that the system has changed for the better.

The governor advised them to see their appointments as the beginning of good things in their lives.

He said: “To the workers, your disposition and support have given us a lot of encouragement, and I want to urge you to keep it up. The way we lay our bed is the way we will sleep on it. Don’t relent, and I believe tomorrow will be better.

“To the new permanent secretaries, I want to say congratulations to all of you. I can say it openly, and you are there to validate this—80 per cent of you emerged strictly based on merit.

“Gone are the days in Oyo State when permanent secretaries were appointed based on who you knew or who knew the governor. You have done exams, passed with flying colours, and have been appointed permanent secretaries.

“By the grace of God, on Monday, I will swear you in. Take this as the beginning of good things in your life. This is also a validation of what the Oyo State Civil Service stands for. We have said everyone will be rewarded for their hard work. So, those of you striving, your time will also come.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared that vandals arrested by security agents in connection with the removal of sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Wike explained that such a measure would serve as a deterrent to others.

The minister also warned that all buyers and users of the vandalised manhole covers and other vandalised public infrastructure will be arrested and prosecuted for economic sabotage and putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions while describing their collaborative efforts as “fantastic” and a further assurance to the residents of the capital territory that their lives and properties are protected.

He also commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking out against the vandalisation, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is, first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”

Wike said: “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and they are known. It is therefore important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them even before they carry out their devilish acts.”

About 50 suspected vandals have been arrested for theft of manhole covers within the FCT.
Twenty-five vandalised manhole covers have been recovered by security agents.