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Governors Forum, State Assemblies Support LG Financial, Administrative Autonomy

Published

2 weeks ago

December 2, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as Speaker Abbas say poor conduct of council elections must be improved

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind the administrative and financial autonomy of local government councils in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, stated this at the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment Constitution Amendment organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), on Monday in Abuja.

According to Governor A dulrazaq, majority of the states have duly elected local government councils in place, and this reflects a strengthened commitment to democracy at grassroots level.

Represented by the Director, Legal Services of the Forum, Chijioke Chukwu, he said the NGF recognizes the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy as a landmark development with profound implications for governance.

The Governor said the LG autonomy presents an opportunity to deepen service delivery across critical sectors, particularly health, care, education, and other social services.

He further noted that by empowering local governments to manage resources effectively, we can collectively ensure that development to choose every Nigerian, no matter how remote their community may be.

He said: “The Governor’s Forum remains resolute in its commitment to the effective implementation of local government autonomy. The Governors are keen to collaborate with stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, and other arms of government to translate this autonomy into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.

“It is our belief that a well-structured autonomy with mutually aligned implementation framework would not only drive accountability and efficiency in resource management, but would also catalyze sustainable development goals at the sub-national level. Together, we can transform the local government system into a vibrant vehicle for economic growth, social development, and national integration.

“The Nigerian Governors Forum also reiterates its readiness to ensure that this transition to local government autonomy is impactful. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria”.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas in his remarks, described the conduct of local government elections in the country as disgraceful, and said it must be addressed.

He said, “Importantly, we must confront the disgraceful poor conduct of elections into the councils. We must find a way of instilling transparency, fairness and openness in the conduct of elections into local governments.doing this would require the understanding and collaborative efforts of the State governors and Houses of Assembly.

“We must find a way of convincing them that a strengthened local government system would relieve the States of unnecessary burdens and lead to grassroots development”.

Speaker Abbas, who represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the national dialogue was one in a series of consultations to harness citizens’ views and preferences towards efforts at having a truly peoples’ constitution in the country.

According to him, it serves as a vital opportunity for substantive discussions that will inform the Constitution Review Committee in making appropriate recommendations for amending the necessary provisions of the Constitution.

Abbas emphasised that this was essential to ensure compliance with the existing ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the status of local government councils.

He said it focuses on a critical aspect of our governance structure: the local government system.

“Local governments, the closest tier of government to the people, play an essential role in delivering services, fostering community development, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard at all levels of governance.

“However, for local governments to fulfil these roles effectively, they must operate with a degree of autonomy that allows them to respond promptly and appropriately to the unique needs of their communities”, he stated.

The Speaker further noted that there are significant challenges that hinder the effectiveness of local government councils, and they include inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, insufficient capacity, usurpation of its functions by other levels of government, corruption.

These and many more, he said, have plagued local governments for decades, not only stifle local governance but also impede national development.

He said the “need for reform has never been more urgent”.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the dialogue was not only to discuss a critical aspect of governance but also to reaffirm thr collective commitment to advancing democratic principles and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Kalu, who is the Chairman of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, also reiterated that as the closest tier of government to our citizens, local governments are pivotal in ensuring the delivery of essential services,ensuring inclusion, and enhancing democratic participation.

Represented by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, he regretted that the current state of local government councils and areas in Nigeria leaves much to be desired.

He said issues of limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity have continued to hinder their effectiveness.

Kalu said, “The recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming that local government councils and areas must be democratically elected and that their statutory allocations be paid directly to them marks a watershed moment in our nation’s governance journey.

“This ruling underscores the importance of ensuring that governance at all levels adheres to democratic principles and serves the people’s best interests. Yet, to fully realize the intent and impact of this landmark decision, we must confront the systemic issues that have long plagued local government administration.”

Executive Director of PLAC, Mr Clement Nwankwo, said the national dialogue on local government reforms is very key to improving the quality of our democracy.

“Local governments are so very key to any country’s democracy because it’s government at the grassroots. Unfortunately, the local governments in Nigeria continue to suffer from the lack of development of its institutions and its ability to deliver on its expectations of development.

“The House of Representatives Committee on the Constitutional Review taking on this issue as a major issue and as one of its flagship considerations as it proceeds and embarks on the Constitutional Review is so very important,” he said.

He hoped the conversation will translate into passage of landmark amendments l to the constitution that will impact on improving the quality of democracy.

Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and State Legislatures, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the issue of the independence and autonomy of local governments is at the heart of grassroots governance and development in Nigeria.

Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly was represented by the Speaker of the Jigawa House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu.

“Local governments will be pivotal to delivering essential services.fostering community participation and ensuring inclusive development. However, achieving this require robust financial and administrative independence, as well as transparent, credible, and legitimate elections.

“The state legislatures play an indispensable role in the realization of these goals as constitutionally empowered bodies.We are the gatekeepers of democracy and the sub-national levels. It is our duty to enact laws that empower local governments, ensure accountability, and provide oversight that guarantees the proper utilization of resources for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.

Director of Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cynthia Rowe, said local governments brings governance closer to the people and has real impact on the lives of the people.

She stressed the need for a proper local government system for the benefit of citizens.

Related Topics:chairman community Court Nigeria Nigerian

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Gov Adeleke Speaks On Death Sentence For Chicken Thief

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.

Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.

The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.

“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.

“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”

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Delta Assembly pardons two suspended members

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.

“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.

“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.

“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.

“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”

News

Heavy Security Presence at National Assembly as President Tinubu Presents 2025 Budget

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.

Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.

Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.

Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.

The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.