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Despite LG autonomy, Nigerian governor spends millions on vehicles for council officials

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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has spent millions of naira to purchase brand new SUVs for chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of the state’s local government councils despite the July 2024 Supreme Court judgement affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

On 13 November, Mr Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Peter Odey, presented Coolray SUVs to 18 vice-chairpersons at the Government House Calabar.

Mr Odey was assisted by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar.

A spokesperson to Governor Otu, Nsa Gill, in a press statement on 14 November, said the SUVs were meant to enhance productivity and efficiency at the local councils.

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The statement said the Vice-Chairperson of the Obubra Local Government Council, Leonard Ogwa, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, “expressed gratitude” to Mr Otu for the vehicles.

Mr Ogwa said the vehicles would “enhance the smooth and efficient operation of their offices”.

The statement quoted Mr Ogwa as assuring them they would work alongside their council chairpersons to “build on the governor’s achievements.”

Cost of SUVs

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According to information available on the Internet, the retail price for a Coolray SUV is between N14,700,000 (Coolray SUV – Dynamic Plus), N13,900,000 (Coolray SUV – Dynamic) and N16,900,000 (Coolray SUV – Sport Plus).

At a unit price of N16,900,000, 18 Coolray SUV—Sport Plus would cost N304,200,000, but the Cross River State Government must have spent much more than that if that is the exact brand it bought for the officials. This is because of the characteristic opaque nature of government procurement processes in Nigeria, which makes them susceptible to prices of goods and services being inflated.

According to the statement, Governor Otu had earlier presented Ford SUVs to the chairpersons of the 18 local councils.

The governor may have spent at least a billion naira to purchase the vehicles for the council chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.

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Where did the money come from?

PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Otu’s spokesperson why the governor should give out vehicles to officials of local councils when the councils are expected to enjoy financial autonomy.

“The autonomy is still there, and the governor abides by the judgement of the Supreme Court, but you also know that even the (Nigerian) constitution also gives power to the House of Assembly to make laws for the administration of the local governments,” Mr Gill responded.

He said the governor’s giving out vehicles to the officials of the local councils does not diminish the regional government’s autonomy.

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PREMIUM TIMES also asked Mr Gill where the money for purchasing the vehicles came from.

“You know, for sometimes, there was a joint account (between the state government and the local councils) operation, and there were some reserve funds, so to say, in the joint account.

“I can’t say that the fund came from there, but I know they may have come from there as well,” he responded.

Mr Gill, however, said Governor Otu will not operate the joint account.

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He said there is some kind of partnership between the local and state governments to develop Cross River.

Our reporter asked Mr Gill about the possibility that vehicles for local officials may not have been a priority need of the councils.

“First, the chief executives of the councils need to be mobile. The departments in the councils will also need vehicles. And those vehicles (needed by the departments) will be bought directly by the councils,” he responded.

Background

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Before the landmark Supreme Court judgement, local councils and their officials existed at the mercy of the governors of their respective states.

Many governors deliberately refused to conduct local elections for several years. They were comfortable appointing their allies to run the affairs of the councils and dictating to them how to use the councils’ funds.

In some cases, the governor arbitrarily dissolved the leadership of some councils and handpicked a new set of officials.

With the Supreme Court judgement, the joint account has been abolished. The Accountant General of the Federation has been mandated to pay funds that belong to the local government directly into a council’s bank account.

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The Supreme Court also declared setting up a caretaker committee to run local councils illegal.

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Enugu Relationship Coach Sets Guinness World Record with 103 Interviews on Marriage and Family

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Popular Enugu-born relationship coach, Princess Joseph Okechukwu, who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest interviewing marathon by an individual has given reasons behind achieving such feat.

The Nkanu-born lady conducted interviews for 72 hours and 12 minutes, surpassing her initial target of 65 hours and 30 seconds.

The marathon, titled Kings’ Couples Palooza, began on Thursday, December 5, 2024, to December 8, 2024 at No. 61A Ezillo Independence Layout, Enugu, where Princess Okechukwu interviewed 103 participants, including couples, singles, widows, and divorced individuals, on topics related to relationships, marriage, and personal growth.

Speaking with newsmen after achieving this feat, Princess Okechukwu thanked God for the opportunity to have achieved one of her biggest goals in life.

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She stated that the zeal to inform the world about the beauty of marriage, its benefits, and more in a society that is gradually losing interest in family values prompted the Guinness World Record attempt.

She posited that there is beauty in workable marriages, and its awareness needs to be made known to all, especially those who are already misinformed.

According to her:
“This was about promoting the beauty of workable marriages and inspiring a renewed interest in family preservation.
The primary vision behind this record attempt was to show the world the beauty of workable marriage and stir the passion in them to desire them, thereby promoting marital rebirth and family preservation.
This prompted me to conduct in-depth interviews with over 100 couples and individuals, just to show the world the beauty of workable marriages and steps towards having great marriages.
I believe that there is a need for global awareness of marital rejuvenation and family strengthening, according to UN Goal 16 (Peace, Family Strengthening).

There is a need to promote marital rebirth and family preservation through mutual respect, meaningful connections, understanding of gender roles and responsibilities, trust, and right communication in relationships.”

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Princess Okechukwu also narrated the challenges and ordeals encountered during the Guinness World Record attempt, which she said almost demoralized her. However, her strong will and determination helped push her through.

“It was almost a failed mission. I had few individuals who believed in my vision, and to get the support of many was hard. A series of promises from people were not fulfilled.
But despite the absence of sponsors, physical supporters, and disappointment from expected and unexpected sources, I persevered and achieved my goal. Although I didn’t meet my initial proposed expectations, I believe that I delivered my best effort considering the resources available to me. My passion for promoting global awareness of marital rebirth and family preservation drove me forward, resonating deeply within me. I sought to demonstrate that a determined girl-child can accomplish extraordinary feats despite obstacles, as long as she believes in herself. Another source of my motivation was to make my husband, children, family, community, state, and country proud.”

She, however, thanked all those who availed their time, resources, and more to ensure a successful outing, while also urging everyone to join hands in strengthening the marital institution across the globe.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this endeavor, including the participants, volunteers, and witnesses. This achievement would not have been possible without their collective efforts.
As I look to the future, I am excited to continue promoting the importance of relationships, marriages, family, and community building. This record attempt has inspired me to pursue new initiatives and projects that foster meaningful connections and personal growth. Let us all join hands to make marriage a formidable institution for societal growth across the globe.”

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Reports also have it that independent witnesses and timekeepers verified the record attempt, ensuring all guidelines were followed during the Guinness World Record attempt, while volunteers also provided logistical support throughout the event.

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SHOCKING! Wife allegedly k!lls husband over infidelity

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A Nigerian wife in Ekiti has allegedly killed her husband by striking him on the head with a stick after he caught her in bed with another man.

The incident was shared on a popular social media platform, X formerly known as Twitter.

According to an anonymous post, the man had been suspicious of his wife’s infidelity and eventually caught her in the act.

Upon being confronted, the wife allegedly hit him on the head with a stick, leading to his death.

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The post read: “With ache in my heart ńa in I dey type this thing One woman just hit her husband 2by2 for head where he no go escape death because he’s been hearing say she dey cheat, lo and behold he caught her and the man never knew it would be the end of him.”

“He’s dead. Woman wey dey cheat, if she no kill herself she go kill husband, today this saying come to pass live and direct in ldo Ekiti.”

As the story circulated online, it sparked widespread reactions, with many users sharing their thoughts in the comment section.

See reactions below:

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@caeser5: “Na madness I go use know say my wife don knack another man.”

@janetfunmi: “And she will pay dearly for it. Something she will regret.”

@ifemi333: “A cheating woman when caught is dangerous, don’t sleep in the same house moments she is caught cheating. Don’t eat her food if possible go report her to the police station for eviction immediately for your own safety.”

@gdc4bb: “Man went to confront a lioness in her lair. Now he has left the land of the living while she lives to face the law.”

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@MrWhizdom: “I’m not going to lie , I’ve always been thinking maybe you can give a woman a second chance if she cheats. Man I’m happy this community exists. I’ve learnt things I didn’t even know I was supposed to learn.”

@Dim_Arinze: “Rumours are enough for me to quarantine a woman from myself. Then after investigating , I can continue depending on the results. Talk more of the actual cheating.”

@kshort: “More to say, once you caught your wife cheating; don’t drag anything with her. Just call everyone and end it there. Don’t let her kill you oooo.”

@sokabullah: “If only my gender could be bold enough to do the needful once you discover you have one around you.”

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@Jb_Phraidezyy: “My question is, why be in a relationship if you can’t stay true to the one you call your partner. Na God go punish that woman and my babe.’

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SAD! NUJ Mourns Death of Member, Ogonnaya Umeham

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed deep shock over the death of its member and former Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, Prophetess Ogonnaya Regina Umeham.

Prophetess Umeham passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness.

She was a former staff member of Daily Times Newspapers and, until her death, served as the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine.

This devastating news comes while the council is still grieving the loss of another member, the late Rafat Idris.

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In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ expressed its sorrow over this tragic and unfortunate loss.

The statement reads:
*“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council joins the family, friends, colleagues, and associates of Prophetess Ogonnaya Umeham in mourning the sudden passing of this vibrant journalist, whose health sadly deteriorated in recent months.

“This loss is particularly painful and devastating for us, coming just hours after the passing of another colleague, Rafat Idris.

“Prophetess Umeham, a former NAWOJ Secretary, who passed away on Friday morning after a protracted illness, worked with several reputable media organizations, including Daily Times Newspapers. Until her passing, she was the News Editor of Weekenders Magazine in Abuja.

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“She also served as the Secretary of the Credentials Committee for the Delegates Conference of NAWOJ held in Kano, where Comrade Gbenga Onayiga was the Chairman.”*

The family of Prophetess Umeham will announce her burial arrangements in due course.

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