…hails Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

The Federal Government has yet to commence direct allocation to Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to ongoing procedural processes, according to Hon. Odunayo Alegbere, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

Alegbere disclosed that LGAs have been instructed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the implementation of direct allocation. While the process is still underway, he commended the Federal Government for its efforts, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.

He assured that direct allocation would help eliminate poverty at the grassroots by granting local governments greater control over their finances and projects.

Alegbere acknowledged that while the journey towards full financial autonomy is not yet complete, steady progress is being made. He also criticized the current system where state governments conduct local government elections, arguing that it often results in selections rather than genuine democratic processes. However, he assured that ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly would soon address this issue.

“We are happy with the president, and though we have not yet reached our goal, we are making steady progress,” he stated.

The ALGON chairman emphasized that direct allocation to LGAs would help eradicate extreme poverty at the grassroots level.

“If you look at the grassroots level, the level of abject poverty is alarming. But with this new arrangement, we are confident that we will eradicate and stamp out poverty,” he said.

Alegbere also advocated for removing the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution and replacing it with a national body to oversee local government elections, ensuring a fairer process.

Alegbere linked Nigeria’s growing insecurity to the failure of the local government system. He argued that restoring local governments’ autonomy and involving traditional institutions in governance would significantly enhance security efforts.

“Unless and until we revisit the older system, addressing insecurity will remain a challenge,” he stressed.

He urged the government to integrate traditional rulers into the local government framework to strengthen grassroots security.

On the crisis in Rivers State, Alegbere commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in the state, stating that the intervention helped prevent a potential civil war.

Alegbere also addressed the claim of a fractional group to the ALGON Secretary-General position, warning that any such claimants are impostors. He reaffirmed that ALGON has a clear leadership structure and dismissed any disputes over its leadership.

He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would continue implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling and strengthening local government administration.

“We are the umbrella body of the 774 local governments in Nigeria, and we will continue to support the president in ensuring that the local government system functions effectively,” he concluded.

By Francesca Hangeior
 

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has uncovered an illegal maternity home, allegedly involved in child trafficking, unlawful medical practice, and impersonation.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, made this known in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Friday.

John said that the illegal maternity home was uncovered in Usung Atiat, the Abak Local Government Area of the state.

She said the rescued women were under protective care, while investigations were ongoing to uncover other collaborators and ensure justice was served.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command raided the premises and arrested a female, who was found harbouring seven pregnant women and five infants, aged between two weeks and one year.

“Further search led to the recovery of various medical supplies, including syringes, drip lines, herbs, and immunisation records, for which the suspect had no legal authorisation,” the PPRO said.

John reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling illegal activities endangering vulnerable individuals.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has said that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, once made a suggestive comment about her waist movements.

She made the allegation in an interview with BBC, adding that Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way”.

“We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way,” she added.

Natasha Akpoti told the BBC reporter: “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there.

“And Akpabio said ‘oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?

“There was another time he made a statement like ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.

“He makes such sexist statements.”

Asked how other senators react, Natasha Akpoti said: “And then they (other senators) all laughed.

“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa.

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”

Recall that the Senate suspended Natasha Akpoti on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour” after an altercation with the Senate President over seating arrangements.

The suspension came barely 24 hours day after she submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.

However, the Senate had insisted that Natasha Akpoti’s suspension had nothing to do with the petition.

Vanguard News