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Autonomy: 774 LGs challenge FG, states in court Tuesday

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will on Tuesday hear a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria against the Central Bank of Nigeria and others over the implementation of local government autonomy.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/353/2025, was instituted by the Registered Trustees of ALGON against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, state Commissioners for Finance, and 21 others.
Other defendants include the Minister of Budget and National Planning; Accountant-General of the Federation; the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, various commercial banks, and one Bello Lawal.
Following the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to LGs, ALGON filed a suit seeking an order restraining the disbursement of funds to local governments without its approval.
Additionally, ALGON demands that the 774 local councils be granted representation at Federation Account Allocation Committee meetings where allocations are discussed.
ALGON Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the suit hearing date to The PUNCH on Sunday.
In its originating summons, ALGON trustees’ prayers include: “A declaration that, given the Supreme Court decision on 11th July 2024, in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024, between Attorney-General of Federation vs Attorney-General, Abia State and 35 Ors, Constitution of ALGON, 1999, the 1st to 8th defendants cannot disburse monies to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, through the 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever, without the plaintiff authorising, approving said 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever after conducting due diligence on them to avert any diversion of the funds of the local government councils.
“A declaration that, given the Supreme Court decision on July 11, 2024, the 1st to 7th defendants or any other person whatsoever cannot discuss, approve, disburse or in any other way whatsoever deal with the monies accruing to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria without the representation of the local government councils at such deliberations, discussions, committees, howsoever called, including at the Federation Account Allocation Committee chaired by the 2nd defendant.”
Furthermore, ALGON contends that, while the Supreme Court judgment intends to liberate the local government administration, the AGF, Ministry of Finance, state Commissioners of Finance and CBN have taken “precipitate action to frustrate the implementation of the decision.”
ALGON, through its counsel, Okechukwu Uju-Azorji, further claimed that the 9th to 23rd defendants, which are the commercial banks, are already taking steps “to be the conduit pipe or warehouse from which any money or allocation meant for the local government councils will be collected.”
Meanwhile, nearly all defendants have filed preliminary objections, challenging ALGON’s locus standi to initiate the suit.
The CBN, represented by Sam Ologunorisa (SAN), submitted a notice of preliminary objection dated March 24, 2025, urging the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.
The apex bank contends that ALGON is not a legal entity recognised by the Constitution or any statute, and was not a party or beneficiary in the Supreme Court case upon which it now relies.
“The plaintiff/respondent was not a party to or named as a beneficiary of the Supreme Court decision in Attorney General of the Federation vs Attorney General of Abia State and Ors. SC/CV/343/2024 was delivered on 11th July 2024, upon which the plaintiff/respondent purports to rely for this suit.
“The plaintiff/respondent is neither a statutory body nor a government agency but rather an incorporated trustee (a non-governmental organisation) not listed in the Constitution or any statute.”
It further stated, “In precis, the plaintiff/respondent has no cause of action and locus standi to competently call on this honourable court to determine the questions brought before it and to grant the consequential reliefs sought. Also, this honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear and determine this suit as it is a clear abuse of the court process and urges this honourable court to be wary of the ploy of the plaintiff/respondent in inviting this honourable court to dispense its valuable time and resources on academic issues and usurp the powers of the legislative arm of government.”
The CBN maintained that under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, only statutory bodies may interface with the CBN in banking matters, and ALGON does not fall into this category.
It argued that ALGON’s assertion—that its approval is required before commercial banks can act as bankers to local councils—is unfounded and unsupported by law.
The apex bank urged the court to dismiss the case with substantial costs awarded against the plaintiff.
Similarly, counsel for the Federal Account Allocation Committee, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), argued that ALGON lacks the legal standing to bring the case, thereby robbing the court of jurisdiction.
“That being the case, since on the face of the plaintiff’s claim with requisite locus standi, we submit that it has also disrobed or divested this court of jurisdiction.
“We submit that by the tenor of the plaintiff’s claim before this court, it is obvious that the plaintiff is a mere busybody who has no statutory standing in the business of revenue sharing in Nigeria,” Fapohunda argued.
Also, the state Commissioners of Finance, through their counsel, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), stipulated the members of FAAC as not include representatives of the 774 LGAs, as being canvassed for.
He cited Section 6(1) of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 1982, which outlines the FAAC’s statutory membership—excluding local government representation.
“The plaintiff is not recognised under the Constitution and cannot enforce rights that were never conferred upon it by the law,” he added.
Also speaking on behalf of the state Commissioners for Finance, Fapohunda argued that ALGON is not a member of FAAC and lacks any constitutional or statutory entitlement to participate in its processes.
In an affidavit, Jeff Otache, the administrative manager at the offices of the Incorporated Trustees of State Finance Commissioners, described ALGON’s suit as “vague, imprecise, evasive, and an abuse of court process.”
The commissioners held, “The suit of the plaintiff is conjectural, vague, imprecise, evasive and hollow. That hearing the suit is a sheer waste of judicial time and it is in the interest of justice to dismiss or strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction.
“I know as a fact that the plaintiff is not a member of any of the defendants and as such cannot force itself on them. I also know for a fact that the plaintiff is a non-government organisation that has no nexus with the defendants’ statutory duties. That the plaintiff/respondent is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought,” he stated.
In response, however, ALGON filed a counter-affidavit, asserting its legal status.
It claims to have been incorporated as an association on May 10, 2002, with the principal objective of promoting and defending the autonomy and interests of local governments in Nigeria.
ALGON further accused the 24th defendant of falsely parading himself as its President without valid authority, in violation of the group’s constitution.
The group submitted its constitution and Corporate Affairs Commission registration documents as evidence of its legal status and right to sue.
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Just in: Tinubu’s son Seyi, Tops Controversial List As Lagos Guber Race Ignites Political Wahala

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 is gradually gaining momentum, with political stakeholders and groups across Lagos State already rooting for their preferred candidates.
Among those generating buzz is Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
A growing number of party faithful and influential figures are backing him, with popular Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, reportedly leading a ‘silent’ push for Gbajabiamila to emerge as the APC flagbearer in the next gubernatorial election.
Supporters are said to be banking on his close ties to the President and long-standing political experience, which they believe make him a strong contender.
“Gbajabiamila is not just a seasoned legislator. Now as Chief of Staff to the President, he has added executive experience.
“That’s the kind of leadership Lagos needs,” said Famous Oloyede, an APC chieftain from Surulere.
However, some party members believe that by 2027, Gbajabiamila, who will be 64, may be too old to govern a complex and fast-moving state like Lagos.
“He should stay back in Abuja and continue supporting the President. Lagos needs someone younger; and besides, it’s time another administrative district takes the seat,” a senior party source revealed.
Lagos State is organised into five administrative districts, collectively called IBILE, namely Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe.
Notably, the last four governors of the state, Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have all hailed from either Lagos Island or Epe.
Even Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor, identified as a native of Lagos Island.
The clamour for 2027 is not one-sided. Stakeholders from Epe, a region that once produced former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, are also pressing for political rebalancing.
Following Ambode’s fallout with the APC leadership, many indigenes believe Epe has been marginalised in the state’s power structure.
As a result, attention has shifted to the current Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who hails from Epe. Many locals view him as a competent and loyal figure capable of restoring Epe’s influence in Lagos politics.
“Epe has been marginalised for years,” said Olugbede Adekalu, a strong APC member.
“Ambode was not allowed to complete his second term, unlike others before him. It’s time to correct that injustice,” he said.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, is also being quietly touted by political and religious circles.
A notable Islamic cleric recently expressed support for Obasa’s candidacy, citing his legislative experience and grassroots popularity.
While Obasa has yet to make a formal declaration, he recently made a subtle remark that has further fueled speculations.
Speaking during a public engagement, the Speaker said, “Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”
Observers believe Obasa’s statement was a calculated message to signal openness to the race without making an outright announcement.
Also making the rounds is the name of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
While he has not publicly declared interest, speculations are rife, with several diaspora groups reportedly rooting for him.
This development has placed the party and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos, in a dilemma, especially as President Tinubu has remained silent despite the growing clamour for his son’s potential candidacy.
In addition to the growing field of aspirants, fresh agitations are emerging from Ikorodu, one of Lagos State’s largest administrative districts under the IBILE structure.
Despite the fact that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, hails from Iga Egbe, a traditional compound within the Ikorodu Division, many stakeholders are insisting the district is yet to be adequately represented at the top.
According to party insiders, there is mounting support for either Rep Babajimi Benson or Hamzat himself to emerge as the next governor.
However, should neither of them clinch the ticket, strong lobbying is ongoing for Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, former House of Representatives member and current Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, to be considered for the position of deputy governor, especially if the governorship goes to another district.
“Ikorodu deserves a real shot at the governorship. It’s one of the most loyal and populated zones in Lagos, yet we’ve never truly had our turn,” said a party source.
While some argued that Ikorodu had a brief taste of power through Abiodun Ogunleye, who served as deputy governor during Tinubu’s administration, a party member countered that Ogunleye’s tenure, just 14 days between May 15 and May 29, 2007, was too short to be considered meaningful representation.
A party insider from Ogolonto, a community in Ikorodu, stated:
“Ogunleye’s 14-day tenure was purely symbolic. You can’t call that real representation. That’s not power-sharing, it was a token gesture. Ikorodu deserves more than a fleeting appointment.
“Serving just 14 days as deputy governor hardly qualifies as meaningful leadership. Ikorodu deserves more than a fleeting appointment.”
Reflecting growing calls for more equitable power rotation across Lagos, some party members have maintained that adjoining districts long overlooked deserve a turn in the executive seat.
“Power should shift to Badagry now. They’ve never produced either a governor since 1999,” another party member told DAILY POST.
Another name quietly gaining traction within APC circles is that of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo (Tokunbo) Abiru, who currently represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
This district encompasses the local government areas of Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu
With many zones clamouring for recognition and no clear frontrunner emerging yet, one thing is clear: the contest for the soul of Lagos in 2027 will be one of the most keenly watched and hotly contested in the state’s recent political history.
News
Just in: FG receives Wigwe’s helicopter crash report from NTSB

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Alex Badeh, has confirmed that the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared the final report on the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, former NGX Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two pilots.
Recall that the tragic crash occurred on February 9, 2024, when an Airbus EC130B4 helicopter operated by Orbic Air, LLC crashed near Halloran Springs, California.
The NTSB’s final report outlined the primary causes of the crash, identifying “pilot disorientation” and a violation of flight protocols as key contributors to the tragedy.
Specifically, the report pointed to the decision to proceed under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions as a significant factor in the crash.
Badeh stated, “The NTSB shared the report directly with the NSIB as we are interested parties and in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 protocols.
“We do not necessarily comment on accident reports as they are not meant to apportion blame but to improve safety and prevent reoccurrence.”
When asked if the NSIB was satisfied with the findings in the NTSB report, Badeh emphasised that the NSIB does not engage in commenting on accident reports.
He clarified that the primary purpose of such reports is not to assign blame but to ensure that measures are put in place to enhance safety in the aviation sector.
“The report’s essence is to improve safety across the sector. The NSIB is not the head of aviation in Nigeria,” Badeh reiterated.
Badeh further confirmed that the family of the deceased had been in communication with the NTSB throughout the investigation process, from the time of the crash until the final report was released.
“The family of the deceased has been in contact with the NTSB at the time of the accident till the close of the investigation,” Badeh stated.
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Insecurity!Six Terrorists Silenced, Camps Destroyed as Troops Sweep Sokoto, Zamfara Forests

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a daring continuation of Operation of Troops FANSAN YANMA Phase V, the troops have penetrated deep into terrorist strongholds across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara States, dismantling layers of insurgent infrastructure and recovering weapons.
The multi-day operation, which began with swift assaults on identified camps, saw troops advancing through highly hostile territory, including Gidan Madi, Tsamiya Village, Tudun Ruwa, Alela, and several forested areas notorious for harbouring terrorist cells.
Security sources told Akelicious that the troops encountered multiple ambushes laid by fighters of the Lakurawa terror faction, a splinter group known for its entrenched operations in the North West region.
Despite the resistance, the troops pressed forward, clearing key hideouts beyond Alela village, including the Areo general area, Damoria, Tumuna Village, and the densely wooded Goboro Forest.
“These locations have been long used by terrorists as logistics hubs and operational bases for launching attacks on civilian communities and security convoys,” a senior military source familiar with the operation said.
The military offensive did not come without cost. One soldier was wounded in action (WIA) during the series of engagements, while a vigilante supporting the operation paid the ultimate price. The wounded soldier was promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital (8 DMSH) in Sokoto for treatment.
Troops also neutralised six terrorists affiliated with the Lakeurawa faction during the operation. Several others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, fleeing into the surrounding forest areas
Among the arms recovered from the cleared camps were various weapons, magazines, two handheld radios, and motorcycles which were some of the items believed to have been used for communications and mobility within the camps
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