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![[PRESS RELEASE] Notice of the Passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN](/media/k2/items/cache/52af6440b37905e99a21f14878cbfd1e_L.jpg)
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, who peacefully departed from this world on the 28th of June, 2024, in London.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN was an alumnus of St. Gregory's College, Mayfield College, and the University of Lagos, where he successfully obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Law - LLB(HONS).
His professional journey commenced as a Legal Counsel at Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company from October 1984 to October 1985. Subsequently, he joined the esteemed law firm of Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers as an Associate Counsel for a period extending from January 1986 to October 1991 serving for a period of 4 years and 10 months. In October 1991, Mr. Nwokedi SAN founded the legal practice of Uche Nwokedi & Co, Legal Practitioners, where he served as the Principal Counsel until his recent passing.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, was widely recognized as a preeminent commercial lawyer, renowned for his expertise in commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration. His advocacy skills earned him the reputation of being a 'calm and extremely persuasive advocate' as acknowledged in the Legal 500, Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s leading Energy and Natural Resources Lawyers (Legal 500). Additionally, he was the Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Nigerian Oil and Gas Cases, a comprehensive compilation of oil and gas case laws in Nigeria.
Beyond his legal illustriousness, Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. Noteworthy among his endeavors was the acclaimed musical production, Kakadu the Musical, which garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos Switzerland, and South Africa. Through his youth development foundation, The Playhouse Initiative, Mr. Nwokedi SAN mentored young talents through music and drama, fostering meaningful communication and development. The Playhouse Initiative has presented various successful musicals in Nigeria, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under license from the Really Useful Group, and other enthralling productions including recitals and choral concerts.
Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was the creative force behind the renowned M-Net Africa Magic legal TV drama series, "E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem", which garnered accolades and nominations. He contributed insightful opinions on socio-political matters to several national dailies in Nigeria. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he held the prestigious title of a third-degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005.
Noteworthy among his literary works is "A Shred of Fear", Mr. Nwokedi's poignant memoir that encapsulates a child's experiences during the Biafran War. Written in evocative prose, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and tragic, depicting the challenges faced during the war and the subsequent struggles for reconciliation.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi leaves behind his loving wife and three children.
In this time of profound grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we pray for the solace and eternal peace of Uche Nwokedi, SAN and our departed colleagues. Amen.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated promptly upon receiving information from his family.
Signed:
Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Secretary
- Femi Ogbonnikan
IT is the desire of every government at any level to grow the economy for the improved welfare of the citizenry. However, not all those elected into public office have the right strategy to achieve their aspirations. Some came unprepared for the job. As such, they spend their time learning the ropes.
Before coming into the saddle, Prince Dapo Abiodun had a clear vision of taking Ogun State to the next level of sustainable economic growth focusing on road infrastructure as a catalyst for industrial transformation. Already, so much has been said about the network of roads under the administration. This has turned Ogun State into the preferred destination of choice for investors. Today, the state can boast of no less than 6000 industries, including the largest cement factories in Nigeria, producing the highest tons of cement. These include Lafarge, Dangote as well as others that are just springing up.
The state is equally the home of industrial giants like Nestle, Cadbury, Unilever, May & Baker, International Breweries, Olams, Flour Mills, and a host of others. Already, there is also a projection that the ongoing industrial zone will create between 30,000 and 50,000 new jobs with multiplier effects on the state economy and the country at large. As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state government and private companies, the industrial zone has been chosen as an economic hub with partnerships in different parts of the sub-region, Ivory Coast, Garbon, Togo, Republic of Benin, and so on.
With this feat, one cannot say that Governor Abiodun is reinventing the wheel. What he is doing differently as against the policies of his predecessors is the priority placed on the creation of an enabling environment for industrial growth through aggressive road infrastructures, security, and land reforms, among others. There is a nexus between roads and industrial growth. The two are mutually reinforcing. Roads not only enhance connectivity among communities but also extend trade and network. It equally helps in rapid industrialisation, increases employment opportunities, boosts interstate connectivity, and promotes even development.
For those conversant with history, roads, canals, and railways were three major components of transportation improved during the first industrial revolution. People used the roads as the basic way to transport goods from one place to another.
The trajectory of growth under the Abiodun administration follows the same pattern. And it is the reason the state has emerged as one of the three leading most economically viable states in the country.
In so far as the network of road projects is concerned, Governor Abiodun has left his imprints in the sand of time. Through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, he has successfully transformed the state’s infrastructure landscape. Today, over 500 kilometres of roads have been constructed across the state to ease the movement of goods and persons. Apart from internal connectivity, priority has also been given to the highways that connect Ogun with neighbouring states, particularly Lagos.
As a result, people can now travel between Lagos and Ogun State in less than an hour for a journey that would hitherto take two or three hours or even more before the advent of the present administration. More and more people are now coming to Ogun State to live, to work, and to hold conferences because of easy accessibility.
Other than roads, the real game changer is the construction of the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport billed to commence flight operations anytime from now. Though a capital-intensive project, the Airport was built in a record-breaking short period of two years, making it the fastest to be constructed ever in the history of this country. It recorded the first historic flight landing sometime last year. As already projected, the Airport will begin scheduled and non-scheduled flights any time from now, as the approval process to get the airport running has reached an advanced stage.
To give a further boost to the industrial transformation initiative of the administration, the Governor has expressed interest in acquiring the Hydro Power Plant situated at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to facilitate the availability of energy for investors in the state. The Governor revealed this during a meeting with the new Managing Director and CEO of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru and his management team.
Abiodun emphasized the significance of revitalizing the long-abandoned Hydro Power Plant to attract sufficient energy for business interests in the state. He highlighted the potential for the state to become a hub for industrial activities by ensuring affordable energy costs through this acquisition.
He had this to say: “We are aware there is a Hydro Power Plant that is installed in the river basin for several years. It was a Federal Government initiative. As a state government, we have expressed interest in the acquisition of that Hydro Power Plant.
“It is almost obsolete by now. Only God knows the level of vandalization, but we believe that if it is transferred to us as a state government, I think they’ve already spoken to the OEM, the original equipment manufacturer and we can jointly look at how to ensure that not only do we resuscitate it, but actually expand it.
“You are aware that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria and electricity is a key enabler in the industrial revolution and one of the visions we have as a state government is to ensure that Ogun State becomes one of the states if not the state where the cost of energy will be the cheapest.
“I believe that if we are able to acquire this Hydro Power Plant, it will go a long way to supporting the actualisation of our vision.”
Governor Abiodun further acknowledged the importance of effective management of the river basin in controlling flooding, particularly in areas like Ibafo, Isheri, and Kara. He disclosed plans to engage consultants to address the recurring flooding challenges and enhance water resource management.
“As a state government, we are looking at engaging consultants to recommend to us what we can do to ensure that this perennial recurrent problem is finally resolved.
“I am sure you also know that the management of that river basin is also very key to the control of flooding in Ogun State.
“The water table rises and falls. The areas between Kara, Mowe, Ibafo, Isheri North have in the recent times been flooded that many people cannot even access their homes.
“We have called the attention of the Ministers of Water Resources, Humanitarian and a few other ministers have come here to look into what are the immediate causes, what can be done to manage the situation in the immediate and the long term,” he added.
As a major stakeholder in the renewed economic integration among South West states, Abiodun stressed the need for collaborative efforts to leverage the Basin Authority’s resources for agricultural development and food security initiatives in the region. “This River Basin is also very fundamental to agriculture and food security. This is an area that is extremely important to the President and his Renewed Hope agenda.
“As a state government, we are looking forward to working with you collaboratively to ensure that we tap into the advantage of having you and having the Basin Authority in this state to ensure that it becomes a resource that will catalyse the agricultural program we are currently implementing and our food security initiatives.
“Through that River Basin Authority, we can ensure that there is adequate water supply for our farmers that are either upstream or downstream from the dam,” Abiodun enthused.
In his remarks, Ashiru said that the basin under his watch would enhance water resources management, promote agriculture, and also support infrastructure development within the region.
Development effort without security is nothing. Concerned with adequate protection of lives and property, the Abiodun administration has been able to tackle the challenges of insecurity by equipping security agencies with modern gadgets and patrol vehicles. With the establishment of the Security Trust Fund, the state has procured relevant security gadgets, including drones, for security agencies in the state, while also augmenting the allowances and living conditions of security personnel to enhance security and safety in the state.
In return of these gestures, Governor Abiodun has acknowledged the effort of the Nigeria Police Force in securing lives and properties in the state. He gave commendation to the state police command when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South West region, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, who was in his office on a courtesy call.
He said police personnel in the state had been up and doing in the discharge of their constitutional roles in collaboration with other sister agencies. “We have enjoyed the cooperation of the police. Their collaboration with other security agencies including the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and of course our Amotekun has led to the peaceful atmosphere that we enjoy and this has also encouraged investors to come and do business in our state.”
The Governor also lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ogun, Oyo and Lagos state commands in tackling criminal activities, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, stating that this had brought down the rate of criminality in that corridor.
He applauded DIG Alabi for touring the region to see how his men were faring and how they relate with the people. He commended the Inspector General of Police (Dr Kayode Egbetokun) for his support and the Commissioner of Police (Mr Abiodun Alamutu) for doing a wonderful job in the State.
In his remark, DIG Alabi said there was the need for interface with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective community policing in the country, adding that his visit was in line with the directive of the IGP for the six DIGs to tour their regions to assess security situation and come up with strategies to deal with such. He thanked Governor Abiodun for always supporting the force, even as he pledged the readiness of his men to up their game and provide the State with the needed security.
Despite all these, the Governor has promised not let his guard down. What’s more! He has said that his administration has awarded contract for the reconstruction of the 63km Ado-Odo/Abeokuta expressway road. He disclosed this during the commissioning of Ilaro -Iwoye-Owode road in Yewa South Local Government Area.
He said the reconstruction of the road was part of his administration’s efforts to address the infrastructural deficit in the State. He described the road as the second busiest in the country, adding that when completed, it would allow for the evacuation of goods and services from the axis through the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to other parts of the country.
He said construction work had commenced on the Sagamu-Papalanto road, while that of Papalanto to Ilaro remained on course. “We have just awarded the Ado-Odo/Abeokuta road. It will be the most expensive road this administration has reconstructed. It is 63 kilometres.
“That road is the second busiest road in the country and extremely important to the economy of Yewaland, Ogun Central, and the entire Ogun State.
“From our industrial capital of Ado-Odo/Ota, it allows you to evacuate goods and services through that road to the hinterland. Those in Ado-Odo/Ota will go on that road through Papalanto, link the interchange and you are there on Lagos-Ibadan expressway,” he stated.
Development is forever a work in progress. Thought the state might not have reached the desired destination envisaged by the Abiodun administration, there is assurance that things will progressively get better as the state marches on in its drive for economic prosperity. Yes, the best has yet to come.
- Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
The controversy ignited when, on June 4, the PSC announced the successful recruitment of 10,000 applicants, a list that was later rejected by the police force on June 15.
The police, in a statement by its spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, claimed the recruitment process was fraught with corruption and irregularities, noting that the list included names of individuals who “did not even apply” for the positions.
The rejection of the recruitment list by the police led to a sharp response from the PSC’s union, which called for the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of misrepresenting facts related to the recruitment process.
In a defiant stance, the PSC maintained that the recruitment was conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, affirmed on June 25 that the final list of successful candidates would remain unchanged, urging the police force to provide evidence to back their allegations of corruption.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Police Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem, in a chat with Punch, emphasized the minister’s commitment to resolving the issue discreetly and efficiently, stating, “Minister working underground to resolve the issue between the two organisations. He doesn’t want the matter to go out of hand.”
[NaijaNews]
A former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, has died after a brief illness.
Family sources said he had been clinically ill due to old aged related sickness for weeks before he died in his Abuja home in the early hours of Sunday.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi passed on to glory a few minutes ago, early Sunday morning,” a family source said.
The late Admiral was Chief of Defence Staff between 1999 and 2003.
He was the first Naval officer to reach four star rank in the Nigerian military, including being the first chief of Defence Staff from Navy.
The late chief of Defence Staff hailed from Okura, Lafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
[DailyTrust]
The Presidency has dismissed the claims of a non-profit organisation, BudgiT, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, plans to run four budgets within a fiscal year.
Recalls that the Senate resumed plenary on Thursday to extend the capital section of the 2023 supplementary budget.
In a statement on Friday, BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, said it was worrisome that the Federal Government could be drafting a 2024 supplementary budget to be implemented alongside the 2023 yearly budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and 2024 annual budget.
Okeowo condemned the development, stating it would amount to severe budget credibility issues.
In a statement via X on Saturday, Peter Obi described the move as a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
According to the former Governor of Anambra state, the action of Tinubu’s government will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Reacting to the development, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement via X, said the Federal Government is not planning to run four budgets within a fiscal year, as alleged.
Ajayi also slammed Peter Obi for jumping on the unverified report from BudgiT to spread misinformation.
The statement read, “Yesterday, @BudgITng raised a false alarm on the basis of rumours that FG is planning a 2024 supplementary budget. It is important to state that the FG is not planning to run 4 budgets within a fiscal year, as being alleged.
“The National Assembly only approved that implementation of the capital components of the 2023 budget and 2023 supplementary should be extended to December 2024 to achieve its objectives.
“Our country can’t achieve sustainable development when Federal, States and Local governments focus on only consumptive expenditures, which is essentially what recurrent expenditures represent.
“It is the capital expenditures that drive economic growth, strengthen private sector output and create employment opportunities for citizens.
“As a reputable civic organisation, Budgit can not afford to be flippant and be unduly sensational. Expectedly, @PeterObi has jumped on the false claims to push his new round of misinformation.”
No fewer than 21 states in the country are currently without duly elected local government councils.
These states are running the affairs of local government councils with caretaker committees appointed by state governors, an investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed.
This is against the provisions of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the operation of local government by democratically elected officials.
There are 774 local government areas in the country, but the efficiency of the third tier of government has been hampered by the actions of some governors who have been accused of mismanaging funds meant for the administration of local governments.
In the last few months, calls for local government autonomy have increased in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has also supported these calls. In May, the Federal Government approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel governors of the 36 states to grant full autonomy to the local governments in their domains.
Currently, the Federal Government receives 52.68 per cent, states receive 26.72 per cent, and LGs receive 20.60 per cent of the country’s monthly revenue allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which is domiciled under the Presidency, and is disbursed by the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
LG funds are paid into a joint account operated by state governments and local governments in their domains.
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Audu Ogbeh, who was recently interviewed on Channels Television, stated that the Federal Government should discontinue the payment of LG funds to such joint accounts, and move them to accounts solely operated by local government administrations.
“I cannot be sending you money that disappears. You don’t repair primary schools, you don’t do anything. The money vanishes and they say they are paying workers; for which work? Strolling around in the morning and drinking palm wine? These are the issues. Those failures are creating dangerous problems for the country,” he said.
He added that some governors appointed their stooges as caretaker chairmen for local governments, gave them stipends, and diverted large chunks of the money allocated for local government administration to questionable quarters.
On June 28, 2024, the government of Jigawa State dissolved the elected council chairmen of the 27 local governments in the state.
Earlier, the Jigawa State House of Assembly had amended the local government law, extending the time for fresh local council elections by one year and ordering the appointment of caretakers before the election.
Though the government has yet to provide further information regarding the issue, it is believed that based on the amendment by the assembly, the caretaker committee may take up the task.
Recently, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appointed caretaker chairmen to take charge of LG councils in the state following a power tussle between him and the erstwhile governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
On June 20, 2024, the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, through the state’s House of Assembly, confirmed the appointment of transition committee chairmen and councillors for the 21 local government areas of the state.
The assembly confirmed the appointment in line with Section 208 of the Local Government Law, 1999 as amended, as requested by Soludo.
The newly-appointed chairmen are Ifeanyi Chiweze (Anambra East), Fidelis Nnazo (Anambra West), Romanus Ibekwe (Anaocha), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Alphonsus Ofumele (Ayamelum), Chijioke Ozumba (Dunukofia), and Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North).
Others are Chinedu Ononiba (Njikoka), Val Ezeogidi (Nnewi South), Franklin Nwadialu (Ogbaru), Anthony Nwaora (Onitsha North), Casimir Nwafor (Orumba North), and Shedrack Azubuike (Orumba South).
The state noted that the local government transition committee chairmen will serve for three months in the first instance.
In Imo State, the last council poll was conducted on August 25, 2018; and was the first LG election in seven years.
In Kwara State, the last council election was in November 2017, and caretaker committees had been in charge since 2020.
In Zamfara, the last grassroots poll was held on April 27, 2019, and the state returned to appointees after the chairmen’s tenures expired. In May 2024, the state assembly approved a six-month extension for the caretaker committee.
In Benue, however, elections are scheduled to be held on July 6, 2024, for LG council chairmen.
Other states affected include Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River.
Speaking to our correspondent on the matter, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, described the constitution of caretaker committees as illegal, adding that it went against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Caretaker committees remain illegal. State governments should therefore abide by the rule, especially with total respect to Section Seven, Subsection One of the 1999 Constitution. It further reinforces the correctness of the President Bola Tinubu-administration in taking a bold step in seeking legal intervention against the violation of the constitution with impunity by state political actors,” Ambali added.
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had dragged the 36 states to the Supreme Court over the issue of LG autonomy.
The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.
The Federal Government urged the apex court to issue “an order prohibiting state governors from the unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments.”
In the suit predicated on 27 grounds, the Federal Government accused the governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
The FG, in the originating summons, prayed the Supreme Court to make an order expressly stating that funds meant for local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments, rather than through the state governments.
The justice minister also prayed for “an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.”
The Federal Government further sought “an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.”
Allow LGs enjoy full autonomy, ALGON tells states
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Director-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Itiako Ikpokpo, called for financial and administrative autonomy for local governments.
He said, “There are fundamental issues with the structures of local government across Nigeria, and most of them are constitutional issues. Our national president has said that there are fundamental issues to be dealt with.
“One of the issues is the financial and administrative autonomy of local government. When we talk about financial autonomy, it means strictly sending money directly to local governments across the country. Administrative autonomy is about handing over the structure of the local governments to the LG chairmen, just the way it is in the states and at the federal level, where the governors and the president respectively are in charge. It is not right for state governments to be running the affairs of the local government just as it is not right for the federal government to run the affairs of the states.
“So, you find a situation where the Local Government Service Commission, which is in charge of the promotion of workers, has directly taken over that function. We have the issue of uniformity of tenure. If four years is good enough for the president and state governments, why would four years not be good enough for the council chairmen? What makes them lesser when they have been described as a part of government in the Constitution? So, there are a lot of fundamental issues.”
Ikpokpo, however, noted that some governors were allowing local governments to run without interference.
“There are some governors that are actually doing well. Some of them are not taking local government money, and they are conducting elections when due. So, you must separate them from those who have continuously kept us in the situation that we are in, because the issue is not just about the caretaker committees.
“Whether they are caretaker chairmen or elected chairmen, are they allowed to operate without interference?” he asked.
The ALGON DG also urged the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to do its job by tracking LG funds, noting that Nigeria will only move forward when the local government system is allowed to work.
“If the local government system works, Nigeria will work,” he said.
Governors should stop crippling LGs — SAN
Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a human rights lawyer, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the “unbearable influence” of governors on local government, accusing them of crippling local government administration in the country by preventing the third tier of government from performing its functions.
Osigwe said it was illegal and undemocratic for governors to appoint caretaker committees to administer the affairs of local governments. He stressed that the constitution should be amended to allow local governments control funds made available to them, adding that the joint account with states should be stopped.
He said, “There is a Supreme Court decision on that. Section Seven of the Constitution guarantees a democratic system of local government, so being democratic means the leadership of local governments must evolve through elections, not by appointment. Governors do not have the power to appoint caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments.
“The governors’ unbearable influence on local government should be stopped, and a law should be put in place to ensure that any governor that fails to conduct local government elections to put in place democratically elected officials should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That way, the states will conduct the elections.
“The states have taken over local governments, and they use them for political patronage. They also use money meant for local governments for things that are not constitutionally approved.
“So, I support the move by the Federal Government that states that do not conduct local government elections should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That is the only way we can secure the independence and autonomy of local governments.”
Caretaker committees for LGs violate constitution — Lawyer
Also speaking with our correspondent, a legal practitioner, Tosin Ojaomo, lampooned the appointment of caretaker committee chairmen to oversee local governments, labelling it a blatant violation of the constitution by state governors.
Ojaomo noted that the constitution stipulates that local governments must be led by elected officials following democratic processes.
He said, “There is nowhere in the Nigerian constitution that governors are given power to choose caretakers for local governments. The law is that local governments should be democratically managed in Nigeria.
“What these governors are doing is unconstitutional. It is pure illegality. The constitution is very clear. It states that local government leaders should emerge through democratic means. This indicates that elections must be conducted, and winners must emerge after an election is conducted. The problem we are having is also constitutional.”
Ojaomo added that a fundamental reason states continued to flex muscles over local governments and deny them their constitutionally guaranteed administrative autonomy was because of joint state and local government accounts.
He stressed that allocations coming to the local government should not go to the state.
He called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and legal precedents in the governance of local governments, emphasising the need to safeguard democratic principles and prevent undue influence from state authorities.
He said, “There is no provision for caretaker committees in the Constitution. It must be an elected government at the local government level. There are so many pronouncements by the Supreme Court that local government caretaker committees are illegal. The way to enforce the law is to ensure that local government chairmen should not be at the mercy and control of state governors.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission should also conduct local government elections in Nigeria. If elections of House of Assembly members are being conducted by the INEC, it should also conduct elections for local government chairmen. With that, there will be a level playing field. Most governors choose to appoint their cronies to be members of the state electoral commissions, and that is the only part they are aware of in installing their stooges at the local government level.”
Speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner, Eze Oyekpere, condemned the actions of governors appointing caretaker committee chairmen for local governments, stressing that their handling of local government funds was illegal.
Oyekpere stressed that the governors, without rightful authority, appropriated funds meant for local governments, an act he categorically described as stealing.
He stated, “If I take your money and keep it without the intention of giving it back to you, and it’s without your consent, or simply because I think I can beat you, what is it? That is stealing. What they are doing is stealing.
“The money does not belong to them. They are not supposed to know anything. They collect it and keep it back without the consent of the donors. So what they are doing is stealing. Simple.”
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has condemned the federal government for operating multiple budgets concurrently.
In a post on X on Saturday, Obi said this is a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
Currently, the federal government is operating the 2023 budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and the 2024 budget — and on May 29, President Bola Tinubu said the 2024 supplementary appropriation bill would soon be presented before the national assembly.
According to Obi, this action by the federal government is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.
“All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently,” he said.
“This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.
“This intentionally reckless action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.”
Obi said Nigerian leaders are disconnected from reality and lack the competence to manage the nation’s finances effectively.
“It indicates that the leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way.
“I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting. We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few. This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.”
The former presidential candidate added that neither the national assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour.
BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, has also condemned plans by the federal government to implement four national budgets concurrently.
In a statement issued on Friday by Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s country director, the organisation described the situation as a worrisome development.
He pointed out that globally, budgets are typically prepared to cover 12 calendar months, from January to December.
Okeowo warned that if multiple budgets are implemented simultaneously, projects from the 2023 budget and the 2023 supplementary budget will compete for the limited resources available to the federal government with essential projects in the 2024 budget.
A Panamanian court has acquitted all 28 people standing trial for money laundering as a result of the Panama Papers scandal.
Leaked in 2016, the secret financial documents showed how some of the world’s richest and most powerful people used tax havens to hide their wealth.
The BBC reports that Jurgen Mossack and the late Ramon Fonseca, founder of Mossack Fonseca, the defunct law firm at the center of the scandal, were among those cleared by the court.
Prosecutors in the case argued that the Mossack Fonseca law firm and their associates created a web of offshore companies to hide money linked to illegal activities in the ‘car wash’ corruption scandal.
‘Operation Car Wash’ was a money-laundering investigation into Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil company.
But Mossack and Fonseca denied that they, their firm, or their employees had acted illegally.
Prosecutors had been seeking maximum prison sentences for the duo before Fonseca died in May.
However, closing out the case, which started in April, on Friday, the judge dropped all criminal charges against all 28 defendants.
Baloisa Marquinez, the presiding judge, said the evidence considered by the court was “not sufficient” to determine the criminal responsibility of the defendants.
The Panama Papers, considered the biggest data leak in history, were the product of a year-long investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, and over 100 news organisations.
The leak saw 11 million documents released to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and over 100 news organisations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s associates were said to have “secretly shuffled” about $2 billion through banks and shadow companies.
The Panama Papers scandal also exposed a network of offshore companies linked to people like Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader; Lionel Messi, a soccer star; James Ibori, former governor of Delta; and the son of the late Kofi Annan, former United Nations (UN) secretary-general, to name a few.
The papers referenced 12 current or former world leaders, as well as 128 other politicians and public officials.
Gerard Ryle, ICIJ’s executive director, said the enduring impact of the investigation persists even though the court did not hold the defendants accountable.
‘You Should Be In Jail’ - Nigerians Knock Senator Oyewumi Who Admits Buying Votes During Last General Elections
AFOLABI
Olalere Oyewumi, a federal lawmaker from Osun State, who is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, has admitted that he bought votes during the 2023 general elections.
Vote buying and selling was rampant during the last elections, which affected the credibility of the polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had also deployed its officials in some polling units.
In a viral video, Oyewunmi, who is the Deputy Minority Senate Leader, narrated how he sent his aide on an errand on the eve of the election with his personal money for vote buying but was rejected by strong supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in Yoruba, the Minority Leader, who represents Osun West District, said “I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the Onilu House (Ile Onilu) polling unit but these people didn’t allow me.
“After exhausting money for the election, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to give to people at night to buy votes on the eve of the election, Ten-Ten came back with my money, saying the people rejected it. I was surprised.
“That was why I reached out to these people because I cannot be a Senator and continue to fail there. I was the one who called Ayandosu from Abuja to join me in the PDP. I told him he has talent and that the party he was serving then (APC) would not allow him to grow.”
Reacting to the development, the leadership of APC through its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, said the confession had shown that Osun election was not free and fair.
In a statement, Lawal said: “The confessional statement of Senator Oyewumi was a confirmation of the fact that the last series of the elections in the state which secured victory for all the PDP candidates including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were brazenly rigged.
“The self-confession of Senator Oyewumi was an indication that he is a desperate politician who could go to any length to illegally corner opportunities regardless of what such portends to the right-thinking members of the society.
“In a civilised clime, Senator Oyewumi has no iota of reason to remain a minute longer in the Senate where he has been the Minority Leader based on his self-confession that he engaged in vote-buying during the election that secured a fraudulent victory for him.
“By now, Senator Oyewumi should be a guest of the statutory law enforcement agency constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of investigating such political crime involving a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has frowned at the reported plot by the Sokoto Government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
Naija News reports that there has been a series of mixed reactions on and off the media after reports emerged that the Sokoto government, led by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, is plotting to dethrone the revered traditional ruler.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, warned the government to ‘tread softly’, emphasizing the need for the protection and preservation of the institution of the Sultanate in the country.
Othman-Ngelzarma expressed that the establishment of the Sultanate, which has a history extending back two centuries, should not be manipulated by politicians who were expected to be directing their efforts towards fostering effective governance.
He criticized the supposed indirect attempts to weaken the esteemed Sultan, representing the emblem of Islamic power in Nigeria.
He said, “We believe protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right-thinking personality in the country.
“We call upon the Sokoto State Government, especially the legislature, to tread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all-important ideology that created it.
“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria is worried by the media reports alleging that the Sokoto Government intends to whittle down the powers of his Eminence the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.”
Othman-Ngelzarma said MACBAN stood firmly with the Sultan, adding, “because we believe he deserves better as he has shown the capacity to uphold justice and equity in all his dealings.
“This is evident in his efforts to propagate religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.
“His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged despite being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate.”
[NaijaNews]
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Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos is set to host the country’s first-ever airport wedding.
The ceremony, which will take place at the MMA2 terminal’s ticketing hall, is set to hold this Saturday, June 29, 2024.
The soon-to-be-married couple, Alli Olamide Miracle and Agboola Abiodun Qudus, will exchange their vows amidst the backdrop of departing and arriving flights, surrounded by their families, friends, and well-wishers.
Dubbed ‘My Airport Wedding,’ the initiative aims not only to celebrate love but also to showcase MMA2 as more than just a terminal for flight operations.
According to Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the event promises to leave a lasting impression on the aviation and entertainment industries.
“We are thrilled to pioneer this unique event at MMA2,” Yinka-Olawuyi remarked. “It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and creating memorable experiences for our passengers and terminal users.”
The ceremony is expected to draw attention from both local and international audiences, highlighting Nigeria’s growing prominence in the global aviation sector. Attendees, whether physically present or joining virtually through online platforms, are poised to witness a spectacle that blends romance with the dynamic atmosphere of an airport terminal.
“With our slogan ‘More than a terminal’, Bi-Courtney continues to redefine airport experiences,” Yinka-Olawuyi added. “This event underscores our dedication to offering more than just travel convenience.”
LEADERSHIP reports that MMA2 is Nigeria’s first and only privately-funded Airport, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
[Leadership]
No fewer than 47 suspects have been arrested by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna for allegedly vandalizing rail tracks.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, the Nigerian Army Headquarters said the operation was carried out on June 26, 2024, during a routine patrol along Kakau Daji- Anguwan Ayaba.
The statement said the suspects, who had loaded two trucks with the vandalized rail tracks prior to their arrest, alleged that they were employed by one Alhaji Babawo.
According to the suspects, Alhaji Babawo who is currently at large, was to load the vandalized rail tracks and off-load them in a nearby bush along the road.
Parading the criminal elements during profiling at 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna, the Acting Commander 1 Division Provost Group, Lt Col IY Rena stated that the suspects were profiled to ascertain their level of involvement during the preliminary investigation.
He further stated that the suspects were also individually interviewed and cross-examined while efforts were being made to arrest the gang leader who is on the run.
Lt Col Rena revealed that, on a visit to the crime scene, some of the vandalized rail tracks were found concealed in the nearby bushes waiting to be evacuated by the criminal syndicates.
The suspects were later handed over to the Authorities of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kaduna Station for further investigation and prosecution.
[DailyPost]
Aviation Securities at the Lagos Airport have handed over a 29-year-old passenger, Ayemobola Mojadesola, and her mother to the police for allegedly conducting themselves in an unruly manner.
The arrested passengers were said to have inflicted a bodily injury on a staff member, (name withheld) of the Lagos airport.
It was gathered that the passenger had earlier lent a pen from the aviation worker but an argument ensued when the staff member later asked for the pen.
Eyewitnesses said the short argument became aggravated and both Mojadesola and her mother pounced on the aviation worker, injuring her in the face close to her eye socket.
The passengers were also accused of destroying two laptops during the fracas.
In a post on X on Saturday, the publicist of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, appealed to passengers to desist from unruly behaviours, advising them to always report all issues to NCAA officers instead of going violent.
Achimugu explained that “Because she was asked to return a borrowed pen, a passenger named Ayemobola Mojadesola (born 1995) and her mother attacked an airport official, causing facial injuries and destroying two laptops in the process.
“She was arrested by AVSEC and had to buy replacement laptops and offered N50,000 cash for medical treatment of the injured staff. I must reiterate that unruly behaviour and destruction of airport equipment will not be tolerated.
“Always refer to them if you are not satisfied with the service rendered by operators. The airline offloaded the passenger for unruly behaviour and she was taken by AVSEC to Tango City before being handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.”
Achimugu further stated that Aviation equipment and staffers at every airport are there to facilitate safe and secure travel.
“They are not punching bags. I urge aggravated passengers to always seek the assistance of the NCAA Consumer Protection Officers at the terminals. They are there to help you,” he added.
[Punch]
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s economy is experiencing turbulence but it is not limited to the country.
Shettima spoke at a one-day town hall meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) held in Abuja on Friday.
Outlining the achievements of President Bola Tinubu when he was the governor of Lagos state, Shettima said the country needs to be fair to him.
“This is a man we need to rally round and support. Yes, our economy is going through turbulence but is it confined to Nigeria alone? Let’s take a global picture,” he said.
“Is any economy immune from the challenges of the times? So, I ask you to be fair to this poor man.
“There is no doubt that every thriving economy grows from the quality of reforms adopted to offer the people avenues to translate their business ideas into formidable enterprises.”
Speaking further, Shettima said PEBEC is an enabler for the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“Our role requires a unified and collaborative effort across the councils and MDAs and we can not afford to look away,” he said.
“The long-term success of PEBEC hinges on our ability to institutionalise reforms capabilities, foster deep collaboration across government and maintain a commitment to continuous improvements.”
He said the current reforms must become ingrained in public institutions.
“By doing so, we kept the way for sustained progress and lasting impact that would outlive us all, creating a better Nigeria for our children and their children afterwards,” Shettima said.
He said the government must be driven by every citizen who aspires to grow businesses and who looks to the government for prosperity.
According to the vice-president, these are peculiar times for developing solutions to improve the ease of doing business.
Shettima said Nigeria is the future of Africa and the burden is not only on leaders but on everyone to achieve set goals.
‘TINUBU CAPABLE TO LEAD NIGERIANS’
On May 29, Tinubu missed his steps and fell while climbing the parade vehicle at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Speaking on the issue, Shettima expressed disappointment in those who took a jab at the president’s health status due to the incident.
“We are not asking you not to question the eligibility of your president’s condition. But there is this mischievous vexation about the president’s health status,” Shettima said.
“We are not preparing for the Olympics, but an institution that builds on the superiority of ideas. But I dare to put it to you. The hallmark of true leadership is not the ability to lift a bag of cement, but the capacity to come up with robust ideas to solve a nation’s problems.”