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Oyo govt. to contest order on LG allocations, elections.
THE Government of Oyo state has stated that it would rigorously contest the legality of the interim injunction emanating from the creation of the 35 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) restricting the state from conducting local governments’ election, adding that it borders on the welfare of the entire citizens, payment of salaries and grassroots development.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola, stated this on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the governor’s office, while noting that the state government would abide by all the orders in the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/16/2017 pending determination by the court.
The Commissioner pointed out that one the orders directing the 2nd (Accountant General of the Federation), 3rd (Central Bank of Nigeria) 4th (Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission) and 5th (Federal Ministry of Finance) defendants to warehouse in an interest yielding account, all monies and or allocations belonging to the distorted 33 constitutionally recognised local governments in Oyo State, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice was an ambush on the allocation meant for the local governments in the state which would affect the welfare of the people, payment of salaries and the development of the grass roots.
Also, the press briefing had in attendance his counterparts from the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Information, Culture and Tourism, Messrs. Bimbo Kolade and Toye Arulogun as well as the Special adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka. They urged the citizens of the state to be peaceful and law abiding, stressing that local governments election would still hold but not until the judicial process affecting its conduct dealt with.
According to Abimbola, “fifteen (15) claimants filed actions on behalf of some villages in some LGs in Oyo and 10 defendants have been joined in the suit which include the Oyo State Government, Oyo State House of Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation, Accountant General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, Independent National Electoral Commission, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission and Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo.
“The suit emanated based on the grievances of these plaintiffs on the creation of LCDAs in about two local governments in Oyo Town. They submitted their petitions to the LCDAs Petitions Review Committee headed by me like other aggrieved parties and they have made their presentations. Our committee has been sitting and complaints have been reviewed. However, we are surprised that the state government is taken to court over the issue they have made presentations on. They have the right to do so under that the provision of the constitution and the legality of the orders will be rigorously contested by the government.
“Meanwhile, we are going to abide by the interim order and that puts the conduct of the already scheduled February 11, 2017 local government elections on hold. The nation’s electoral body has been directed not to release the voters’ register and without this, there cannot be election. We want to reassure the citizens that election will hold as soon as we settle the court case. We urge the citizens to be law abiding and be peaceful in their endeavours,” the commissioner explained.
Responding to questions, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun noted that it is a misrepresentation of facts for some individuals and groups to insinuate that the state government orchestrated the suit, adding that it would be unreasonable for the Oyo State Government to go to court to seek an order aimed at crippling the finances of local governments in the state at a very critical time such as this. He stressed that the order of the court had far reaching implications on the Government and the governed in the state.
Arulogun reiterated that the government has shown its readiness for the conduct of the elections by instituting OYSIEC, setting a date for elections, deploying resources to OYSIEC, printing of election materials and purchase of utility vehicles, pointing out that only a mischievous and cynical mind would doubt the government’s commitment to conduct the elections given the amount of evidence indicating the contrary.
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade disclosed that majority of the people of the state had embraced the new LCDAs and demonstrated support by volunteering and pledging buildings as offices and homes, furniture and other essentials towards the successful take – off of the new LCDAs.
He, however appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and assured them that government will implement the LCDAs as an actualization of the yearnings of the people.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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