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Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Calls for LG Election Reforms

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Files: Convener, Y.Z Ya'u, the Situation Room

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has issued a fervent call for a reformation of the local government election process following a landmark Supreme Court decision affirming financial autonomy for local councils.

In a statement released by the group’s Convener, Y.Z Ya’u, the Situation Room emphasised the need for reforms to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s local government system against what it described as undemocratic practices by state governors.

“The reform of LGAs’ elections will give full effect to the intendment of the apex court’s judgment,” Ya’u asserted, “and protect the local government system in Nigeria from the undemocratic and overbearing tendencies of some governors.”

The group also commended the Supreme Court’s directive requiring the federal government to directly allocate funds to local councils from the federation account, thereby curtailing the practice of state governors appointing unelected officials to manage local governments.

“The Situation Room considers this judicial pronouncement a vital intervention in Nigeria’s democratic development,” the statement continued, “and calls on State Governments to promptly comply with the decision to bolster grassroots governance and ensure unhindered delivery of essential services by Local Governments.”

Highlighting longstanding grievances, Ya’u pointed out, “Since 1999, citizens have witnessed Governors subjugate Local Government Councils by controlling their funds and installing ‘Caretaker Committees’—an administrative structure unknown to the law or Constitution.”

The statement also criticised the neglect of funding for State Independent Electoral Commissions responsible for conducting local government elections in some states.

“We urge citizens, civil society groups, and community leaders to monitor the implementation of this judgment,” Ya’u urged, “and to establish mechanisms ensuring accountability at the Local Government level.”

The Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered on Thursday, rebuked the persistent denial of financial autonomy to local governments by state authorities.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, reading the lead judgment, mandated immediate and direct federal payments of local government funds to exclusive council accounts.

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Rep. Oseni Mourns Late Ido LG Political Stalwart Tijani Abdullahi

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The Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State is in mourning following the passing of a prominent political figure, Alhaji Tijani Abdullahi, whose demise marks the end of an era of selfless leadership and unwavering dedication to community development.

A member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as a visionary politician who significantly shaped the political evolution of the council.

In a heartfelt statement released over the weekend by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni paid glowing tribute to the late Abdullahi, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to the progress of his people.

“Alhaji Tijani Abdullahi was more than a political leader; he was a beacon of wisdom. His contributions to the political landscape of Ido Local Government cannot be overstated. He was a principled man who championed justice, fairness, and development,” Oseni remarked.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved family, political associates, and the people of the council area, the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), urged them to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late politician.

“This is an immeasurable loss, but we must find comfort in the remarkable life he lived. His dedication to our council and his relentless pursuit of good governance will forever be cherished,” the lawmaker added.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

 

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Photos: Oyo APC Warns Ibadan North Chair on Project Claim

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has raised concerns over an alleged attempt by the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr. Seun Olufade, to claim credit for a federal government-funded project. The party warned that proceeding with plans to commission the facility as a local government achievement would amount to fraud and misrepresentation.

The project in question, a Cassava Processing Plant located in Barika, Agbowo, Ibadan, was facilitated by the late Hon. Olaide Akinremi, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The ultra-modern facility is being financed by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja.

In a statement issued over the weekend by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC accused the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state of consistently interfering with developmental projects facilitated by APC lawmakers. The party alleged that PDP-led local government officials often frustrate such projects while also attempting to claim them as their own.

“Recently, we have witnessed multiple instances of lawlessness, with some council chairmen deploying thugs to halt the commencement or completion of projects facilitated by APC federal lawmakers, citing a lack of state government approval,” Sadare stated.

 

He referenced the halted construction of the Brewery-Arolu-Agoro-Adogba-Monatan Road project in Ward 06 of Egbeda Local Government, facilitated by an APC federal lawmaker. According to him, the project was obstructed by PDP-aligned operatives on the day of its flag-off and has since been abandoned.

The APC further alleged that Mr. Olufade has scheduled an elaborate commissioning ceremony for the Agbowo Cassava Processing Plant this Friday, despite having no involvement in its facilitation or execution.

“The Cassava Processing Factory is a federal project aimed at empowering grassroots communities and supporting national food security initiatives. It is unacceptable for the Ibadan North Chairman to mislead the public by taking undue credit for a project he played no role in executing,” the statement read.

The party also accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of mismanaging local government funds, arguing that the scope of the Agbowo project surpasses what any local government could independently finance under the current financial structure in Oyo State.

“As of today, Governor Makinde has been controlling the allocations meant for the 33 local government areas since 2019. It is, therefore, deceitful for anyone in the PDP-led administration to claim credit for projects funded by the federal government through APC lawmakers,” the party insisted.

APC urged residents of Barika and Agbowo communities to remain patient, assuring them that necessary installations and final preparations for production at the cassava processing facility would soon be completed.

The party concluded its statement by warning against what it described as “political scavengers” attempting to take credit for APC-initiated projects, particularly as the constituency prepares for a bye-election to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Hon. Olaide Akinremi.

As of the time of reporting, Mr. Seun Olufade and the Ibadan North Local Government administration have yet to respond to the allegations.

 

 

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Oyo North 2027: Youth Mobilizer ,Omidiji Endorses Ogunesan’s Senatorial Ambition

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The 2027 senatorial ambition of Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan for Oyo North has received a major boost as a prominent youth mobilizer in the district, Hon. Ponmile Omidiji, has publicly endorsed the former Oyo State Head of Service as his preferred candidate.

Hon. Omidiji, who served as the Director of Youth and Students for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and governorship campaign in Oyo State during the 2023 elections, described Ogunesan’s aspiration as “a welcome development and worthy of total support.”

He cited her track record and antecedents as key factors that position her as the frontrunner in the race for the senatorial seat.

According to the youth mobilizer, Ogunesan’s ability to identify, nurture, and engage talents is unmatched, making her an invaluable asset in the struggle for a better life for the people of Oyo North. He emphasized that her commitment to human capital development has been evident throughout her career.

“Looking at it holistically, it is obvious that Mrs. Ogunesan fits in all aspects. Her passion for the well-being and development of Oke Ogun and Oyo North as a whole makes her the best candidate for the job,” Omidiji stated.

He further lauded the aspirant’s leadership qualities, noting that she possesses the competence and vision to sustain the developmental strides of Senator Fatai Buhari while also taking the senatorial district to greater heights.

“Oyo North deserves a leader who embodies innovation, altruism, and strategic foresight. Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making her uniquely qualified to represent our people,” he added.

Hon. Omidiji called on the people of Oke Ogun to rally behind Ogunesan’s candidacy, stressing the need for collective support to actualize her vision for a prosperous Oyo North.

“When we rally behind candidates who are committed to our welfare, we create a framework within which our interests are not merely heard but are prioritized,” he concluded.

 

 

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