The National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun chapter, said it declared a fast to ensure a favourable judgment of the Supreme Court on Local Government (LG) financial autonomy.
The Osun State NULGE Chairman, Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe, said this in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Osogbo.
Ogungbangbe commended the apex court for its judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.
He said the judgment would bring a new lease of life across local government areas in the country in terms of growth and development.
According to him, councils will now have available resources to carry out most of their dealings.
“I am very happy and I believe every local government employee in Nigeria should also be very happy with this latest development.
“Osun has been in support of local government autonomy earlier before now, and I know there cannot be any obstacle in making it a reality,” Ogungbangbe said.
NAN recalls that the Federal Government approached the Supreme Court seeking to compel governors of the 36 states of the federation to grant full financial autonomy to local governments.
The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.
NAN also recalls that the Supreme Court in its verdict held that henceforth all local government councils’ allocations should be paid directly into their accounts.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court, gave the order while delivering judgment
We declared fast over LG autonomy – NULGE on Supreme Court judgement
We declared fast over LG autonomy – NULGE on Supreme Court judgement
Reps want modern technology deployed in nation’s borders
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Customs Service to deploy modern technology to secure the nation’s borders with neighbouring countries.
The Reps’ directive followed the adoption of a motion on “Need to employ the use of modern technology to secure the nation’s borders,” sponsored by the member representing Akwa North/Awka South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Obiageli Orogbu at Thursday’s plenary.
Consequently, the Reps mandated “The Nigeria Customs Service to beef up the nation’s border security with modern technological gadgets.”
It also directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Customs and Excise to “Interface with the relevant agencies of the executive arm to ensure implementation and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.”
Leading the debate, Orogbu said that there are over 320 illegal routes into Nigeria “That serves as horrendous channels for the influx of inadmissible aliens and goods.
“Nigeria at the moment lacks sufficient security personnel to safeguard the existing illegal routes across the borders. These unmanned routes provide avenues for insecurity, proliferation of arms, and dumping of unwholesome goods into the country;
“The porous borders have provided an impetus to the thriving drug and human trafficking routes all over the country.”
Justifying the significance of the motion, the Labour Party chieftain noted that, “Border policing has since shifted from the mundane use of only human beings to the deployment of sophisticated electronic based equipment for potency.
“The deployment of technologies like electronic sensors, video monitors, and night vision scopes to detect illegal entries has proved more effective in western countries than human security.
“Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, (drones) and dark fighter cameras are available to further enhance border controls,” she added.
Tinubu, labour leaders’ meeting adjourned till next week
The Thursday meeting between President Bola Tinubu and labour union leaders to finalise the agreement on the minimum wage has been adjourned till next week.
The meeting was adjourned to next week after about one-hour discussions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Nigerian Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, said the union did not negotiate at the meeting.
“In the real sense, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene in the next week.
“So that’s where we are because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least, there were some basic issues that we agreed on,” he said.
On the N250,000 demanded by the NLC, the labour leader said, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into naira and kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.”
On his part, the Trade Union Congress President, Comrade Osifo said that the organized labour put all the economic indices on the table and how it was biting on Nigerians.
He said, “In the meeting we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bordering and biting Nigerians today, the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, how these have affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market.
“So, we tried to put these before Mr President because he is the President of the country and the bulk stops at his table.
“We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today (Thursday) we said let us meet with the father of the country and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make.
“We made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. so we put everything forward and at the end, the President made his remark as the President and we all agreed let’s go back to internalize it, have some conversations and by one week time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting.”
LGs Autonomy: Supreme Court verdict ends gov’s reign as emperors – Moghalu
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu has said the judgement of the Supreme Court regarding the autonomy of local government allocations would reduce the reign of state governors as emperors.
Moghalu described the judgement of the Supreme Court as a correct verdict, adding that local government should be encouraged if Nigeria expects development.
He disclosed this via a series of posts on his X page.
According to Noghalu: “The @SupremeCourtNg decision in favour of full autonomy (including direct financial allocation to LGs without passing through state Governors) is a correct one that accords with the Constitution of Nigeria in its present form.
“Local governments and local governance (and their accountability!) should be encouraged if we are to have any hope of development, and will become the next battleground. But it will empower the citizens of Nigeria in the context of democratic governance and reduce the reign of state Governors as “emperors”.
“All of this, however, does not address the core issues of federalism, which in general means two levels of sovereignty- central and sub-national, with sub-nationals (states or regions) creating local governments. Our “Third Tier” LGAs were created by fiat via military decree!
“India is the only major federal state I know where LGs are a constitutional third tier of government. These issues should be addressed in an organized national dialogue and negotiations on a new constitution for Nigeria.”
LGs Autonomy: Supreme Court verdict ends gov’s reign as emperors – Moghalu
Atiku hails Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday via X, Atiku described the ruling as “a win for the people of Nigeria” and a step in the right direction.
The Supreme Court’s decision overturns the previous practice of consolidating local council revenues into state government accounts.
Atiku criticised the earlier arrangement, stating that it was borne out of politics of hasty compromise.
Expressing his support for the ruling, Atiku said, “I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.”
The former Vice President went further, advocating for an expansion of fiscal autonomy beyond Federation Account allocations.
“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities,” he stated.
Atiku highlighted concerns about state governments, particularly in urban areas, interfering with local councils’ revenue generation.
He wrote, “Many of our states, especially those in the ultra-urban areas with high-density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many more.”
Atiku further praised the Supreme Court’s role, saying, “The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments.”
On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.
The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.
LG Autonomy: You can now hold your leaders responsible – Tinubu to grassroots
President Bola Tinubu has described the Supreme Court ruling on Local Government autonomy as a welcome development, saying the decision affirms the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of council dwellers.
He insisted that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration.
According to the President, governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration was nearly absent.
He advised the rural dwellers that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.
Tinubu said, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people”.
The President further noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.
According to the President, the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.
” I commend the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.
“My administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian,” Tinubu added.
LG Autonomy: You can now hold your leaders responsible – Tinubu to grassroots
Nigeria’s military uncovers plan attack on critical infrastructure
The Nigerian military has uncovered plans to attack on critical infrastructure in the country by unscrupulous elements.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the appropriate agency responsible for the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure had been alerted.
Buba noted that some of the plans had already been frustrated.
READ ALSO: Nigerian troops kill bandits who attacked NDA —Kaduna Govt
He said: “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country. Accordingly, we have placed measures to forestall such plans.
“Security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities have also been placed on alert. Accordingly, some of such plans have been frustrated.”
However, the exact nature of the targeted infrastructure and the group behind the plot have not been made public.
The post Nigeria’s military uncovers plan attack on critical infrastructure appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Obaseki inaugurates 20-man transition committee four months to end of tenure
Barely four months to the end of his eight years as governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a 20-man transition committee to pilot the smooth transition of power and knowledge to the next administration.
TVN reports that Governor Obaseki inaugurated the committee members, at the EXCO Chambers, in Government House, Benin City, with some members joining virtually.
Obaseki, who said the Committee is chaired by a former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr Joseph Eboigbe, did not, however, give the names of the remaining 19 members.
He said, ”today is July 11, 2024 and it will mark exactly four months to the day I will hand over this government to the next elected governor of Edo State. As it’s global best practice, I am putting together a transition team that would have the responsibility to document the achievement of this administration in the last eight years.
“The team will look and retrieve all documents and all other related materials relating to policy decisions that have been taken by this administration in every area of government and governance over the last eight years and put them in a structured order in a data room. I believe that most of these materials have almost been digitized.
“A proper digital and regular data room would be created where all documents related to every activity, contract, EXCO decision, presentation, and policy paper in every area will be retrieved, documented, and chronicled as it will serve as institutional memory for the next and subsequent administrations.
“You will all put together reports on each area and aspect of government we have intervened in and recommendations for the next administration.
“This document and resources should serve to smoothly transfer power and knowledge from this administration to the next. We would have both the physical and digital repository of all the information and decisions taken during the life of this administration as these documents will be relevant both for internal and external consumption and research and possibly policy development.
“This report will also give a detailed account of strategic vision and outlook of the administrative structure, policy impact, and completed programmes and initiatives as well as uncompleted programmes and initiatives to enable the incoming administration to know where to take off from”, he said.
Obaseki, who charged members of the committee to complete the project before the 30th of October 2024, noted that the document would form parts of what would be handed over during the transition period on November 11th, 2024.
In his response, the Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Eboigbe promised that the committee would diligently discharge their duties, pledging to deliver the report within the timeline given by the governor
Obaseki inaugurates 20-man transition committee four months to end of tenure
Senate rejects bill seeking to regulate forex market in Nigeria
The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to monitor and regulate the Forex Exchange and Foreign Exchange.
The bill sponsored by Senator Sani Musa ( APC, Niger East) titled “ Foreign Exchange (Control and Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353)” was thrown out after debates by lawmakers who opposed it.
Musa stated that the bill was read for the first time on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
He noted that the bill sought to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish a Foreign Exchange Market in Nigeria, to make provisions for the control, monitoring, and supervision of transactions conducted in the Foreign Exchange Market.
The Niger lawmaker stated that the objective of the bill sought to “ To establish a foreign exchange market.
“To provide for the regulation, monitoring, and supervision of the transactions conducted in the market and for related matters.
“To contribute to the sound development of the National Economy by striving to facilitate foreign transactions and to maintain an equilibrium of balance of International payments.”
He added that the bill would also move to stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions; – To maintain an equilibrium of the balance of International payments, and – To stabilize the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and other foreign transactions by revitalising market functionality.“
He said that the bill attempts to expand Section (1) of the existing Act to incorporate three new provisions to make for clarity and to empower the Central Bank of Nigeria to administer, control, and manage all dealings and transactions concerning foreign exchange matters.
Musa said, “The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange.
“Clause 6 of the Bill introduces New Sub-clauses (2), (4) and (5) which require authorised dealers to: Render returns to the CBN on sources of foreign exchange over $10,000 and utilisation of same, and obtain prior approval of the CBN when seeking to import foreign currency notes.
“Part Ill of the Bill makes elaborate provisions for the grant of a license to carry on business dealings in foreign exchange. In this part, provisions were made for refusal of license, suspension or revocation of license, review and appeal, etc.
“Clause 18 (1) (a) and (b) were added to expand the scope of dealers in the market and where funds are purchased from the Bank. The market rate may be subject to rules and regulations prescribed by the Bank. “
He submitted, “The operation of domiciliary account shall be as prescribed by the bank and the powers of the CBN have been widened to prescribe how foreign exchange may be accepted for the payment for goods and services in Nigeria.
“Mr President the future of any nation is a function of her ability as a nation to manage its economy efficiently and optimally. Intrinsically linked to the wellness of a country’s economy is the state of its Foreign Exchange Market usually regulated by a foreign exchange regime.”
Minimum Wage: Labour leaders table economic hardships faced by Nigerians before Tinubu
The meeting called by President Bola Tinubu to discuss the minimum wage issue ended in an inconclusive note on Thursday.
But it afforded parties to the discussions, notably, the President and the organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. an opportunity to engage in a heart-to-heart talk.
The meeting which lasted for about one and half hours, mainly centred on xraying the issues that should necessitate an increase in the current minimum wage, highlighting the contemporary economic realities.
The meeting was, however, adjourned till next week to allow for more consultations from the government and labour side.
Emerging from the meeting, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the short meeting as fruitful as it was more or less a family discussion between a father and the children.
She said, “It was a fruitful meeting, father, children meeting. I think we are hopeful that very soon everything will be resolved. Of course, when father and children talk you know what it is. That’s just exactly what has happened. It took us almost an hour. I believe that it’s all for good”.
On his part, President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero revealed that the meeting will reconvene next week, insisting that both parties have not rescinded their previous positions on the amount.
Ajaero said, “in a real sense, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms and to reconvene in the next one week. So that’s where we are. Because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least there were some basic issues that we agreed on”.
Asked whether they deliberated on the N250,000 being demanded by Labour, the NLC President replied, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into Naria and Kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation”.
Corroborating Ajaero and Onyejeocha, the TUC President, Festus Osifo said they told the President in plain terms what the economic realities are at the moment.
He said they tried to make the President see reasons why the minimum wage has to be shored up, going by the hardships Nigerians were facing.
His words, “In the meeting we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bothering and biting Nigerians today, are the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, and how these have affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market.
“We tried to put these before Mr President because he is the President of the country and the bulk stops at his table.
“We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today we said let us meet with the father of the country and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make, we made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. So we put everything forward and at the end, the president made his remark as the president and we all agreed “Let’s go back, we internalize it, we have some conversation and in one week’s time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting”.
Minimum Wage: Labour leaders table economic hardships faced by Nigerians before Tinubu