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Return LGA funds or face legal action, SERAP tells 36 governors, Wike

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Return LGA funds or face legal action, SERAP tells 36 governors, Wike

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to “immediately account for and return the local government funds which they have collected over the years.”

SERAP’s appeal came in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that declared the practice of state governors and the FCT minister withholding and utilising funds intended for local governments unconstitutional.

In a statement signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Thursday, the organisation said, “We applaud the Supreme Court for this groundbreaking decision which will end the persistent alleged misappropriation by several of trillions of FAAC allocations or public funds meant for local governments.

“Following the Supreme Court judgment, there is now a clear legal precedent to hold governors and FCT minister to account for how they have spent the local government funds collected by them.”

Oluwadare added, “Implicit in the Supreme Court judgment is the requirement for the governors and FCT minister to immediately account for and return the funds meant for local governments but retained and used or allegedly misused by them.”

“Accounting for and returning the LGA funds collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”

“If the governors and FCT minister fail to account for and return the funds meant for local governments in their states and FCT within 7 days, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the governors and FCT minister to comply with our requests in the public interest.”

The organisation noted that it is in the public interest for the governors and FCT minister to account for and return the funds meant for local governments in their states and the FCT since 1999.

“Accounting for and returning the local government funds collected would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods, and enhance the ability of the local governments to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

“The 36 states in Nigeria and the federal capital territory, Abuja, have reportedly collected over N40 trillion federal allocations meant for the 774 local governments areas in the country and FCT.”

“The Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursed to states N225.21 billion federal allocations meant for local governments in November 2023 alone. States also collected N258,810,449,711.47 federal allocations meant for local government areas in December 2023,” the statement read.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Federal Government, seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all 774 local government councils in the country.

The 36 state governments, represented by their attorneys general, filed a counterclaim, challenging the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to preside over the case.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Federal Government.

Labour pledges full support to EFCC in anti-corruption crusade

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Labour pledges full support to EFCC in anti-corruption crusade

In a show of solidarity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the fight against corruption.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the declaration at the EFCC’s Walk against Corruption event in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action against corruption.
Ajaero urged the EFCC to remain vigilant against misinformation and to engage Nigerians in the anti-corruption campaign, fostering a mass movement that transcends generations.
He stressed that losing the fight against corruption would undermine the nation’s very existence.
Ajaero said, “There’s an urgent need for us to fight corruption, and the NLC will throw its weight behind the agency in all fights against corruption.
Read Also: Nigerian lawmakers launch yet another probe into influx of illegal firearm
“Nigerians are united in the fight against corruption clearly I think what your agency needs to do is to connect them so that it will be a mass movement.
“We have to make sure that this fight, we are taking it to the next generation. It’s a fight that we can’t afford to lose. If we lose this fight, we have lost the essence of our existence as a nation.”
This development signals a significant boost to the EFCC’s efforts, as the NLC’s support brings a vast network of workers and citizens into the anti-corruption fold.
The partnership has the potential to mobilize a broader segment of Nigerian society, creating a united front against corruption.
As the EFCC continues its crusade, the NLC’s backing may prove pivotal in shaping public opinion and promoting a culture of accountability in Nigeria.
The post Labour pledges full support to EFCC in anti-corruption crusade appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Insecurity: Military eliminates 187 terrorists, apprehends 183 others in 1 week

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Insecurity: Military eliminates 187 terrorists, apprehends 183 others in 1 week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops eliminated 187 terrorists, apprehended 183 others and rescued 109 hostages in different operations across the country in the last one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country.
Buba said the troops recovered 128 assorted weapons and 3,300 assorted ammunition comprising 80 AK-47 rifles and 15 locally fabricated guns.
He said the troops also covered 1,941 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 729 rounds of 7.62mm NATO among others.
Buba said that in the North East, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, conducted successful offensive operations in Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kukawa, Chibok, Damboa, Kaga, Gamboru-Ngala and Konduga area of Borno.
He said troops neutralised 97 terrorists, arrested 45 suspects and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 47 AK-47 rifles and 15 fabricated rifles among others.
According to him, a total of 832 terrorists comprising 88 adult males, 256 adult females and 488 children surrendered between July 3 and July 9 within the theatre of operations.
”In the North Central, the troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted successful fighting patrols, raids, counter/anti-kidnapping operations in Plateau and Kaduna States.
”Troops neutralised 11 insurgents, arrested 29 violent extremists and rescued 20 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms and ammunition”, he said.
He also said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted successful offensive operations, arresting suspected violent extremists in Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State and AMAC Abuja.
He said the troops conducted operations in Wukari, Lau, Ussa and Sardauna Local Government Areas of Taraba as well as Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue.
”Overall, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised four terrorists, arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages.
”Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one dane gun, one locally made pistol, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, nine empty cases of 7.62mm special, 26 empty cases of cartridges, one motorcycle amongst others,’’ he said.
In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 47 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages,
He said the troops recovered one PKT gun, 14 AK-47 rifles, five dane guns, 429 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 195 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 12 magazines, and 24 motorcycles among others.
Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said the troops neutralised 21 terrorists, arrested 23 suspects and rescued 22 kidnapped hostages in one week.
According to him, troops recovered nine AK-47 rifles, four dane guns, five magazines, 261 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, amongst others.
He added that in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe, had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves, destroying several illegal refining sites and recovering stolen products.
He said the troops conducted offensive operations and arrested violent extremists in Ovia South-West Local Government Area in Edo as well as Ikono, Ika and Abak Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom.
He said the troops recovered 1.1 million litres of stolen crude oil, 213,539 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,230 litres of PMS.
According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 18 dugout pits, 30 boats, 49 storage tanks, 66 cooking ovens, four drums, five speedboats, 15 vehicles and 57 illegal refining sites.
”Troops apprehended 43 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists as well as recovered 44 assorted ammo’’, he said.
In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA, neutralised four terrorists, arrested eight violent extremists and rescued two kidnapped hostages.
According to him, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump action gun, one locally fabricated pistol, one locally made double barrel gun, 191 rounds of 5.55m ammo and two primed IEDs materials.
In the South West, he said troops of Operation AWATSE neutralised three terrorists and arrested 10 violent extremists as well as recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.
According to him, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action. (NAN)
Insecurity: Military eliminates 187 terrorists, apprehends 183 others in 1 week

US election: Biden, Trump running head-to-head – Poll

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US election: Biden, Trump running head-to-head – Poll

Ahead of the United States presidential election, a new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll shows that President Joe Biden is virtually tied with former President Donald Trump.
This is even as a majority of Biden’s supporters say he should drop out.
Fox News digital reports that the poll shows that Americans are split 46-47 per cent between Biden and Trump if the election were held today, according to the poll.
The report said that the results did not meaningfully shift from a pre-debate poll, which showed a 44-46 per cent divide between the two candidates.
However, the report said that Biden does appear to have suffered politically from his poor performance at the CNN Presidential Debate in Atlanta.
Sixty-seven percent overall said he should withdraw from the race. A larger number, 85 per cent said he is too old for a second term, a record high for the survey.
Biden insists he is in the race to win and will not withdraw, but 62 per cent of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents said he should step aside, this includes 54 per cent who identified as Biden supporters.
US election: Biden, Trump running head-to-head – Poll

Prize money for Euro 2024

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Prize money for Euro 2024

England is set to take on Spain in the 2024 European Championship final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany on Sunday, July 14.

The tournament, which started on June 14, has featured 51 games, including 36 in the group stage and 15 in the knockout rounds.

England is looking to end their 58-year trophy drought, while Spain hopes to add to their collection with a fourth Euro Championship title.

In December 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee approved the prize money distribution system for the teams participating in the tournament.

The prize money for the participating teams is set at the same level as UEFA EURO 2020, totalling €331 million.

The distribution key, as contained in UEFA’s website, is as follows:

  • Participating fee: €9.25m
  • Match bonus: €1.0m for a win and €500,000 for a draw
  • Qualification to the round of 16: €1.5m
  • Qualification to the quarter-finals: €2.5m
  • Qualification to the semi-finals: €4m
  • The runners-up will receive an additional payment of €5m
  • The 2024 European champions will receive an extra payment of €8m

The champion team could earn a maximum of €28.25 million if they won all three of their group matches.

On Monday, UEFA revealed that the tournament’s revenue comes from media rights, global sponsorships, ticketing, hospitality, and licensing.

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Return LG funds collected or face legal action – SERAP to govs, FCT minister

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Return LG funds collected or face legal action – SERAP to govs, FCT minister

The Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on Nigeria’s governors and the FCT minister to return local government council funds they have collected, or face legal action.
This call is coming after the Supreme Court declared unlawful, the use of the funds meant for local governments by Nigeria’s 36 governors.
TVN reports that the Supreme Court had barred the 36 governors of the federation from further retaining or utilizing funds that are meant for the 774 Local Government Areas, LGAs, in the country.
In a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP applauded the Supreme Court for the decision which it said would end the persistent misappropriation of several trillions of FAAC allocations meant for local governments.
According to SERAP, following the Supreme Court judgment, there is now a clear legal precedent to hold governors and the FCT minister to account for how they have spent the local government funds collected by them.
“Implicit in the Supreme Court judgment is the requirement for the governors and FCT minister to immediately account for and return the funds meant for local governments but retained and used or allegedly misused by them.
“Accounting for and returning the LGA funds collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.
“The National Assembly must urgently amend the provisions Section 162 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] to ensure that local government allocations from the Federation Account are directly paid to local government areas and not collected by governors and FCT,” SERAP said.
Return LG funds collected or face legal action – SERAP to govs, FCT minister

Insecurity, others fuelling Nigerians’ migration

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Insecurity, others fuelling Nigerians’ migration

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday, highlighted economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards as the primary drivers behind the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa stated this at a press conference ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024 on July 25, in Abuja.

She noted that the theme for this year’s National Diaspora Day, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” reflected growing concerns over the demographic most affected by this migration—Nigeria’s youth.

“Factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate standard of living are ranked high among reasons for the exodus of Nigerians abroad.

“The consequence of this phenomenon is the decline of strong human resources because most of the Nigerians relocating are the youths. This in turn, makes a downward turn on labour and productivity in the country,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa called for a change in perspective, urging Nigerians to see the positive side of the situation.

“We have to turn our lemons into lemonade. Today, we change the story by celebrating those vibrant Nigerians who are making positive impacts in the Diaspora and making the country very proud.

“Also, those who, while abroad, are contributing positively to national development,” NiDCOM Boss noted.

Addressing the issues faced by Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom, Dabiri-Erewa provided an update on the situation.

“The university has come up with a more compassionate payment method. The students are going to pay their fees. It is not charity, but they have devised ways that can be a bit more convenient.

“For those who were almost done with payment and were told to leave, they agreed that they would pay their fees but would not receive their certificate until they completed their payment,” she explained.

The NiDCOM boss also mentioned that Teesside University was not the only institution affected; many other universities have Nigerian students facing similar issues.

“We are working closely with the student organisations in the UK and the Nigerian Mission to address these challenges,” she added.

The term ‘japa’, originating from the Yoruba words ‘ja’ and ‘pa’ meaning “to break free,” has become Nigerian slang for relocating overseas in search of better opportunities.

Despite the challenges emigrants face—such as racism, bureaucracy, corruption, and loneliness—the appeal of ‘japa’ remains strong.

This migration trend is evident across various sectors in Nigeria, including health, information technology, banking, and education.

The 2024 World Migration Report showed that up to 402,186 Nigerians moved to the United States and 205,773 to the United Kingdom.

Additionally, over 169,600 Nigerians relocated to Cameroon, 154,739 to Niger, and 103,462 others to Italy.

Reps probe Hajj commission over 2024 pilgrimage

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Reps probe Hajj commission over 2024 pilgrimage

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the National Hajj Commission over the conduct of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved by the member representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Mr Mohammed Bio, on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House condemned the performance of NAHCON and the Federal Capital Territory Authority Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in the 2024 Hajj exercise and set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the activities of NAHCON and FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, their agents and sub-agents in the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Subsequently, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, named the member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Sada Soli, the Chairman of the committee.

Titled, “Urgent need to investigate the National Hajj Commission and the Federal Capital Territory Administration Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, their agents, and sub-agents over shoddy arrangement and treatment of Nigerian pilgrims in the 2024 Hajj exercise,” the motion came on the floor of the green chamber as a matter of urgent public importance.

Describing the Hajj exercise as an important obligation in the life of every Muslim and one of the five pillars of Islam, Bio lamented that about 50,865 Muslim pilgrims across the states in Nigeria were under the care of NAHCON in 2024, noting that some of them were not taken care of in terms of welfare, organisation, guidance, and monitoring as expected.

He added that despite, “The huge amount paid by the pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise, NAHCON’s 2024 budget allocation, intervention from the Federal Government to the tune of N90bn and support from Government of Saudi Arabia, NAHCON and FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board performed below performance in the 2024 Hajj Exercise especially in Makkah and Mina is unexpected.”

The lawmaker warned that “If this poor performance of NAHCON is not investigated with a view to improve future performance, further Hajj exercise for Nigerian citizens may be more complicated and put the entire country in a bad light in the committee of nations.”

The committee has two weeks to report back to the Green Chamber for further legislative action.

Lagos assembly expresses concern over lack of water supply

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Lagos assembly expresses concern over lack of water supply

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has expressed concern over unavailability of water supply in the state during its oversight visit to the Lagos State Water Corporation.

The committee led by Adebola Shabi expressed the concern in a statement made available on Thursday in Lagos.

The statement was issued by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Brand Management Unit, LWC, Mrs Kehinde Fashola.

Shabi expressed concern over the unavailability of water supply in most homes in the state.

He also emphasised  the need for the House to ensure that the interests and rights of their constituents were protected.

He requested a comprehensive report of the  ongoing infrastructural projects and the challenges faced by the LWC in producing water supply.

The Managing Director of LWC, Mukhtaar Tijani, while receiving the committee members, assured them that he had been working diligently to ensure water supply reaches most homes in the state.

Tijani cited the recent connection of Baruwa Community to Mosan Okunola Waterworks as one of the steps taken to achieve this goal.

The Executive Director, Operations, Taiwo Omolanke, thanked the lawmakers for their visit and support.

Omolanke acknowledged the challenges faced by the LWC, including the reluctance of customers to pay for water already subsidised by the state government.

She announced plans to meter all customers to ensure accountability for water produced.

Other Assembly members present included the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment Ministry, Lanre Afini, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Procurement, Simon Apata.

(NAN)

England’s decade of development bears fruit in Euro 2024

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England’s decade of development bears fruit in Euro 2024

England’s progression to a first-ever major tournament final on foreign soil at Euro 2024 is the fruit of a decade of work on a player development programme that has turned perennial underachievers into serial contenders.

Ending a 58-year wait to win a major trophy at the senior men’s international level is the final hurdle left to clear for Gareth Southgate’s men in Sunday’s final against Spain after serial success at the youth level and in the women’s game.

Just months after the Three Lions had crashed out of the 2014 World Cup with one game to spare of the group stage, Southgate –- then in his role as under-21 boss –- appeared alongside the English Football Association’s technical director Dan Ashworth.

They presented a plan termed “England DNA” that had the goal of blending the passion English football was famous for with better technique and a stronger mentality to handle the pressures of major tournament football.

“One of the mantras we have is ‘The only thing that changes is the size of the shirt’,” said Ashworth, who was recently appointed Manchester United’s sporting director after successful spells at Brighton and Newcastle.

“So as they come through that player pathway, from an under-15 boy or girl, all the way through to the seniors, we have some consistent messages around them.

“If everyone is on the same page and everyone buys into and believes what you are trying to do it can become so much more powerful.”

The results since speak for themselves at every level.

Many of Southgate’s squad in Germany have already experienced winning tournaments at youth level.

Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer were part of the side that beat Spain in the final to win England’s first under-21 Euros for 39 years 12 months ago.

Ezri Konsa won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017, while the same year Phil Foden won player of the tournament alongside Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher in winning the under-17 World Cup.

England’s women won their first major tournament on home soil at the Euros in 2022 and followed that up by reaching the World Cup final last year.

“As a football nation we have long been characterised by our passion, fighting spirit, and effort,” Ashworth said at the time.

“Although there are aspects of these characteristics we wish to retain, we do not wish to be solely defined by them.”

* Series of near misses –

The blend of an old-fashioned never-say-die attitude with players of a higher technical standard has carried England on a rollercoaster to the Euro 2024 final.

Hyped before the tournament as one of the favourites, Southgate admitted the expectation weighed heavy as his side stumbled through the group stage, scoring just two goals in three games.

They then needed late fightbacks and individual moments of brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka to keep them alive in sneaking past lower-ranked opposition in Slovakia and Switzerland to make the last four.

But in Dortmund against the Dutch, England’s decade of planning had its reward in a famous 2-1 semi-final win.

“It will be I would imagine a long time if ever an English side had 60 percent possession of the ball against a side from the Netherlands. So it shows the more modern England way,” said a beaming Southgate afterward.

The ultimate test lies ahead against a Spain side that have swept all before them, including Germany and France on the tougher side of the draw.

England have previously suffered a series of near misses under Southgate.

They defied expectations to reach the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup before missing out on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on home soil.

More heartbreak came in Qatar two years ago when Harry Kane ballooned over a late penalty against France in a 2-1 quarter-final defeat.

But that experience has put them in a better place than ever before to become champions of Europe for the first time.

“We’re more calm going into the knockout games because the first time we did it in Russia, we hadn’t won a knockout game for 10 years,” added Southgate.

“We hadn’t been through the experience. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, we’ve managed a lot of those games now.

“The last final was the first European Championship final I’ve ever managed. If I didn’t get anything right, apologise for that. I’m going to try and do better this week.”

AFP

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