The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Wednesday, said state governors may not obey the judgment of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to state governors.
Pastor Giwa explained that governors have made themselves emperors over the affairs of local governments, hence may not toe the line of the judgment.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government should stop the payment of allocations directly to local government councils.
The seven-member panel of the apex court held that state governors have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.
Reacting, Giwa said governors have taken over the responsibility of council chairmen at the local government level.
He told TVN that, “The Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy is a welcome development.
“However, I doubt if the state governors would toe the line. Over the years, the governors in Nigeria have mismanaged the funds of the LGs.
“To make matters worse, the governors have turned themselves to emperors by unilaterally appointing caretaker committees instead of allowing the electorate to elect their representatives through statutory local government elections.
“Governors now execute projects that ought to have been implemented by the council chairmen. Can you see the level of corruption by the state governors?
“You hardly find meaningful projects in most of the local governments chaired by the appointees of the governors. With this judgment, I hope the affected governors will now put their houses in order and allow the elected Council Chairmen to perform their responsibilities.
“Before the governors hijacked the power of the LG Chairmen, the nation’s LGs were doing well in terms of developments.
“This is because they are closer to the people at the grassroots than the governors. People could easily visit their council areas to see their representatives.”
Giwa charged council chairmen to carry out positive projects, adding that the Federal Government should give local governments what was due to them.
He added: “Nigerians have refused to direct their anger towards the governors in their respective states.
“Instead, they focus more on the presidency, forgetting that charity begins from home. Nigerian governors should be held responsible also.
“Let me also advise politicians who want to be LG chairmen to use this opportunity to execute positive projects in their respective areas. Don’t let your people down; do what is right to ensure you bring good governance to your people.
“The federal government also needs to be sincere while giving the respective LGs what is due for them. Those who are in charge must not use this avenue to enrich their pockets.”
LG autonomy: Govs are emperors, may not obey Supreme Court – Pastor Giwa
LG autonomy: Govs are emperors, may not obey Supreme Court – Pastor Giwa
Bandits abduct 150 locals in Zamfara community
About one hundred and fifty (150) locals, including newborn babies in Dan Isa community of Kauran Namoda local government area of Zamfara State, were kidnapped by bandits over the weekend.
Over 30 others were also abducted by hoodlums in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
According to BBC Hausa, the community has been deserted following the incident.
According to a survivor, the hoodlums invaded the community, killed three locals and rustled all the cows and other animals in the community.
The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Mr Yazid Abubakar, when contacted, explained that they were yet to receive the news of the kidnap incident.
Bandits abduct 150 locals in Zamfara community
Kano gov reinstates Gaya Emir, names two others for Karaye, Rano
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of three second-class Emirs of Rano, Gaya, and Karaye with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Wednesday, the new emirates are to serve as second with Kano as first-class emirate.
Yusuf named the newly appointed Alhaji Muhammad Karaye as the Emir of Karaye. He was the District Head of Rogo before his latest appointment.
Alhaji Muhammad Umar was named the Emir of Rano. He was the District Head of Bunkure before the latest appointment.
The governor also named Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Gaya as the Emir of Gaya. He was the emir of the defunct Gaya emirate, who was dethroned among others recently.
The statement added, “While congratulating the newly appointed Emirs, Governor Abba Yusuf enjoined them to be custodians of culture, peace, and unity of the people in their respective emirates.”
Yusuf had on Tuesday signed into law three second-class emirates in the state, with Rano covering only Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government areas.
Gaya covers only Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Local Government Areas, while Karaye covers only Karaye and Rogo Local Government Areas.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
South-East won’t join protest against Tinubu govt – Ohanaeze
Factional Secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu lsiguzoro, has said that the people of South-East zone will not join in the proposed nationwide protests against President Bola.
The protest is slated to hold on August 1st-10th, 2024, over the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
In a statement in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Isiguzoro said that Igbos will not be used again, citing that the South-East have been used as sacrificial lambs in previous riots.
He noted that previous riots have resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties.
He stressed that what matters most to the South-East was the release of Nnamdi Kanu, not participating in the nationwide protests.
The statement reads, “As Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express their frustrations over the harsh economic conditions and rising prices of essential commodities and petroleum products, OHANAEZE NDIGBO, the apex igbo socio-cultural organization, has taken a firm stance on the upcoming protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024.
“Drawing from the painful history of past riots and protests in Nigeria, such as the 17th April 1978 ALI MUST GO Protests, the 24th May 1989 ANTI-SAP RIOTS, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2nd-14th January 2012 OCCUPY NIGERIA protests, and the 20th October 2020 END SARS protests, which resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties, OHANAEZE NDIGBO highlights the fact that Igbos have often been used as sacrificial lambs in the course of these protests.
“In the interest of protecting the lives and properties of Igbos across the country, OHANAEZE NDIGBO has made the decision to direct Igbos at home and in diaspora to refrain from participating in the Nationwide Protests scheduled for August 1st-10th, 2024, for the following reasons.
“Firstly, the security challenges in the Southeast region make it imprudent to allow any form of protest or riot to occur. Any attempt to enforce protests in the Southeast will only exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the region.
“Extremists and criminals may take advantage of such protests to instigate violence, loot properties, and cause chaos. Therefore, it is not advisable for any protests to take place in the Southeast.
“Secondly, with the fear of Igbos being used as sacrificial lambs in the upcoming protests nationwide, OHANAEZE NDIGBO advises Igbo residents in the 19 Northern States and Southwest to boycott the protests for their own safety and security. Staying away from the protests is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.
“Lastly, OHANAEZE NDIGBO emphasizes that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is of utmost importance to the Southeast region. The organization believes that engaging in protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not bring about the desired outcome, but rather, the release of Nnamdi Kanu will demonstrate good faith on the part of the President towards the Igbo people.”
South-East won’t join protest against Tinubu govt – Ohanaeze
Reinstated HYPREP Coordinator, Zabbey vows to expedite Ogoni clean-up project
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has assured that his administration will expedite the completion of over 130 ongoing projects in Ogoniland.
Professor Zabbey made this statement while addressing youths who visited the HYPREP office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday to demonstrate their support for his reappointment as the Project Coordinator.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday reinstated Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, after rescinding his appointment of Olufemi Adekanmbi last Saturday.
The President cited Zabbey’s good performance as the reason for his reinstatement.
His decision to replace Zabbey with a non-Ogoni generated negative reactions from Ogoni people and groups in the Niger Delta (who felt stakeholders were not consulted).
Speaking, Zabbey revealed that the projects have created direct employment opportunities for over 7,000 youths.
He said, “We have 130 ongoing projects in the area of remediation, water positioning, strengthening of hospitals or health systems, and a lot of livelihood
“And under remediation alone, we have remediation of contaminated land, we have shore line cleanup and we have a mangrove restoration project going on concurrently.
“These have created a lot of jobs for Ogoni youths. Our estimate is over 7,000 youths.”
He stated that HYPREP would train traditional rulers in conflict resolution to ensure the smooth progress of the cleanup project in Ogoniland.
HYPREP is the agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment responsible for handling the Ogoni Clean-up project on oil spill sites.
Reinstated HYPREP Coordinator, Zabbey vows to expedite Ogoni clean-up project
Sanwo-Olu hosts dinner to celebrate Soyinka at 90
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted a dinner at the State House on Tuesday to honour Noble Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
During the birthday dinner, Sanwo-Olu also unveiled a “special portrait” of the renowned playwright and novelist.
Sharing photos from the event on X.com, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
“It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all.
“The highlight of the evening was unveiling a special portrait of Prof., a true reflection of his enduring legacy.”
Sanwo-Olu further thanked Soyinka, saying, “We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire.”
He added, “His Nobel Prize win many years ago opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable. His works transcend time, touching hearts and minds across the globe.
“Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness.”
The Nobel Laureate, who turned 90 years old on Saturday, July 13, was described as a shining light and national treasure by President Bola Tinubu.
See more photos below
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Tinubu to meet labour leaders again on Thursday to finalize new minimum wage
President Bola Tinubu is to convene a follow-up meeting with labour leaders on Thursday to reach a consensus on a new minimum wage, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.Read more
2. Kogi sets October 19 for local government elections
Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has announced October 19 as the date for local government elections across the state, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed caretaker committees managing local government affairs nationwide illegal.Read more
3. Pro-Fubara lawmakers reject move to stop Rivers govt’s spending
The faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalaye Fubara has rejected the move by a rival group to stop the governor from spending the state’s revenue.Read more
4. Binance executive’s health worsens, appears in court in wheelchair
The executive director of the cryptocurrency platform, Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, arrived at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a wheelchair for his trial for alleged money laundering on Tuesday.Read more
5. Nigerian govt rules out handover of varsities to private investors
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said on Tuesday the Federal Government has no plan to hand over public universities in the country to private investors.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, July 14, 2024
6. Renewed tension as Sunday Igboho gives Fulani herders ultimatum to vacate South-West forests
Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has renewed his call for Fulani herders to leave forests anreas across the South-West region of Nigeria.Read more
7. FG, states, LGAs share N1.35tr as revenue allocation for June
The three tiers of government on Tuesday shared the sum of N1.35 trillion as revenue allocation for June.Read more
8. FRC, MOFI reveal how Nigeria can achieve $1tr economy
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) identified how President Bola Tinubu can achieve its $1 trillion economic projection.Read more
9. Navy rescues eight victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen
The Nigerian Navy has rescued eight female victims of human trafficking in the country.Read more
10. Nigeria absent at Africa Youth Champs over scarcity of funds
Nigeria is conspicuously absent from the 2024 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, which are currently underway in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Hardship: Kebbi Govt tackles food crisis with 210 trucks of fertilizer, agricultural inputs
In a concerted effort to arrest the food crisis rocking the country, especially the Northern Region, Kebbi State government has procured 210 trucks of fertilizer to aid farming this rainy season.
The effort is part of concerns to curb food insufficiency and general hardships being experienced by the citizens.
Governor Nasir Idris, who announced the new move in Birnin-Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, said that the 210 trucks of fertilizer would be made available to peasant farmers in the rural areas at no cost.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, Governor Idris said that no fewer than 48,000 peasant farmers have been targeted to have the fertilizer to aid their farming capacities.
According to the statement, the fertilizer would be transmitted to the local farmers in their respective villages and communities along with other agricultural inputs.
The move to combat the food crisis headlong was said to have been made public by the governor at the launching of agricultural inputs by the State COVID 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, Kebbi State Cares Coordinating Unit.
The exercise is said to be under the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fadama III Implementing Unit
Gov. Idris pointed out that the effort was part of his decision not to leave any farmer or group of farmers behind in their farming work.
According to the statement, 100 trucks of assorted fertiliser would be distributed to the people of the state free, while another 110 trucks of fertiliser would also be channeled to Local Government Areas in the state also free-of-charge.
The governor charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for mass food production to ensure food sufficiency at the end of the rainy season of the year.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abba Sani-Kalgo was said to have highlighted the importance of the programme and commended the governor for the support and assistance to the ministry and generality of farmers in the state.
Hardship: Kebbi Govt tackles food crisis with 210 trucks of fertilizer, agricultural inputs
Former Tornadoes prodigy Degol explains Rangers move
Former Nigeria Tornadoes winger Clinton Jephter Degol is delighted at his move to Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers, According Sports Extra reports.
In a voice note made available to According Sports Extra by the club’s media department on Tuesday, the youngster said he showed no hesitation in choosing the Flying Antelopes over a litany of suitors jostling for his signature.
“Firstly, I want to thank God for making it possible for me to be here. Secondly, I feel so happy and good to join a great side like Rangers International, the reigning league champions. I feel proud to be part of this club. I know the signing is coming late, but I am grateful it happened due to pressure from a couple of clubs for my services. It was a hard decision for me, but I believe Rangers is the right choice for me, and I feel happy and good to be here,” said Jephter, who penned a year-long deal to defend the badge of the CAF Champions League campaigners.
Jephter, who was among the top performers for the Minna-based side in the concluded season, put pen to paper for coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the club’s corporate office in Enugu.
The Southern Ijaw Bayelsa state-born ball juggler makes the 10th addition to the Coal City side as they continue to fortify the team for a successful title defence and fruitful continental challenge, which starts in the middle of August 2024 with a preliminary round fixture against Comoros Islands side, U.S. Zilimadjou.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Govt will not tolerate any hostility, civil unrest – Delta Dep Gov Onyeme
The Delta State Government has declared that it will not tolerate any community causing hostility or civil unrest.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme gave the warning on Tuesday in Asaba during separate meetings held with leaders from Ugboba and Obomkpa Communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area, and Issele-Asaba Community (Akpoma Quarters) in Aniocha North Local Government Area and Okpanam (Ogbeozoma and Amachai Quarters) in Oshimilli North Local Government Area.
He noted that security agents have the backing of the government to ensure that law and order are maintained in the communities.
He called on communities to maintain peace as government is determined to proffer lasting solutions to various boundary issues and land disputes across the state.
Onyeme who is also the chairman of the Delta State Boundary Committee, charged security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order across all communities in the state.
The deputy governor noted that it is the priority of the state government to ensure that peace prevails in all parts of the state.
“Government’s advice and instruction is for all to maintain the peace and we should not do anything that will increase tensions in the community while government will send its experts to look at the issue and find solutions to it.
“The cardinal point of the MORE Agenda of this administration is to enhance peace and security because when we achieve that, every other thing will follow.
“Without peace, there cannot be development, without peace, there cannot be opportunities; there cannot be reforms, except there is peace and security and as a government, we are very serious about achieving peace, Onyeme stated.
The deputy governor stated that the Delta State Boundary Committee’s technical team would within the next three weeks visit the Ugboba and Ogbomkpa communities, as well as the Issele-Asagba and Okpanam communities and look at the issues raised to ensure their quick resolutions.
“We will bring in our technical team to look at what you are saying; solution must be provided and that is what government is after. Every community wants peace and on government side, we want peace because that is the only way that we can move forward as a people.
“The fact that all parties involved have been writing to government for intervention shows that we all want solutions to the issues and solutions we must provide because we are all part of Delta State and if there is a problem in any part of the state, the state will not be settled.
“We did not come to governance just to sit down and watch our citizens start suffering. We are here to provide solutions to the challenges of our people and we are here to be fair to everybody.
“I want us to approach things with fairness and remain calm while we look for solutions to the issues at hand; we should be realistic about the existence of each other as a people.
“As a modern person, I cannot say that a kingdom that was created in the 13th century must remain, as it was created forever, society evolves and the only thing that is constant is change,” Onyeme said.
Also, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, who was represented by the Area Commander of Asaba, ACP Alex Udeze, advised all communities to maintain peace while the Delta State Government proffer solutions to all the issues at stake.
The police commissioner warned that security agents will not fail to enforce law and order and bring to book anyone trying to cause crises in the communities and the state at large.
Earlier in their various presentations, His Royal Majesty, Ezedinbu Nkebakwu III, the Obi of Ugboba and His Royal Majesty, Obi Onyemechi Kanyinaga, the Obi of Ogbomkpa, commended government for initiating the meeting and appealed to the state government to intervene by urgently addressing the issues affecting both communities.
They assured government of maintaining peace in their various communities while also enjoining government to find lasting solutions to the issues raised.
Also, Prince Austin Ugboma, who spoke on behalf of Issele-Asagba community and Mr Joseph Okolie, who spoke on behalf of Okpanam community assured the state government of their communities’ commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring their collaboration with the state government to find a lasting solution to the boundary disputes between the two communities.
Govt will not tolerate any hostility, civil unrest – Delta Dep Gov Onyeme