Stop Blaming Tinubu, Focus on States, LGs — Lagos Lawmaker

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Temitope Adewale, has urged Nigerians—particularly councillors—to hold local government chairmen accountable for governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, made the call during an interview on Sunday in Lagos, stressing that Nigeria’s governance challenges cannot be solved by the Federal Government alone.

He referenced the landmark 2024 Supreme Court judgment which granted full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments, mandating that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to councils rather than routed through state governments.

The apex court ruling also barred state governors from withholding or tampering with local government funds and reaffirmed that only democratically elected councils are entitled to manage such allocations. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)

According to Adewale, the judgment has significantly increased financial inflows to local governments and created an opportunity for real development at the grassroots.

“It is wrong to place all the blame on the President. Governors and council chairmen must complement federal efforts,” he said.

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The lawmaker noted that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, allocations to local governments have improved, aided by reforms supporting direct funding and fiscal transparency.

He commended the Federal Government for enforcing local government autonomy, describing it as a major step toward deepening Nigeria’s federal system and ensuring that development reaches rural communities.

“The President ensured councils get allocations directly, enabling development from the grassroots,” he said.

“You will notice governors no longer receive funds on behalf of councils, leading to increased infrastructure and development projects across local governments.”

Adewale, however, warned that financial autonomy alone would not translate into development without strong accountability mechanisms.

He urged councillors to actively monitor the use of public funds and demand transparency from local government chairmen.

“Councillors must hold chairmen accountable and ensure public funds are properly spent,” he said, adding that they must be bold enough to challenge cases of misappropriation.

Experts have noted that while the Supreme Court ruling represents a major shift, local governments still face challenges such as weak financial systems, low internally generated revenue, and poor accountability structures, which could undermine effective service delivery if not addressed. (Punch Newspapers)

On security, Adewale emphasized that responsibility lies with all tiers of government, not just the Federal Government.

He reiterated calls for the establishment of state police, noting that decentralised policing would improve response to insecurity at the grassroots.

“The President has been advocating state and community policing, which can help tackle insecurity effectively,” he said.

He further urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation that would enable the creation of state police across the country.

Adewale concluded that meaningful development in Nigeria would only be achieved when local governments function effectively as the third tier of government closest to the people.

Stop Blaming Tinubu, Focus on States, LGs — Lagos Lawmaker

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising supporters of Peter Obi, describing some of them as “monsters” and warning that their conduct could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed a post shared by Dabiri-Erewa on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where she highlighted her recent visit to Silicon Valley in California, United States. During the visit, she met with Nigerian professionals in the tech industry and experienced a ride in a driverless car, which she described as impressive and forward-looking.

In the post, she expressed appreciation to Nigerian architect and designer Kunle Adeyemo for hosting her during the tour. However, the update quickly drew backlash from some social media users who criticised her for praising technological advancement abroad while, in their view, supporting political structures at home that do not reflect similar progress.

Some of the reactions were sharply critical and, in certain instances, abusive, with users accusing her of hypocrisy and questioning her political stance. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated online debate.

In response, Dabiri-Erewa defended her position and took aim at a segment of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidient movement, accusing them of engaging in toxic and aggressive online behaviour.

She wrote that Obi had “raised monsters” and warned that if such behaviour continued unchecked, it could ultimately harm his chances in future political contests, particularly the 2027 presidential race.

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Dabiri-Erewa further suggested that the same supporters could become a liability to Obi, even if political power eventually rotates to the South-East region, where Obi hails from.

Doubling down in subsequent posts, she reiterated that the conduct of some supporters reflects poorly on the former Labour Party presidential candidate and stressed the need for him to call them to order.

She also rejected criticism that her status as a public official should prevent her from engaging online critics, insisting that her social media account is personal and that she has the right to respond to attacks directed at her.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with critics of Obi aligning with Dabiri-Erewa’s position, while his supporters argue that her comments are unfair and politically motivated.

Supporters of Obi maintain that the Obidient movement is largely grassroots-driven and issue-focused, adding that online excesses by a few individuals should not define the broader movement.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not issued an official response to the NiDCOM chair’s remarks.

Political analysts say the episode highlights the growing influence—and risks—of digital political movements and online activism in Nigeria, especially as the country gradually shifts toward the 2027 election cycle.

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to play key roles in the party’s upcoming National Convention.

The convention is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 14, and is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and political stakeholders from across Nigeria as the ADC seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

According to party arrangements, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has been appointed as Chairman of the 126-member National Convention Planning Committee, which will oversee logistics, accreditation, and coordination of the convention process.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was named Deputy Chairman of the planning committee, while other prominent political figures were also included to strengthen the convention’s organisational structure.

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Among those listed as members of the committee are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, alongside other national stakeholders drawn from different geopolitical zones.

Party insiders say the inclusion of high-profile political figures reflects ADC’s attempt to build a broad-based coalition and increase its visibility within Nigeria’s opposition space.

The convention is expected to focus on internal restructuring, leadership coordination, and strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s national presence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

Political observers note that the presence of influential figures such as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi on the planning structure signals increased political realignment discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Although the party has not officially confirmed whether the individuals will attend in person or serve in advisory capacities, preparations for the convention are reportedly in advanced stages.

Security and logistics arrangements are being finalised as the ADC prepares to host a large gathering of delegates and party stakeholders for the high-profile event.

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning