Alimosho: Embrace S'Court ruling on LG autonomy, CSOs tell Lagos Assembly  – Newstrends
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Alimosho: Embrace S’Court ruling on LG autonomy, CSOs tell Lagos Assembly 

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5 days ago

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Alimosho: Embrace S’Court ruling on LG autonomy, CSOs tell Lagos Assembly 

 

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has condemned members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over their suspension of Chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon,

The groups comprising Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), Campaign Against Impunity, Center for Economics and Human Right Advancement and Ideal Society Advocacy Group, among others, at a briefing in Akoka on Thursday, asked the state legislators to ‘hands-off’ issues relating to the Alimosho Local Government Area.

They specifically urged the state lawmakers to embrace the ruling of the Supreme Court and ensure its effective implementation, thereby creating an environment where local governments could thrive.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, HURMA Executive Director, Comrade Isiak Buna, called on the assembly to allow lawmakers in the Alimosho Local Government Area to deal with issues relating to their council.

He said, “Alimosho and all other local governments in the state are not appendage of the state assembly. They are an independent tier of government enshrined in our Constitution and recently authoritatively pronounced by the Nigeria’s highest court.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as all governors and political leaders, to ensure that the autonomy secured through the ruling of the Supreme Court is implemented in full.

“It is imperative that all local government officials are empowered to perform their duties effectively, free from undue interference and control from higher levels of government.

“Political leaders, particularly the leadership of state assemblies and the governors with vested interests, must recognize that local governments are not mere extensions of state authority, but rather autonomous entities that are vital to fostering development, enhancing accountability, and improving service delivery to our citizens.

“We emphasize that respecting local government autonomy is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative that contributes to national cohesion and development as well as the enhancement of fiscal federalism that we have clamoured for decades.

“As we navigate the complexities of governance, we urge all stakeholders to prioritize the principles of democracy and local governance.

“It is time to reaffirm our commitment to local government autonomy and ensure that the rights and responsibilities of these vital institutions are respected and upheld.”

Buna said the groups hailed Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his swift intervention, affirming separation of powers of all the arms of government and the independence of local government.

According to him, if not for the governor’s proactive and timely intervention, the monumental abomination of Lagos State House of Assembly could have laid a bad and unforgettable precedent, given President Tinubu a bad name where ordinarily he should have claimed credit, and probably set Lagos on fire and created unnecessary distraction for Governor Sanwo-Olu that is busy thinking on how to move Lagos forward.

Also speaking, Comrade Shina Loremikan of Campaign Against Impunity, said the decisive action of Governor Sanwo-Olu in safeguarding the independence of local governance was commendable and reflected a commitment to democratic principles and the well-being of the people of Lagos State.

Loremikan said, “The attempted compromise of Alimosho’s autonomy posed a significant threat to the ability of local leaders to serve their constituents effectively.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s swift response has not only protected Alimosho but has also set a precedent for the protection of local governments across the length and brength of Nigeria, which we urge other state governors to emulate.

“We implore Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue his efforts in defending and promoting the hard-earned autonomy of local governments throughout the state. It is essential to create an environment where local authorities can operate freely and make decisions that directly benefit their communities.

“This commitment will empower local leaders and enhance service delivery, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.

“As an organization dedicated to promoting good governance, we call upon the governor to engage with stakeholders at all levels to ensure that local government autonomy is respected and upheld.

“By doing so, we can work together to build a stronger, more accountable local government system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities.

“Once again, we express our gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership and commitment to local governance. “We look forward to his continued support in protecting the rights and responsibilities of local governments in Lagos State.

“We also call on the Speaker and the entire members of Lagos Sate House of Assembly to purge themselves of arrogance and give peace a chance.

“They were elected to serve people but not to pursue vested interest or settle scores.

“Therefore, the unnecessary threat they pose to democracy, good governance and independence of local government must come under control before it consumes the nation.”

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Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Published

7 hours ago

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October 16, 2024

By

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has opted to remain silent on the ongoing internal crisis within the party.

During a press briefing held at his residence on Miller Road in Kano on Tuesday afternoon, Kwankwaso was asked by journalists to address the situation, but he firmly stated that he had no comments regarding the issue.

The NNPP, which has gained significant political traction in recent years, has been experiencing internal challenges, especially at the state level.

However, Kwankwaso’s decision to refrain from speaking publicly on the matter has left many speculating about the next steps for the party and its leadership.

“I don’t want to talk please. Don’t drag me into what I am not supposed to be dragged into. The chairman of the party has spoken and has been speaking, reach out to him,” he said.

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Newstrends reported that there has been an internal crisis between parties which resulted in the suspension of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and the Commissioner of transportation, Muhammad Diggol.

According to the party chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the suspension followed alleged disrespect to the party, abuse of power, office and disloyalty to the party.

Recall that the suspension came barely an hour after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led a reconciliation between the SSG and the aggrieved members of his constituency.

The SSG had also dissociated himself from the ongoing campaign instigating the separation of Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso under the guise of ‘Abba Tsaya da Kafarka’ meaning; Abba stand on your feet.

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

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PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Published

8 hours ago

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October 16, 2024

By

IIiya Umar Damagum

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Indications emerged on Tuesday that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been offered an opportunity to step down from his position next week.

Newstrends gathered that the decision was reached by the party’s governors yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Sources privy to the details of the meeting and a virtual gathering held earlier on Monday, stated that the governors were rattled by the factionalisation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and resolved to unite for preservation of the party.

At yesterday’s meeting, convened before the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo State, it was gathered that the governors agreed to allow Damagum to retain his position as acting national chairman until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.

Newstrends gathered that the acting chairman, Damagum and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) were present at the meeting. Also present were the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Balam Mohammed, along with governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among other party chieftains.

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Yesterday’s meeting was a continuation of the PDP Governors’ Forum’s virtual meeting which took place on Monday. During the meeting of Monday, Governor Adeleke reportedly expressed disappointment over how the crisis had led to the factionalisation of the NWC, expressing fears that it could negatively impact his bid for a second term in 2026, being the first among the party’s first-term governors to be up for a re-election.

Adeleke reportedly challenged Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for not supporting the North-Central’s bid to retain the chairmanship, despite being from the zone and also a first-term governor.

Mutfwang reportedly replied that based on recent developments, he was now in favour of a chairman emerging from the North-Central, following the party’s constitution to resolve the impasse.

Mutfwang, alongside governors Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is believed to have initially opposed Damagum’s removal. This quartet is thought to be allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom Damagum has allegedly been supporting.

However, it was gathered that Makinde, believed to be the leader of the quartet, proposed at the virtual meeting of Monday that even if Damagum were to leave, he should be given a soft landing. Consequently, the meeting was postponed to yesterday to include Damagum.

The governors also agreed that while Damagum continues as acting chairman for the next few days, the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be used to ratify the North-Central’s nomination for the position. The NEC meeting will also discuss potential dates for a national convention.

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

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APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

Published

22 hours ago

on

October 15, 2024

By

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has lifted the suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), along with several other senior party members.

This decision came after a prolonged meeting that included the state executive committee, party members of the state Assembly, and local government leaders.

The meeting primarily focused on resolving the internal conflict resulting from the suspension of key figures in the Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama, and Yenagoa local government areas.

Those previously suspended included notable individuals like Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon, the APC’s governorship candidate in the 2019 election

Following a press conference on October 15 at the APC secretariat in Yenagoa, a communique was issued.

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Signed by Chief Dennis Otiotio-Odoni, the state chairman, and Acting State Secretary Owutuamo Tamaranpreye, the statement confirmed that the suspensions were rescinded after a request from the minority caucus of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and thorough discussions within the party.

The communique outlined the party’s decision to defer the ratification of the suspensions to allow for additional consultations with key stakeholders, following recommendations from the APC caucus in the state Assembly.

Additionally, the extended executive committee and the APC Assembly Caucus condemned the recent actions of the Bayelsa Commissioner for Power, Mr. Kharin Kumoku, who reportedly led a group of individuals to attempt an attack on the APC state secretariat.

The party urged Governor Douye Diri to address the issue by cautioning the commissioner and called on both the Commissioner of Police, Francis A. Idu, and the state Director of DSS to investigate the incident.

The Bayelsa APC emphasized its dedication to democratic values and expressed its intent to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue.

The party also encouraged members and stakeholders to uphold decorum, stressing the importance of unity for the party’s success in the state.

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

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