Politics
Alimosho: Embrace S’Court ruling on LG autonomy, CSOs tell Lagos Assembly
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.”
Politics
PDP crisis: Two ex-Senate presidents lead fresh plot to oust Damagum
PDP crisis: Two ex-Senate presidents lead fresh plot to oust Damagum
Two former Presidents of the Senate, Chief David Mark and Dr Bukola Saraki are leading a fresh charge aimed at removing Amb. Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The push by Mark and Saraki has received the backing of prominent stakeholders, including the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang and other political office holders elected on the platform of the PDP.
Similarly, former governors from the Northcentral zone who served on the party’s platform have also aligned forces with the group.
Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday night, the party chieftains resolved to produce a candidate from the zone early 2025 to replace Damagum.
According to them, the move to replace Damagum with a substantive chairman from the Northcentral, has received the endorsement of key party stakeholders from the Northwest and the Northeast zones.
Among those being projected as potential candidates to take Damagum’s seat include Mark; a former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam; and a former House of Representatives member from Nasarawa State, David
David Ombugadu.
A communique issued after the meeting, said the stakeholders
reviewed the festering crisis in the party following the exit of the erstwhile National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Ayu lost his seat to the crisis triggered by disagreements over the emergency of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election.
READ ALSO:
- Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife
- Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
- Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola
The crisis has continued to deepen with the apparent overbearing influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on the Damagum-led national leadership.
The Northcentral stakeholders argued that Damagum’s continued occupation of the office breached provisions of the PDP constitution.
The communique states in part, “The PDP’s constitution clearly states that succession of offices in the party at all levels is largely to the extent that any vacant position can be replaced by appointment from the zone, as per Section 47 (6) of the party.
“The party is guided by its constitution at all times. Therefore, the leadership of the party needs to rise up to the occasion to restore goodwill and cohesion in the party by making necessary sacrifices and compromises to restore confidence and cohesion in the party.
“It is in the light of this that the stakeholders of the Northcentral Zone appeal to the conscience and goodwill of our compatriots in other zones of the Northern region to restore the seat of the chairmanship of the party back to the Northcentral Zone to serve out its tenure.
“That the stakeholders must strive to build consensus to get the buy-in to the position of Northcentral zone.
“The Northcentral is united and will strive to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria.”
The meeting, which was attended by Governor Muftwang, also had former Governors Jonah Jang (Plateau), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Idris Wada (Kogi) in attendance.
Others at the meeting included the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; incumbent PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); and a former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana.
Also at the meeting were former senators Tunde Ogbeha, Philip Aduda, Suleiman Adokwe, Dino Melaye, Mohammed Onawo and Peter Jiya.
READ ALSO:
- Yahaya Bello walks home after release from Kuje prison Friday evening
- Fire kills family of three in Ibadan
- Court stops suspension of Edo LG chairmen
Similarly, former Ministers, Labaran Maku and Sarah Ochekpe also attended the meeting. Other stakeholders like Simon Mwadkwon, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, Mr. Raymond Dabo, Maika Jiba, and Isa Dobi were also present.
Damagum, who is from Yobe State in the Northeast zone, emerged Acting National Chairman in March 2023 following the exit of Ayu who is from Benue State in the Northcentral zone.
Damagum was the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North) before his appointment as Acting National Chairman.
By virtue of Section 47 (6) of the party’s constitution, he ought to have relinquished the seat for a substantive National Chairman from the Northcentral zone where Ayu hailed from.
The Section reads: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure of the officer.”
Ayu was elected chairman in 2022 for a four-year tenure that should expire in 2026 before his tenure got truncated in 2023.
Several moves by critical organs of the party, including the PDP Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Caucus to replace Damagum have been thwarted by the Acting National Chairman, allegedly with the backing of Wike.
Miffed by the development, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, had, a few weeks ago, directed the Damagum-led leadership to convene the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting latest by February 2025.
The NEC meeting has suffered four postponements between August and November 2024, as Damagum, who is supposed to convene the meeting has been evasive.
The power to ratify any candidate chosen by the Northcentral zone to replace Damagum is vested only in the NEC.
PDP crisis: Two ex-Senate presidents lead fresh plot to oust Damagum
Politics
PDP expels South-East national vice chairperson over anti-party activities
PDP expels South-East national vice chairperson over anti-party activities
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has officially expelled Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairperson of the party in the South-East, following allegations of anti-party activities.
Odefa had been suspended on September 11, 2024, by the ward executives, a move that was later upheld by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki. In its ruling on November 29, 2024, under suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024, the court affirmed the legitimacy of his suspension.
On Wednesday, Onyeka Ovuta, the Acting Chairperson of the PDP in Oguduokwor, announced Odefa’s expulsion in a statement. Ovuta explained that the decision followed recommendations from the party’s disciplinary committee, which confirmed the allegations against Odefa.
READ ALSO:
- Your information on $1bn investment misleading, Dangote Refinery replies NNPCL
- Many die at Ibadan children’s Christmas party stampede, organisers arrested
- BREAKING: Qualified bidders emerge in 2022/2023 oil licensing
The party announced that Mr Odefa by the virtue of his expulsion, “ceases to be a member of the party.”
Reacting, Mr Odefa laughed off the expulsion, stating that those who announced it were “frustrated charlatans”.
He said the expulsion cannot stand because “it did not take place in the ward but in Abuja”. He said those who made the announcement against him were not ward executives of the party.
“Let them come home come and announce it. Or is our ward now located in Abuja?”
PDP expels South-East national vice chairperson over anti-party activities
Politics
INEC recognises Sylvester Ezeokenwa as APGA national chairman
INEC recognises Sylvester Ezeokenwa as APGA national chairman
Sylvester Ezeokenwa has been reinstated as the national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ezeokenwa was reinstated by the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, December 17.
According to Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, the commission had been served with the judgement of the Supreme Court.
The apex court judgement with the Appeal No. SC/CV/824/2024 APGA & ANOR vs OYE & ORS was delivered on November 27, 2024.
The court ruled that Ezeokenwa should be recognised as the national chairman of the party.
READ ALSO:
- Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. crowned FIFA Player of the Year
- Rashford hints at Man United exit
- CSOs urge Lagos AG to appeal court’s decision upturning Olaleye’s rape conviction
“In compliance with the judgement of the apex court, the Commission has restored Barr. Ezeokenwa as the Chairman of APGA and restored his name on our website accordingly,” the INEC commissioner said.
He also stated that the reisnstatmemt of the new chairman would automatically lead to the withdrawal of the recognition of Njoku as the national chairman of the party.
The court also upheld an earlier judgement of the appeal which did not confer any enforceable rights on Njoku.
If also awarded N20 million each against the appellaants.
INEC recognises Sylvester Ezeokenwa as APGA national chairman
-
metro1 day agoCourt stops customs from seizing imported rice in open market
-
metro3 days agoCourt orders Minister, NIS to pay N3m compensation, issue passport to complainant
-
metro2 days agoFG transfers electricity market regulatory oversight in Lagos to LASERC
-
metro1 day agoAfe Babalola: Court grants Dele Farotimi bail, barred from media interviews
-
News1 day agoAdebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024
-
metro2 days agoAbuja demolition: Soldiers attack FCTA officials, seize vehicles
-
metro1 day agoIbadan stampede: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 40
-
metro1 day agoNAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa