Mohammed Shosanya

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt,Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its forthcoming Congress in the state, billed for July 27, 2024.

Justice Sobere Biambo, issued the interim order against the PDP, it’s National Chairman, Financial Secretary and National Organising Secretary, who are defendants in the suit after hearing the submission of the applicants’ counsel, Eberechi Adiele, Esq. (SAN).

The applicants in the suit marked PHC/2282/CS/2024, includes; Hon. David Chinedu Omereji, Hon. Prince Solomon Abel Eke, Isoboye Tobin, Goddy Manfred Pepple, Okuah Precious Chigozirim and Hon. Orolosama Peter Amachree.

Others are; GoodFriday Nweke, Alfred Letem, Hon. Wechie Ndubisi Raymond, Mrs. Eberie Michael and Hon. Ogenma Idalunimulu.

The applicants in an originating summons and a motion ex parte, urged the court to restrain the defendants or their proxies from carrying out the party’s congress in Rivers State.

The order reads: “That an order of at interim order of injunction be and is hereby issued restraining the defendants and each of them, either by themselves servant, agents, assigns or otherwise howsoever from holding or carrying out the People Democratic Party (PDP) Congress in Rivers State scheduled to hold in Rivers State on the 27th day of July, 2024 or be rescheduled to he held on any other date or any other location pending the determination of the notion on notice already filed.

“That an order interim is hereby issued stopping or suspending the People Democratic Party (PDP) Congress in Rivers State scheduled to hold in Rivers State on the 27th July, 2024 or to be held on any other date or any other location pending the determination of the motion on notice already filed.

“That an order interim is hereby issued restraining the defendants by themselves, servants, agents or otherwise howsoever, from taking any decision or giving any directive to further extend howsoever the already expired tenure of the last State, Local Government and Ward Executive Officers of the People Democratic Party(PDP) in Rivers State.”

Babatunde Solanke

Despite recent Supreme Court verdict which gives fiscal autonomy to the 774 local government areas in the country, and the court verdict that nullified the creation of the Local Government Development Areas in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has told the appointed transition committees to assume office.

He had released the list of 357 members of the transition committees to run the affairs of the 33 LCDAs which reaction has been nullified by an Akure High Court and the existing 18 Local Government Areas of the state on Thursday morning few hours before the Supreme Court handed down its unanimous judgement on the autonomy of the 774 local government areas in the federation.

The apex court had ruled that the funds meant for the 774 local governments in the federation would be released directly to the democratically elected executives of the local governments henceforth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, through the Attorney General of the federation filed the suit before the Supreme Court to determine the fiscal independence of the 774 local governments in the federation, but Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had through Ondo State Attorney General filed a reply countering the prayers of the president in the suit.

The Supreme Court granted the prayers of the President granting the 774 local governments of the federation financial autonomy.

But,Governor Aiyedatiwa had asked his appointed transition committees to assume duties immediately in the 18 local government areas and the nullified 33 LCDAs with immediate effect.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Amidu Takuro, had explained Ondo State was not the only state affected by the apex court verdict, saying the local government election could not be conducted in a hurry but had to comply with the Electoral Act.

He noted that the transition committees needed no there’s is no formal inauguration since their appointment reads that it takes immediate effect.

According to him, “No fewer than 21 states are affected and this is not peculiar to Ondo State alone. The governors will be meeting in Abuja during the week and there is still room for negotiations and there’s no need for rush.

“Judgement does not take immediate effect, even at that, we cannot conduct local government election immediately. There are procedures for election, so, we will study the judgement.

“Again, the Federal Government will not want to punish the local government workers by withholding their salaries or getting their allocation to them, though we have no option than to concur with the judgement, but it cannot be immediately.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde,on Monday constituted a special technical and legal committee to review the recent supreme court judgement on local government financial autonomy.

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Ademola Ojo disclosed this at a press briefing after a consultative/advisory meeting.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier before the close door meeting berated the supreme court judgement and strategies by the federal government to usurp undue authority over the state and local government administration thereby causing tension within that nation’s polity rather than focus on other germane issues affecting the nation’s economy.

Makinde said,he had seen a lot of sensational headlines in the newspapers where people gave different interpretations to the issue.

He added:“Let me thank you all for joining this important consultative meeting. I want us to discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns financial autonomy of the local government councils.

“I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We all swore to uphold the constitution but the law is the law. If the law is in conflict, it behoves on us to look for our own home-grown solution that can ensure that we have transparency and operate with our people. This is because when two elephants are fighting, the grass will suffer.

“Let me also recall that since the beginning of this administration, we have conducted two local government elections and When I was sworn in, I dissolved the local government. The Supreme Court just basically said to us that governors don’t have the right to dissolve the councils but why did I dissolve them then? It was because elections were held into the LCDAs and the same Supreme Court has basically now said that only 774 LGAs in Nigeria.

“So, there is confusion in the land, but when you have confusion, what it means is that the structure is shaking and we have to remove much of those confusions as much as possible.

“So, we will be outlining the major challenges we have at the local government areas so that we can develop our own solution. And the challenges of addressed, will ensure that we have seamless implementation of the process that can allow Oyo State to continue.

“So, on the issue of LG elections in Oyo State, we don’t have caretaker committees at the local level. We planned the elections in a way that not a single day was given out. We have a responsible government in Oyo State, we don’t need the federal government to tell us what to do. We know what is good and we know what is good for our people.

“Go back a little bit, what we inherited as an administration in 2019 was a local government system that was owing backlog of salaries, gratuities, pensions. I am saying this because Oyo State will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people.

“We can run our affairs by ourselves. The FG is not superior constitutionally to the state government though they have more resources than the states. So, we can do what is right in Oyo State and we have been doing what is right.

“For the primary school teachers, the Chairman of NUT is here. Before we came in, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017 and we paid that of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Primary health care facilities, inner roads were all in bad shape. We have been working collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

“We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18bn in pension and gratuities over these period. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, completed 60 model schools. We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some inner roads but there are still challenges that we have to address. We still have backlog of gratuities and pension.

“The local government is owing about N55bn in pension and gratuities. We are developing infrastructure that would push the economy and raise the living standard of their people and push their economy towards sustainable goals. But for us, at that time, our priority was not to deploy resources.

“What I am hearing right now is that our problem is not also money but how to share it. But I insist that our problem is not how to share money but how how to bake a bigger cake and bring our people out of hunger and poverty and stop the anger in the land.

“Our people do not care of the road is fixed by the FG or the state government or the LG. They just want to see good roads. An example is the Oyo-Iseyin road through Fasola, which is a Federal government road but the state government fixed it and I have the letter for the FG when I wrote it for approval. It is a critical road to Oyo State economy.

“I believe it is our problem irrespective of what they are doing at the federal level. We know what is important to the lives of our own people here in Oyo State. I learnt FAAC is tomorrow (Tuesday) and all of you can come. We will delay the implementation for the next ninety days, which is three FAACs from now. They will still pay the money into JAC account.

“You make the laws, you break it. So, the law is at your own. That is not how to run a country. If you make the law, let us all obey the law. For us in Oyo State, we can solve our own problem, deal with our situation and prioritize our people. Our pass mark is to discuss among ourselves and whatever we agree upon.

“I am not saying things should not be transparent at the local government level but it is a distraction to say this is the magic bullet that will wash away our problems. NULGE is here, NUP, NUT and others are here. So, let us sit down and discuss and fashion out our own way out of this issue.” Makinde said.

At the press briefing, Hon Ademola Ojo assured that Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to the people’s well being and would protect and safeguard the interest of all stakeholders

Barrister Aikomo,whho explained that the terms of references which specifically hinged on review of the supreme court judgement, identifying challenges and proffering recommendations that would result in implementation plan for the benefit of all stakeholders, noted that the committee had been given a duration of 4 – 6 weeks

Mohammed Shosanya

A faction of Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule has ordered the suspension of all expenditure from the state consolidated revenue fund.

The lawmakers said the decision was taken following Governor Siminalayi Fubara flagrant violation of Sections 121 and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered by spending from the consolidated Revenue Fund of the State without an Appropriation Law.

The position of the lawmakers comes after they gave the Governor a seven-day ultimatum to resubmit the 2024 budget, which has now expired.

This was as the Governor on Monday, said his administration had started the process of preparing the 2025 budget, dismissing the ultimatum by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction as a mere joke.

Governor Fubara noted that the lawmakers having defected to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party platform on which they got election, their seats remained vacant, hence their demands holds no meaning.

But,the pro-Wike lawmakers in a statement signed by Martins Wachukwu Special Assistant On Media to the factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhule on Monday, quoted the lawmakers as insisting that they could no longer look the other way while the Governor consistently trample on the Constitution he swore to uphold.

The statement reads: “The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 4th Legislative Sitting of the Second Session of the Tenth Assembly, Monday, considered a statement by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, wherein he drew the attention of the House again to the fact that given the combined provisions of Sections 121 and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has flagrantly continued to violate the Constitution by spending from the consolidated Revenue Fund of the State without an Appropriation Law.

“Debating on the statement by the House Leader, members in unison and in strong terms condemned Governor Fubara’s wanton disregard to the Constitution, despite repeating reminders of the consequences of his actions; thereby expressing their support for the shutdown of expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state forthwith.

“Commenting on the House Leader’s statement, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, stated that, it is unfortunate that Governor Fubara now sees violation of the provisions of the Constitution and judgements of Courts as a way of governance; adding that as representatives of the people, the House would not look the other way while the Governor consistently trample on the Constitution he swore to uphold.

“The House therefore, resolved to write to the Governor, intimating him of the shutdown of all expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State.”

The lawmakers further noted that they have concluded modalities to notify federal government agencies and banks to stop forthwith any transactions with the state government, pending the resolution of matters relating to the 2024 Appropriation Law.

“The House further resolved to notify the Federal government, its relevant Agencies, banks, local and foreign donor agencies of the development, and to advise them not to have any transactions with the Government of Rivers State, pending the resolution of matters relating to the 2024 Appropriation Law.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of Kwara South Youth Development Frontiers (KSYDF), an umbrella of youth organization in Kwara South,Comrade Kunle Anifowoshe, has lambasted its sister organization, the Kwara South Development Forum, (KSDF) for abandoning the challenges and collective interest of the people of Kwara South.

He alleged that because of pecuniary gains, KSDF is prioritizing the agenda of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to impose his anointed one,the incumbent Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi under the guise of supporting a Kwara North agenda in return.

In a statement signed by the KSYDAF president, the group declared that youths in Kwara South will not play parochi politics in 2027,but will only support governorship aspirants or candidates with impressive track records in service delivery, antecedents of good governance, and one with the interest of the Kwara South people at heart.

The KSDF, at its recent summit in Offa,had championed the interest of Kwara North producing the next governor instead of being concerned with burning issues in the state as it affects Kwara South.

The president can’t fathom why KSDF and its leadership failed to call out Governor Abdulrasaq on the abandoned KWASU Campus in Osi and his failure to site Kwara State University of Education in Kwara South since Kwara Central already has many tertiary institutions.

He said:“We cannot understand why the issue of Kwara North and other trivial matters is of importance to the KSDF when core issues are bothering the Kwara South that deserves urgent attention are neglected.”

He maintained that if KSDF is a serious organization that expects to be taken seriously, they should be highlighting critical issues that affect Kwara South like lack of government presence, uneven development, lopsided appointments, and total neglect of Kwara South when projects are being considered.

“I believe the leaders of the forum have lost touch with reality and they are not connected with the people they claim they are leading; we completely reject their resolution and we have distanced the people of Kwara South from it and we vowed to put an end to the actions of this older generation.

“It’s very disappointing that the KSDF has continued in their non-beneficent approach to political decisions, many of which have never benefitted the people of Kwara South.

“The elders failed to comment on the lopsided development in Kwara, the lack of government presence in Kwara South, the bad road networks, our security challenges, or how Kwara South was denied the University of Education.

“It is disheartening that the Osi campus of KWASU has not witnessed any development since Abdulrazaq came to power, despite the enormous fund at the government’s disposal.

“Disturbingly, our elders are more concerned about being part of the process of appointing a deputy governor, the same position we have had in the last five years which has attracted nothing significant to the senatorial district.”

They also accused the elders of being sponsored by Abdulrazaq, to actualize a northern agenda.
While indicating a preference for an alliance with Kwara Central, they vowed to strongly oppose the selfish interest of the KSDF, which is allegedly being sponsored by His Excellency.

“This gives credence to reports that the KSDF was established and is being sponsored by Governor Abdulrazaq, to galvanize support for the Kwara North agenda, especially the Governorship aspiration of the incumbent Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, who is his man-Friday.

“It leaves us dismayed that after collecting money from various stakeholders, our so-called elders are already plotting to sell us out with an agenda that has never been of benefit to our zone.

“If there must be an agenda, it must be with Kwara Central. Former Governors who hailed from the South – Cornelius Adebayo and Abdulfatah Ahmed – got into the Government House following an alliance with the Kwara Central.

“We, therefore, cannot be swayed by the decision of some elders who are not acting in the interest of Kwara South, but for their political benefit and pecuniary gains.

“We the youths of Kwara South will not open our eyes and watch those who had benefited hugely from previous governments to run us into a brick wall again. We will not allow some old men to destroy our future,” the statement read.

Mohammed Shosanya

Twenty one Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen contesting their tenure elongation and their loyalists stormed the various council secretariats in solidarity with the ongoing barricades by the Police, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, who led the protesters to the police barricade, described himself as the properly elected chairman of the council, assuring the Police Area Commander of Ikwerre LGA that they would never disobey the police.

Nwanosike, while leading hundreds of others comprising men, women and youths, said they only decided to embark on the peaceful demonstration following information that some labour leaders had mobilised themselves to harass the police out of the council secretariats.

He explained that the failure of the state governor to conduct elections in the LGAs compelled, Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to amend the law granting six-month tenure extension to the council chairmen.

He said, “I am still serving this council. Today I have five months and 25 days remaining in office by the laws made by Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

“We got credible information that those, who are members of the caretaker committees in the name of civil servants and who want to be judges in their own matters, had gone to connive with hoodlums to come and intimidate and harass the police to leave the council.

“Nothing on earth will make us break the laws of Nigeria and nothing on earth will make us disobey your orders. We have been patient with the Nigerian police even when it hurts us we still understand that the Constitution is the grund norm and the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

“If the judiciary had said all parties should maintain the status quo, we don’t think it will be reasonable for NULGE to come and disobey the order of the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police.

He added, “We are not here to foment trouble but if they want to take their luck too far, we are here to state that we own this council. I and this men and women here laboured and inconvenienced ourselves to rebuild this council from scratch when these hoodlums struggling to enter this council embezzled all that was available to them and refused to work for this council.

“Today the council is a beautiful edifice, an envy of all and everybody is doing everything to come and occupy it. It is a good thing but what we are saying is we didn’t create the lacuna that is happening today.

“Our Governor refused to conduct elections as provided by law and you know in governance there is no vacuum. We are here to state that as long those miscreants don’t come here we will continue to stand by the side eat and drink”.

The Area Commander commended them for their peaceful conduct.

In Obio-Akpor, Mr. George Ariolu, said he remained the authentic chairman pending the decision of the court on tenure elongation, leading residents of the council to the police barricades.

He said they were out to defend democracy and the rule of law against the forces plotting to force the police out of the council secretariats so as to perpetrate violence.

He said, “We are democrats and we must defend this democracy. The beauty of democracy is the rule of law. That is what we stand to defend. We are not going to relent from doing this.

“The police are here to maintain law and order. Their constitutional duty is to protect lives and properties, so when we heard that some people wanted to come and cause mayhem, we decided to say we won’t stand, fold our arms and see it happen.

“It took us a lot to keep the secretariat the way it is today and we won’t allow anybody to come and destroy it. We are here to support what the police are doing. The police will not allow them to enter. If they do, we will also get into the councils and what they want to avoid will happen and it will not be in the interest of anybody.

He said:”The matters are already in court. Why the desperation? Why not wait until the court of competent jurisdiction takes its position? Why are you taking actions that will likely destroy lives and properties?

“We are saying no to that. We are in support of the police. This is why we are patiently waiting for the outcome of the decision of the appeal court. If we had not raised the alarm, the labour leaders would have carried out their planned actions today.

“It was our alarm that made the police to issue a statement to stop them from coming. We will continue to come out here to defend democracy and the rule of law.”

Hundreds of pro-police protesters also marched to the Port Harcourt City Local Government secretariat along Bank Road in Port Harcourt and commended the police for professionally remaining neutral in discharging their responsibilities of maintaining law and order in the state.

The protesters insisted that the action of the police was for the overall interest of Rivers, saying it had forestalled a possible breakout of violence in the 23 local government areas.

One of the conveners, who identified himself as Kingsley Ohunda said: “We are Rivers people and as you can see this a harmless and an armless protest.

“The police have asked everybody to steer clear of the council premises. We got information that there are people who are trying to protest and ask the police to leave the gate, but we are saying no.

“The matter before the court is going to be decided soon. When that matter is decided, whoever is supposed to be in the council, should go to the council.

“So what we are saying is that the police should remain and maintain peace and order. As you can see, we are peaceful and law abiding. What we are doing is to ensure that democracy survives in Rivers.

Ohunda urged the police to keep to its words and ensure that no one was granted access to the council premises pending the decision of the court.

“If not we are also going to gain entrance there and you know that it won’t be nice for all of us”‘, he said.

Another protester, commiserated with the police over the killing of their personnel in the wake of the transition crisis appealing that such should no longer occur in the state.

In Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Onengiyeofori George, who continued to lay claims to tenure elongation, alongside his supporters marched through the streets of the town as they sang songs in solidarity with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Mohammed Shosanya

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas of the state.

The development follows the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.

He gave the directive in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.

In the broadcast, Governor Fubara said: “My fellow Rivers people, I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.

“I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State, and indeed, Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.

“Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.

“Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.”

The Governor added: “I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices, and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” he explained.

Governor Fubara added that: “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.

“Once again, I thank you my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.”

The Governor noted that, “Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all,” and wished all Rivers people, especially the Muslim faithful a happy Salah Holiday”.

Mohammed Shosanya

Youths on Monday barricaded some Rivers council secretariats main entrances, demanding the Chairmen exit from office as their tenures elaps.

Twenty one of the 23 local government Chairmen of the state vowed to remain in office beyond the end of the three-year term which elapsed on June 17.

The chairmen hinged their decision to remain in office on an amended Rivers Assembly Law which extended the council chairmen and councillors’ tenures by six months, should the Governor fail to conduct fresh local council elections, despite the fact that a state High Court had nullified the law citing its inconsistency with the constitution.

Police vans were also spotted at some council secretariats entrances in a bid to avert possible breakdown of law and order at the secretariats following the development.

The youths in the early hours of Monday barricaded the main entrance of Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, preventing everyone from gaining access.

The youths,who chanted solidarity songs are the council secretariats vowed to prevent the chairmen and councillors from gaining access to the premises.

Police vans were sighted at the Port Harcourt City Council, Obio Akpor and Ogu/Bolo LGA Secretariats.

Earlier, the Emohua council chairman, Chidi Lloyd had announced in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bright Jossy that the council will begin the distribution of cutlasses and hoes to farmers from Tuesday 18 June and it’s expected to last for one week.

His Khana LGA counterpart, Bariere Thomas announced a one-week clean-up exercise in the council billed to commence from Tuesday June 18.

In Ikwerre LGA, the chairman, Nwanosike Samuel has announced a one week cultural festival in the council begining Tuesday June 18.

The Eleme council Chairman, Barilormate Ollor was seen in a video circulating online,warning youths and others to steer clear of the council secretariat.

An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt had Friday ordered Martins Amaewhule and 25 other lawmakers and other parties involved in the matter to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

 

Mohammed Shosanya

Former Commissioner for Local government, Chieftaincy affairs and community development in Kwara State, Mahalia Aisha Ahman Pategi 2019-2020 fondly called “Super commissioner,” was the first commissioner to resign her portfolio when she dissatisfied with some policies of the government and the governor over poor handling of local government autonomy.

In this interview with Premium News,she discusses issues bothering on the President Bola Tinubu’s policies and government,autonomy for the third tier of government among others.

Excerpts:

What is your general assessment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration?.

Local government autonomy is what will hit the nail.This approach indeed has the potential to address fundamental issues in the grassroots level, fostering a bottom-up development strategy.

Empowering local governments can lead to more efficient governance, enhanced service delivery, and stronger community engagement. This method can significantly contribute to economic growth and societal transformation that will lead to a renewed sense of hope and a change in mindset across the nation.

Honestly,local government autonomy done and implemented properly will give us the dominion effect. For me, PBAT is doing exceptionally great. We all need to keep in mind that sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I tell you for free this local government autonomy if implemented properly will transform our lives and the nation.

There are agitations in some quarters for the establishment of state police, what is your take on this?

Establishment of state police is a contentious issue.While it could enhance localized security and ensure that policing is more in tune with community needs, its effectiveness is contingent upon the successful implementation of local governments autonomy.

Without a solid foundation for accountable local governance,state police might not achieve the desired outcomes and could even exacerbate existing issues of power and resource misuse.

How do you rate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the last five years?

I supported Governor Abdulrazaq for his second bid for office for certain reasons. First,is his key attribute, he’s got listening ears. Honestly, his humility is top-notch, he is a man that can strike friendship with a suya man.

Abraham Maslow’s third hierarchy of human needs is giving one a sense of belonging. When one is given a listening ears and action taken as a result of being heard, can definitely inspire and ignite that hope in a person that the future is bright.

Aside this,he has just unveiled the Ilorin city master plan 2042, which shows he is a great planner and a strategist. Keep in mind that he is also an achiever. Nothing meaningful can be achieved without proper planning. So I believe his years as an administrator will be unprecedented.

Again,he is giving the average child hope in Kwara state, he has raised the hope that a child of no body can become somebody.

For me,these are huge achievements we most time ignore and tend to focus too much attention on roads, renovations of school, social investments and all, but I can tell you for free that this aren’t our challenges, because to be fair to all other past governments they all did their fair share of infrastructure projects, but what’s truly sustainable is the feeling of the hope you inspire in people that will motivate them to believe in themselves.

Remember that a nation’s greatest capital is his human capacity, once we’re able to get it right by inspiring and equipping our citizens by harnessing their full potentials, then we shall be sure that the nation will rebuild itself and together.

We can go far as quoted by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Governor Abdurazaq has underscored his commitment to strategic development and inclusive governance.These attributes, coupled with his focus on giving hope to the youth and women are significant achievements.

While infrastructure projects are essential,the inspiration and sense of belonging he provides to the citizens are vital for the future of Kwara, Nigeria and humanity. According to Abraham Maslow, third hierarchy of human need is love and a sense of belonging, very crucial to our human potentiality.

Are women well represented in the political calculations of Nigeria?

Hmmm!!! Permit me to be blunt my brother, we women are the architect of our underrepresentation you may wish to ask me why.

Take a cursory look at our democracy; take the recent Edu gate situation for example, instead of women to collaborate and work together as a team; what happened? Many women have sabotaged each other in the history of women in politics.

So I honestly feel it’s time we stop playing the victim mentality and ensure we women team up and stand united, we should put aside our unhealthy competitiveness and differences and be our sisters keeper.

I also want to encourage professional women, women of virtue to bring their chairs to the table. Don’t forget that when it comes to voting, women are the ones who lineup in numbers. So, I’m advocating that women across board to kindly vote and support women vying elective positions.

We hold the dice so let’s stand united and say “otoge,” enough is a enough, we need to remember no one will handover power to us and when it comes to policy and crucial decisions making, nature has gifted us with stronger intuitions, we are the bedrock of our family.

Honestly, the underrepresentation of women in politics is often exacerbated by internal divisions. It is essential for women to unite, support each other, and overcome the victim mentality. By collaborating and backing women candidates, we can significantly increase our representation and influence in political spheres.

As the saying goes, “You build a woman, you build the nation.” Therefore, it is imperative for women to stand united and claim their rightful place in political decision-making.

What is the importance of local government autonomy in Nigeria?

Let’s think of government structure as a family. The federal government is the father, the state government is the mother, and the local governments are the children. In this analogy, there’s even a fourth tier, which is the traditional rulers. Focusing on the third tier—the local government—its autonomy is crucial for a thriving society.

Can you throw more light on why local government autonomy is so essential?

Alright, take the United States as an example, they have counties, states and a federal government. Their system works efficiently because of this structured autonomy. Citizens can address issues directly with their local government officials that will ensure swift resolution.

This model allows state governors to focus on broader developmental goals rather than being bogged down with local issues that don’t necessarily need their direct intervention. It’s about empowering each level of government to perform optimally, which ultimately benefits the community bottom-up.

How does this relate to the recent actions of President Tinubu taking the 36 states to court over local government autonomy?

The president’s decision is commendable.It shows commitment to constitutional provisions for local governments’ autonomy. This move is crucial for Nigeria’s progress as it aims to clarify and enforce the distribution of power among federal, state and local governments.

How do you think this legal action will impact on local governance in Nigeria?

If successful, it would reinforce the autonomy of local governments that would better resource control, management and eventual service delivery. It will allow community leaders to address their needs more effectively and allow governors to focus on larger-scale development projects. This approach can lead to a more efficient and responsive overall government.

You’ve had personal experience as a commissioner for local government in Kwara State,could you share some insights during your tenure?.

My appointment as commissioner for local government should be credited to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his foresight, being a woman, it came with skepticism, I’ll always be grateful.

When I was appointed, it was seen as a less significant role. I was the laughingstock that night and I remember vividly responding on a WhatsApp platform that when the universe throws stones, you ensure you build a bridge.

Anyway that’s what you get with the right kind of women facing challenges that looks impossible, but we deliver once we take on our roles as the delivery species. However, I saw the potential and hit the ground running.

For example, when I took over, the ministry only had one Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) source struggling to generate a million Naira yearly.

In few months,we increased annual revenue from under N1 million to N10 million in three months by addressing leakages. You can now imagine how much to make in a year with optimized opportunities. Remember this is just one of many of the LGA’s IGR. The opportunities in local government are enormous.

Honestly, average local government can generate IGRs in billions of naira. Local government can stand independently without federal allocation if we have the political will to implement the needful. This experience showed that with proper management, local governments can significantly contribute to the state’s development.

Do you have advice for the state governments and the general public on this issue?

Supporting local government autonomy should not be seen as a loss of power by the state governments but as an enhancement of governance structure. Strong local governments mean more balanced and effective overall system.

To the public,I urge the public to support this cause because it secure better services and accountability at the local level. It’s about creating a government that is truly by the people and for the people.

What are your optimisms for local governance in Nigeria?

The only way out of the hole for Nigeria is bottom-up approach. I honestly can’t stop lauding our president for this bold moves. I hope to see a Nigeria where local governments are fully autonomous and capable of driving sustainable development. This means empowered local leaders, improved service delivery, and a vibrant, responsive democratic system that benefits all Nigerians.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the Federal Government on its stance to bring alive local government autonomy in Nigeria.

The Party conveys the commendation in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary,Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, wherein it said the gesture will rescue the local government areas from the dominance of the Governor,Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The statement alleged that Governor ousted the duly elected Local Government Councils in 2019,despite a court order on the contrary.

The Party urged Kwarans not to be swayed by the sudden announcement of election dates by the Abdulrahman-influenced Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC).

This announcement was a reactionary move born out of fear of the impending stoppage of LG allocations which the PDP called for since last year October,the Party said .

“A serious Governor ready for election will not appoint another set of illegal agents to hold our Local Government Areas hostage for another God knows the time.

“The Kwara PDP, although prepared to participate in the elections if they eventually hold, however, do not have any iota of confidence in the vague social media statement by Okanla-led KWASIEC. This is because of the many suspicious behaviours of Alhaji Okanla since he assumed office. To us, there’s not yet any convincing indication or preparation from KWASIEC that truly suggests Abdulrahman is ready to prosecute any council elections as announced.

“The PDP in Kwara perceives the KWASIEC declaration as a mere act of cowardice by Abdulrahman, who has consistently ignored the voices of Kwarans calling for an end to his imposed TIC administration at the local government levels since 2019. We are aware the governor had to quickly announce the date for council elections in a fire brigade manner due to the Federal government’s decision to halt allocation and transmit Councils’ elections mandate to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,” the Party stated.

Besides,the Kwara PDP has also accused Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of being an undemocratic leader who lacks the moral charisma to preside over institutions such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

“Our Party believes that if the present Nigerian Governors’ Forum has a human face, the forum is not expected to put forward any challenge to federal government litigation at the Supreme Court to make the local government efficiently serve its people and be autonomous.

“Our Party calls on other Nigerian Governors who are members of the prestigious NGF not to allow Governor Abdulrahman to misuse the institution for his selfish aggrandizement and greed. Challenging the Federal Government’s decision at the Supreme Court could undermine the Forum’s hard-earned honour and alienate it from the vast majority of Nigerians clamoring for a more vibrant and autonomous local government system.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the respected Attorney General of the Federation to direct the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold further local government allocations to Kwara State until Governor Abdulrahman fulfills his obligation to conduct local government elections, as outlined in PDP’s press conference of October 13, 2023.

“The PDP assures the people of Kwara that we stand with them in their struggle against Governor Abdulrahman’s dictatorial tendencies and his continued exploitation of local government funds for personal gain. We encourage all Kwarans to remain steadfast and vocal in opposing these injustices,”the Party added.