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  • LGs full autonomy will further improverish downtrodden – Kwara Govt.

    Autonomy

    By Priscilla Osaje

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara State Government has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit filed by the Federal Government seeking full autonomy for the 774 Local Government (LG) Councils in the country.

    In a legal process filed at the apex court, the state contended that granting the reliefs sought by the federal government, “will further impoverish most Nigerians who are downtrodden in the local government areas”

    The Counter Affidavit to the Originating Summons of the federal government filed by the Kwara Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim-Sulyman, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The state AG asked the apex court to dismiss the Originating Summons of the federal government and the reliefs sought therein, in the interest of justice.

    NAN recalled that the Federal Government instituted the legal action against the Attorney General of the 36 states, over alleged misconduct in the administration of local government Councils.

    The suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is seeking full autonomy for all local government councils in the country.

    In the suit, the Federal Government specifically prayed the court to issue an order, prohibiting state governors from embarking on unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders.

    Fagbemi urged the court to grant an order for the withhold of the fund meant for the local governments in such states that unlawfully dissolve democratically elected local government officials and run them through illegal Transitional Implementation Committee.

    He prayed the Supreme Court for an order to allow the monthly allocations of LGs to be directly paid to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    The Kwara AG, who is the 23rd defendant in the case, however, said the agitation of the plaintiff regarding joint account “is grossly misconceived and a contradiction to the provisions of Section 162 (6) and (8) of the Constitution.

    The section, according to the AG provides that funds meant for the local governments “must be allocated to the state in a special statutory account and shall in turn be distributed to all the LGs in the state in such terms as may be prescribed by the state’s House of Assembly”

    Ibrahim-Sulyman also argued that the misconception of the federal government should be nip in the bud because of an earlier decision of the apex court in a similar case, between Abia State and the Attorney General of the Federation.

    He referred to the subsisting judgment of the court delivered by a former Supreme Court Justice, Late Justice Nikki Tobi, in the case, which held:

    “The National Assembly cannot validly make a law permitting the direct allocation of funds to the local government Councils.

    “Rather, such money must be allocated directly to the state, which shall in turn pay same into the state joint local government account vide section 162 (6) of the Constitution”.

    Ibrahim-Sulyman argued that, going by the decision of the court, the federal government in the present case “is turning itself into performing the function of the legislature.

    “The ideal thing is for the plaintiff to ensure that a Bill is sponsored for the amendment of the constitution or a new statute to that effect.

    ‘The plaintiff cannot use the back door of the judiciary to import into our law what is not legislated upon by the National Assembly,” the AG said.

    He added that contrary to the position of the plaintiff, there was no time Kwara state failed to disburse funds from the federation account meant for the local government.

    “The allocation meant for the local governments in the state are released for the use of the local governments, monthly,” he said.

    The Kwara AG also argued that the state was not in the habit of truncating democracy at the local government level as alleged by the federal government.

    He said the earlier scheduled local government elections in the state could not hold due to protracted litigation on the tenure of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission.

    Ibrahim-Sulyman said the state had rolled out the schedule for the elections to hold into various local government Councils on Sept. 21, 2024.

    Besides, the Kwara AG, said, the federal government has no power, whatsoever, to refuse to release the funds meant for the local governments to the states.

    Sulyman said payment of the LGs monthly allocations from the federation account to the state is a mandatory statutory provision.

    He cited a case between Lagos State Attorney General vs AGF, filed when Tinubu was Lagos state governor and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, withheld the allocation meant for the state for creating additional 37 Local Council Development Areas.

    The apex court decision in the case, according to the AG is: “the President has no power vested in him to suspend or withhold for any period, whatsoever, the statutory allocations due to Lagos state pursuant to the provisions of Section 162(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
    .
    The AG, therefore urged the apex court to hold that the federal government has no constitutional power to stop, redirect or withhold the statutory allocations meant for the local government councils in Kwara.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)

    PO/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

    .

  • NIS to unveil user-friendly e-visa channel

    The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap

    NIS to unveil user-friendly e-visa channel

    Visa
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024(NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap has announced plans to inaugurate a more accessible e-Visa application channel for short visits in line with the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020.

    Nandap said this in her address delivered at the graduation ceremony of the 12th Command Course of the Immigration Command and Staff College, in Sokoto.

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Mr Kenneth Udo on Tuesday in Abuja stated that the CG was represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) George Didel.

    The CG said that the new channel was designed to streamline visa processes adding that it was to also foster Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and boost tourism.

    She said:”we must embrace these reforms and implement effective internal control and monitoring mechanisms.

    “This is to track the presence and activities of all foreigners in Nigeria”.

    The CG reiterated her commitment towards the full implementation of the e-Border Project.

    This, she said included the installation of e-Gates at international airports in Lagos and Abuja, and the integration of the Advance Passenger Information System (API).

    “As well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) to enhance border control and clearance systems.

    “These centres are expected to significantly improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination to enhance National Security.

    Nandap emphasised the need to revitalise NIS’s Divisional Offices and called for improved participation in Security Council Meetings.

    This, she said would be at State and Local Government levels, as well as other ad-hoc duties with utmost professionalism and interagency collaboration.

    Nandap charged formation heads to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the automation of Passport application processes, which was intended to reduce human interface, curtail sharp practices, and enhance efficiency.

    She said the ongoing rollout of enhanced e-Passports would continue both locally and at the foreign missions until full transition was achieved.

    The CG urged all NIS formations to participate actively in the nationwide sensitisation campaign against irregular migration especially Smuggling of Migrants(SOM)

    She however , reiterated NIS’s commitment to capacity building for all Service cadres, stressing the importance of engaging partners and stakeholders in sustaining training and capacity-building programs.

    She pledged to improve the welfare of NIS officers through timely promotions, affordable housing, and health care schemes.

    Nandap urged the course participants to be agents of transformation and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

    The highlight of the event, was the award of the “Passed Command Course” (PCC) and to all participants, while directing staff received the “Dagger Merit Award (+)”, in recognition of their dedication and hard work.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FG declares June 12 public holiday to mark democracy day

    FG declares June 12 public holiday to mark democracy day

    Declaration

    By Yahaya Isah

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, a public holiday to commemorate 2024 Democracy Day celebration.

    This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ndayako stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion.

    He said that as the nation mark yet another democracy day in its history, Nigerians should all reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remained a united country.

    Tunji-Ojo added that Nigeria should be more secured, peaceful and indivisible entity for the benefit of all.

    He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.

    The minister said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to positive reforms to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.

    Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to appreciate the progress that had been made and look forward to a better future for Nigeria’s Democracy.

    He wished Nigerians a happy democracy day celebration.

    NAN reports that in June 7, 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari on directed that the nation’s Democracy Day will, henceforth, hold on June 12 of every year as against the current arrangement where the ceremony holds on May 29.

    Buhari also honored the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, with the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.

    Buhari said further that, June 12, 1993, election was the freest, fairest and most peaceful election since Nigeria’s Independence.

    “June 12, 1993, was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their Democratic will in the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Government does not detract from its democratic credentials,” he said.

    President Buhari also conferred a national honour on Baba Gana Kingibe and recognised late Gani Fawehinmi for his role in the actualisation of the June 12 elections.

    The Abiola died in detention while struggling to actualise his mandate as contained in the annulled election.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YI/OJI/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sadiya Hamza

  • ROSOWA new president promises unity, oneness of purpose

    The New President, Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) Hajiya Nafisa Shehu with the former President, Hajiya Aisha Biu

    ROSOWA new president promises unity, oneness of purpose

    Mantle
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Hajiya Nafisa Shehu, the new president of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) has promised to promote unity and sisterhood among members.

    Shehu made the promise while taking over the  mantle of leadership of the association from the erstwhile President of the Association, Hajiya Aisha Biu in Abuja

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that it was Pursuant to the appointment of Mallam Shehu Mohammed as the new FRSC Corps Marshal.

    At the handing over ceremony, Shehu, commended her predecessor for her exceptional leadership and gave assurance of her resolve to build on the legacies handed over to her.

    She pledged her commitment towards promoting collaboration and strategic initiatives that would promote unity amongst members.

    Shehu appreciated God for the opportunity to serve, and implored members of the association to give her the necessary support to make her tenure a successful and impactful one.

    Speaking, Biu urged members to give her successor more support than she enjoyed during her tenure.

    NAN reports that the handing and taking over ceremony was carried out at the National Secretariat of the Association in Abuja.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

    =====
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Osun Assembly Speaker seeks improved welfare for girl-child

    Osun Assembly Speaker seeks improved welfare for girl-child

    Girl-child
    By Olajide Idowu
    Osogbo, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly has advocated for improved welfare for the girl-child, saying they are the future leaders of the country.

    Egbedun stated this on Monday while hosting the ‘First Nigeria Girls Parliamentary Day’ at the assembly in collaboration with the Value Female Network Africa, a non-governmental organisation that prioritises welfare of girls/women.

    “I am honoured to welcome you to the first special Nigeria Girls Parliamentary Day, organised by Value Female Network in collaboration with Osun assembly.

    “Today we have the opportunity to come together and amplify our voices to advocate for change and inspire one another to make a difference.

    “I believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges that is limiting you, including limited access to education, gender based violence and menstrual health.

    “The future of our country rest in the hands of our young people and the young girls here today have the potential to become leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

    He tasked the participants to take lessons learnt from the parliamentary discourse to inspire change in their communities.

    “You are the catalyst of change and I believe in your ability to make a difference.”

    Speaking, Dr Costly Aderibigbe, Coordinator of Value Female Network Africa, said the programme was organised to promote the girl’s rights in Nigeria.

    Aderibigbe described the girl-child as a treasure to the society, saying it was necessary to impact them positively and promote them for a better society.

    “When we train a girl-child, we train a society because they will give birth and that is why we need to train our girls for a better future,” she said.

    In her remarks, Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, the Wife of Osun governor, charged young girls to be more courageous and disciplined.

    Adeleke, who was represented by Mrs Olushola Omotunde, equally advised the girls to cultivate the spirit of resilient and hard work for a brighter future.

    Some of the girls that spoke at the programme, highlighted the challenges they are facing, which include menstrual hygiene, gender violence and discrimination faced by people with disabilities.

    They solicited for support, better welfare and treatment for young girls in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ID/CHOM/IKU

    =========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Jigawa stocks water bodies with 90,000 fingerlings

    Fishery

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Auyo (Jigawa), June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Jigawa government has stocked three water bodies with 90,000 fingerlings to accelerate fishery production in the state.

    Gov. Umar Namadi stated this on Monday during the 2024 Annual Fishing Festival held at Kalgwai barrage waterfront in Auyo Local Government Area of the state.

    Namadi said that 30,000 assorted fingerlings had been stocked in each of the water bodies, to encourage fishery production and enhance food security.

    He said the gesture would also provide livelihoods to improve the social and economic wellbeing of the citizens.

    The governor said that his administration accorded priority to fishery and aquaculture as part of the agriculture transformation programme.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival featured water sport contests such as fishing, gourd racing for male and female categories, swimming, diving, among others.

    NAN also reports that winners across the categories of the contest received different prizes ranging from cash, motorcycles, water pumps, sewing and grinding machines.

    The biggest fish caught during the contest weighed 100 kilogrammes.

    In 2016, the state government stocked 300,000 fingerlings at Warwade Dam in Dutse, and distributed fishing gears and canoes to fishermen in the community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/MAM/RSA

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    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • FCTA to unveil renewed hope agenda’s medical outreach in Kuje

    Health

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to provide free healthcare services under its “Renewed Hope Medical Outreach” programme, in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

    Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, FCTA Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, stated this when she visited the traditional leader of  Kuje, and the Chairman of the Kuje Area Council, in Kuje on Monday.

    Fasawe explained that the medical outreach was part of activities to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    “We will be offering general healthcare services, eye care with free glasses and surgery when necessary, dental care, and free blood, HIV, hepatitis test.

    “We also have nutritional desk where we will teach women on how to make cheap, affordable and quality food for their children, she said.

    Fasawe added: “Not only that, we will also have a health education department to teach people how to prevent diseases.

    “We will also go further to talk about clean cooking for people to be conscious of the environment and the air we breathe.

    “We will be demonstrating and giving out gas cookers to show people the effectiveness and advantage of cooking without smoke.

    “This is because the smoke we inhaled is bad for our lungs and our children’s development,” she said.

    The mandate secretary said that the outreach would be open to residents of the area but with particular attention to women and children.

    She said that every woman that showed up would be registered to access free health services for one year.

    Fasawe explained that the gesture was in line with the one year health insurance for pregnant women approved by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

    “This is because we have zero tolerance to maternal mortality. It is unacceptable for any woman to die of pregnancy or childbirth complications,” she said.

    Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, addressing officials of Kuje Area Council on planned free medical outreach for residents of Kuje on Monday.

    Fasawe urged pregnant women to visit nearest primary health centres for antenatal care and to deliver their baby with a skilled birth attendant

    On the target residents, she said: “We intend to reach as much as we can; as much that comes in here; and as much as time allows.

    “For those that we cannot see, there is provision for further care at the nearest Primary Healthcare Centres and the General Hospitals.

    “Basically, the target is come one; come all, but on a first come first serve basis. There won’t be favouritism; just come, get a number and you get adequate healthcare,” she said.

    She explained that the outreach, which would begin on June 12, was the first of many, adding that after covering the six Area Councils, it would be extended to communities based needs.

    She said that the choice of locations was scientific, adding, “we look at the hospital records; and we look at health seeking habits.

    “We have realised that the people of Kuje are actually needing much more than our general hospital can give right now,” she said.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, urged the traditional leaders and council’s officials to mobilise residents in Churches and Mosques to take advantage of the opportunity to access free medical services.

    In his remarks, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, thanked the Secretariat for the medical outreach which he described as good news.

    “I thank President Tinubu, FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud for considering Kuje for the initiative,” he said.

    Also, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, assured Fasawe of the council’s full support.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, who bears the same name, Sabo said he had directed all the 10 Counselors in the council to mobilise their people for the exercise.

    “We will continue to support Wike as agents of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Hajj, Zakkat opportunity for few privileged Muslims – Cleric 

  • Minister inaugurates FCT At-Risk Children Programme implementation committee

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Monday inaugurated the FCT At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P) implementation committee.

    Mahoud explained during the event in Abuja, that the programme was designed to ensure improved well-being and protection of every child within the nation’s capital.

    She said that the committee would be chaired by Hajia Adamu Kuku, with Simon Zamani, Hafsat Mahmud, and Kalu Ifeanyi, Chinyere Maduka, Solomon Abenu, and Hussain Makari as members.

    Other members included Babayola Abdulrahaman, Rotimi Ojo, Elizabeth Aliu, and Suleiman Ndabagi.

    She described the committee as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of identified vulnerable children and ensuring that they were not left behind.

    She identified some of the focus areas to include providing the children with access to essential services, protection from harm, and opportunities for education and social development.

    “Our children are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care, protection and the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

    “Unfortunately, there are many children in the FCT who are at risk due to various factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and lack of access to education and healthcare.” she said.

    The minister particularly asked members of the committee to identify the most pressing needs of at-risk children in the FCT and to develop effective solutions to address them.

    According to her, the outcome of the committee can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and help them build a better future for themselves and for our nation.

    “The committee is expected to liaise with FCT Area Councils and other stakeholders to ensure that children are not at risk in FCT.

    “The committee will also come up with workable partnerships with corporate organisations to buy into the initiative for effective implementation.

    “Conduct a baseline survey to ascertain the number of at-risk children in FCT and a mechanism for enrolment and work out a sustainability plan that will gradually make the programme self-funding.”

    Other terms of reference, she said, include research on the best way possible to bring to the barest minimum the influx of children at risk into the FCT and provide strategic direction and guidance for the ARC-P.

    She added that the committee would also monitor and evaluate programme progress toward achieving its goals,

    “The committee is also expected to conduct community engagements to secure the buy-in of all stakeholders particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all faith-based organisations,” she said.

    Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Kuku said that the ARC-P initiative would protect the children’s future by addressing the various risks they encounter.

    He added that the programme would also ensure a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for every child in the territory.

    He assured the minister that the committee would be comprehensive, effective, and multi-dimensional in guaranteeing that no child falls behind, leveraging the strengths of the technical diversity in the committee.

    “We will work hand-in-hand with local government area councils who are the closest administrative bodies to the communities, and their close knowledge of local challenges and dynamics is invaluable,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina – Police

    Bandits kill 6 security operatives, 20 others in Katsina – Police

     

    Bandits

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Katsina State has confirmed the killing of no fewer than 20 people, four police officers and two operatives of the state-owned Community Watch Corps by some suspected bandits.

     

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement in Katsina on Monday.

     

    According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday, at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, all in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

     

    He said, “Yesterday, June 9, 2024, bandits in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked the villages, shot and killed 20 people, injured two, and ambushed our Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team.

     

    “The team was responding to the distress call, killing four police officers and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

     

    “The fact of the case is that on the same date, a distress call was received at the Kankara Divisional Headquarters.

    ”That bandits in their numbers, riding on motorcycles, armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, attacked Gidan Baki village, Kankara LGA, killing unsuspecting villagers.

     

    “Immediately, the nearest APC patrol team was dispatched to the scene. While en route to the village, the team discovered that the attack was actually on Gidan Boka village via Yar Goje village, all in Kankara.

     

    “The team quickly redirected towards the scene. Upon reaching Kurmeji village via Yar goje, the team fell into an ambush, where a firefight ensued between the team and the bandits,”  Sadiq-Aliyu  said.

    According to him, upon receipt of the information on the attack of the responding team, swiftly the DPO mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene and restored normalcy.

     

    He explained that during preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the bandits attacked Gidan Boka village, killing 15 people and injuring two others.

     

    “They also ambushed our patrol team and killed four police officers, three Inspectors and one Corporal and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).

     

    “Also, the bandits, while escaping through Dan Nakwabo village, shot and killed five persons. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds,” according to Sadiq-Aliyu.

     

    He revealed that the command has deployed additional operational assets to the area to work with all the relevant stakeholders towards preventing the recurrence of the attacks and ensuring the arrest of the perpetrators.

     

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, while expressing his utter dismay over the tragic incident, extended his condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the incident,”  Sadiq-Aliyu  said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    AABS/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani