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Opposition Lawmakers warn of crisis over alleged plan by APC to halt Local Govt allocations
Opposition Lawmakers warn of crisis over alleged plan by APC to halt Local Govt allocations
The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in Nigeria has raised serious concerns about an alleged effort by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to secure a court injunction that would stop monthly allocations to Local Government Areas in Rivers State.
Spokesperson Ikenga Ugochinyere warned that any move to withhold these funds could lead to a crisis, jeopardizing constitutional governance in the region.
Ugochinyere disclosed that reliable sources indicate the group, working with anti-democratic forces, has filed legal actions in the Federal High Court aimed at halting these essential financial allocations to Rivers State LGAs.
He pointed out that the pro-Wike faction is unhappy with the outcome of the recent LGA elections in Rivers State, which were held in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling that mandated their conduct.
Accusing the pro-Wike group of attempting to undermine the electoral process for political advantage, Ugochinyere noted their claims of confidence that the case would be assigned to judges known for swiftly granting favorable ex parte orders for Wike’s camp.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ugochinyere emphasized that the opposition is vigilantly monitoring the situation and will not hesitate to inform the public if necessary.
Ugochinyere said: “The APC and Pro Wike group as I am talking is filling a suit at the federal high court to help them seize the statutory sovereign allocation of the entire Rivers state LGA knowing fully well that no court in Nigeria has declared the election of the LGA Chairmen invalid but still they want to stop the constitutional allocation of a revenue to an arm of government that is constitutional.
“This is the second of such cases by the Wike group to bring constitutional disorder.
“They have a pending case seeking to seize the entire Rivers allocation/LGA funds they filled, and now they are using the Wike APC faction to file another suit seeking an order to stop the Federal account allocation committee, Accountant General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Attorney-General of the Federation, Attorney-General of Rivers State of Nigeria, and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.”
He stressed that LGA allocations are constitutionally mandated funds belonging to a legitimate arm of government and cannot be usurped, particularly in light of the valid leadership in place.
Ugochinyere urged the camp supporting the FCT Minister to accept their defeat and refrain from any attempts to undermine the people of Rivers State.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent unscrupulous individuals from plunging the nation into chaos or undermining democracy during his administration.
“The APC and Pro Wike group as I am talking is filling a suit at the federal high court to help them seize the allocation of entire rivers state knowing fully well that no court in Nigeria has declared the election of the LGA Chairmen invalid but still they want to stop the constitutional allocation of revenue to an arm of government that is constitutional.
“The people of Rivers State have elected their council chairman and councillors in line with the recent ruling of the Supreme Court to democratise all LGAs in Nigeria and any attempt to truncate democracy in Rivers would be resisted by the people.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot afford to fold his arms and watch as the Wike group plots to reverse democracy in Rivers State and undermine the peace and stability of the country.
“I hope the case doesn’t go to those who like to issue orders for the pro wike group in seconds. We are watching closely.
“The judiciary should quit granting any frivolous requests from the wike group related to the LG polls and Rivers to help save the image of the judiciary, which their desperation is undermining.”
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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car
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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car
The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a suspect accused of stabbing a uber driver and dispossessing him of his car.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Hundeyin said that the incident happened on Saturday at 7:34p.m., at Ile-Zik in the Agege area of the state.
“A uber driver reported at Isokoko Division that the suspect boarded his Toyota Camry at Nitel by Old Abeokuta Motor Road, Agege, to Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.
“On getting to Ile-Zik along the way, the suspect brought out a sharp knife, stabbed him all over his body and stole his vehicle, ” he said.
Hundeyin said that based on the report,
a team of policemen later trailed the vehicle to Oshodi where the suspect was intercepted.
“He was immediately apprhended and the vehicle was recovered from him to the station, ” he said.
The police spokesman said that the victim had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Hundeyin said that investigation into the case was ongoing. (NAN)
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BREAKING; Killing: University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest
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BREAKING; Killing University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest
The Management of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has announced a one-week Mid-Semester break starting from Feb. 24.
The closure of the school followed a protest embarked on by the students on Sunday after they alleged that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) had shot to death one of their colleagues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students’ protest continued Monday morning.
Reports indicated that the JTF members on Sunday shot the student, alleging that he was an informant.
The FUDMA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate to close the school in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.
Bichi further advised the students to leave campus before 6.00 p.m. on Feb. 24.
“The Management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” he said. (NAN)
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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano
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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano
Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, recently attended a prominent opposition senator’s private ceremonies in Kano, sparking political controversy and speculation.
Prior to the 2023 elections, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who is currently the representative for Kano South in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), made news when he left the APC after a protracted leadership dispute inside the party.
His recent choice to invite APC members to his family gatherings has drawn criticism, with many speculating about the political ramifications.
On Friday, Jibrin, who led a delegation of federal lawmakers, confirmed their attendance at the wedding of Sumaila’s children, which took place in Sumaila town, Kano State on February 21.
The wedding united Dr. Khadija Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Faisal Abdulmanaf Sarina, and Maryam Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Bello Ibrahim Ma’aji, in a ceremony officiated by Professor Salisu Shehu, Imam of Sumaila Jumaat Mosque.
Jibrin’s statement also highlighted the attendance of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, who joined the festivities and offered blessings for the newlyweds.
“May Allah bless their union and give them patience, endurance, tolerance, and love. Congratulations to the newlyweds,” Jibrin added in his post.
The following day, both Jibrin and Ganduje were present at the first convocation of Al-Istiqama University, a private institution reportedly founded by Senator Sumaila in the Sumaila Local Government Area. This further fueled speculation about the growing relationship between the APC and the NNPP senator.
Within the NNPP, these moves have sparked unease, with many members expressing concern over Sumaila’s increasing openness to opposition figures. There are growing rumors that Sumaila may be contemplating a return to the APC, especially as he continues to distance himself from NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano.
The senator’s tensions with the state government have been well documented, especially over the controversial reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the 2019 State Emirate Council Law, which had consolidated power in five emirates.
The involvement of APC heavyweights at Sumaila’s events, including former Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has left many questioning the senator’s allegiance.
With his history of disagreements with the state government, particularly over the dissolution of emirates created under Ganduje’s administration, there’s increasing speculation that Sumaila may once again align with the APC.
Should Sumaila make the move back to the APC, he would join a growing list of opposition lawmakers defecting to the ruling party, further shifting the political dynamics in Kano.
The NNPP, which currently holds the title of Nigeria’s fourth-largest party in terms of parliamentary representation, has been struggling to maintain its influence in Kano—the only state it governs.
While NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso managed to secure a victory only in Kano, a potential shift in allegiance by Sumaila could mark a significant blow to the party’s already fragile standing.
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