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BREAKING; You can’t conduct any lawful fresh LG election – FG dares Gov Adeleke

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has advised the Osun State Government not to proceed with its planned Local Government election scheduled for February 22.

Fagbemi argued that “any such election, that may be held, will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.”

The AGF, in a statement on Thursday night, appealed “to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State.”

Fagbemi added: “Nobody benefits from violence. It is, therefore, of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advice Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.”

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Part of the statement, titled: On Osun State Local Government crisis, reads: “My attention has been drawn to the public outcry of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure division delivered on 10th day of February, 2025 in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022 which nullified and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on 25th day of November, 2022.

“It has become necessary to issue this public notice to remove doubts, fears and uncertainties created by misrepresentations and disinformation concerning the legal effect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

” Putting matters in proper context, the event that led to the two judgments was that during the currency of the term of the former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, election was held into all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in.

“However, a few days before the swearing in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court Osogbo delivered the judgment referred to above in which it nullified the election of the Local Government elected officials and removed them from office.

“As soon as Governor Adeleke assumed office a few days after the judgment, he issued executive order for the physical removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees.

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” Meanwhile, the APC that was a party in the Federal High Court case referred to above appealed against the judgment. The Court of Appeal eventually, on 10th day of February, 2025 delivered its judgement in the appeal filed by APC against the judgement of the Federal High Court.

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“The Court of Appeal not only allowed the appeal, it also held affirmatively that the suit that resulted in the judgment of the Federal High Court referred to above was incompetent and consequently made an order striking out the suit.

“Accordingly, the judgment of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected Local Government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices.

“According to the facts made available to my office, it was the attempt by the said elected officials to resume back in their positions that was resisted by some disgruntled elements which led to the crisis.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke is no doubt aware of this scenario and ought, as a leader to have called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his Oath of Office to maintain law and order in Osun State.

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“Notwithstanding the judgment of the Court of Appeal referenced above, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October, 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election shall be held on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025.

“Again, the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which has validated and entrenched Local Government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure smooth, non-violent transition from one elected officials to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed 3 year tenure.

“For avoidance of doubt, when proceedings and decisions of court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever.

“It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal Judgment of 10th February, 2025 which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgment and has the legal effect of returning the initially sacked Local Government democratically elected officials of Osun State.

“The constitutional order which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgment upon which the Governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction of the Court to have heard the case and made those orders.

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“My office will be happy to be available for any dialogue His Excellency may require on this matter in the interest of the peace of Osun State in particular and Nigeria in general.”

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Governor Adeleke issues fresh orders over tomorrow LG Elections in Osun State

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Governor Adeleke issues fresh orders over tomorrow LG Elections in Osun State

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement within the state from 5:00a.m., to 5:00p.m., during the local government election on Saturday

A statement on Friday by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesman, quoted Adeleke has reiterating his commitment to peace and security in the state.

Adeleke stated that the restriction of movement was necessary to prevent entry of hoodlums into the state to cause chaos during the election.

He, therefore, directed security agencies to enforce the restriction of movement order with exceptions to only persons on essential duties, voters, accredited media and members of civil society organisations

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The governor said that the directive was to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in the state. (NAN)

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Police operatives arrested, quizzed for alleged manhandling of aged Resident

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Police operatives arrested, quizzed for alleged manhandling of aged Resident

The Abia Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the alleged manhandling of an elderly man in Umuahia by three operatives and a civilian Task Force member.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued in Umuahia and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three operatives and a civilian Task Force member were seen in a viral video, hitting an old man with boots.

The statement read in part, “The Abia Police Command is aware of a trending video on Facebook, depicting some police officers manhandling a civilian.

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“The incident is alleged to have occurred on Lagos Street, Umuahia on 20/02/2025

“The officers involved have been identified and currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.”

The PPRO promised that the public would be updated after necessary administrative actions had been taken against any of the officers found culpable.

She added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Danladi Isa, strongly condemned what he termed “unprofessional act, misconduct and incivility toward members of the public”.

According to her, the CP also reiterated his command’s commitment to ensuring a professionally competent, rule of law-complaint, and people-friendly police force, in line with the Inspector–General’s vision.

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“The public is advised to report any misconduct, unprofessional behaviour, or incivility by officers of the command to the Complaint Response Unit via 09031593827, 09035401645,” she added. (NAN)

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Chief of Army Staff inaugurates newly constructed accomodation for Soldiers

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Chief of Army Staff inaugurates newly constructed accomodation for Soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt..-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Friday, inaugurated the newly constructed 17 blocks of soldiers’ accomodation at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna.

The COAS also inaugurated three blocks of soldiers’ accommodation and the Infantry Model Command Day Secondary School at the cantonment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the three blocks accomodation, which housed 30 flats was named after the late COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taureed Lagbaja, while the 17 blocks housing 170 flats was named after Oluyede.

In his address, Oluyede, said the projects were conceptualised with work commencing during his tenure as the Commander, Infantry Corps.

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He recalled that as the then Corps Commander, he strongly pushed for the initiation of the projects.

According to Oluyede, that was sequel to the realisation that there were existing gaps in the quality of secondary school education delivered to children and acute shortage of accommodation for the troops within the Jaji military cantonment.

As the present COAS, Oluyede said, he embraced the same ethos in his quest for the best in terms of welfare for soldiers nationwide.

He said that the Infantry Model Command Day Secondary School, which was a beautiful edifice would also be staffed with the best of teachers and other administrative staff.

The Army Chief said the goal was to give children in the barracks the best education and place them in a favourable position to compete with their contemporaries in public and private schools both home and abroad.

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Oluyede disclosed that the laudable initiative would not end in Jaji, emphasising that similar initiatives would be replicated nationwide in identified areas of need.

“As I speak, the final equipping of the newly constructed Command Children School in Daura Katsina is ongoing while renovation works are being carried out in similar institutions nationwide,”he said.

The COAS stated that all the initiatives were all part of his grand plan for the improved welfare of the troops and their families.

“This is because I recognise that the standard of welfare of our personnel and their families is crucial to our force readiness.

“This informed the ‘Soldier First Culture’ as one of the strategic objectives of my Command Philosophy.
“In that wise, the inuguration of these blocks of accommodation today will indeed go a long way in providing the much-needed relief in the Jaji community,” Oluyede said .

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He, however, urged all the beneficiaries to take proper care of the spaces, while restating his commitment to continuing to do more to give the soldiers a befitting quality of life in the barracks.

Oluyede assured the soldiers that the Nigerian Army under his watch wad also focusing on the post-service housing needs of personnel.

This is by rapidly expanding the ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Programme’ otherwise known as AHOOAS.

“All soldiers of the Nigerian Army should therefore be rest assured that under my leadership, their welfare will be my priority,”he stated.

Speaking on the ongoing unslaught against adversaries, Oluyede said the commitment of soldiers was yielding results.

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He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his tireless support and continuous guidance, while restating the Nigerian Army’s unwavering allegiance.

Earlier, the Infantry Corps Commander (ICC), Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, said the event marked a significant milestone in the commitment to enhancing the welfare of personnel and their families.

He also said that it reflectef the unwavering dedication of the corps’s leadership to building upon the achievements of predecessors.

Ibrahim emphasised that the focus of the COAS’s command philosophy wad clear.

According to him, it is to consolidate the successes of past leaders and to bequeath a well-motivated and combat-ready force.

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He said that such a force must be capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Central to the vision, Ibrahim said, was the recognition that the welfare of soldiers and their families was paramount.

“It is this philosophy that has driven the conception and execution of vital projects that are aimed at addressing the pressing needs of our troops.

“The completion of the first phase of 17 blocks of flats at the newly renamed Lt.- Gen. OO Oluyede Barracks in Old Kafanchan Barracks will directly addresses the accommodation challenges faced by our soldiers and their families.

“This is by providing them with a secure and comfortable living environment”he said.

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According to him, the ability of the soldiers to perform their duties effectively is significantly enhanced when their families are well-cared for and supported.

Ibrahim, therefore, said the project was a testament to their commitment towards ensuring that the personnel focused on their vital roles in safeguarding the nation.

Speaking about the secondary school, the corps commander said the institution was not just a building, but a beacon of hope for the education of barrack children.

“By investing in their future, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.

“Education is the foundation upon which we build a prosperous and secure nation.
“This school will play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of our youths and potential leaders of our great nation,”he said.

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Ibrahim thanked the wives of soldiers and the families who stood steadfastly behind them in maintaining the home front, thereby allowing soldiers to perform their duties with dedication and selflessness.

He urged the teachers and students of the school to embrace their roles as beacons of hope for the nation.

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