Politics
Kaduna Assembly Okays Two-Yr Tenure For LG Chairmen
The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill granting a two-year tenure for elected local government chairmen and councillors.
The Tide reports that the passage of the bill followed the adoption of an executive bill seeking to amend the law governing the local government system, administration and structure.
Mr Gidanmana (PDP-Makera) moved the motion for the passage of the bill and Alhaji Muntaka Zuntu seconded the motion.
The Speaker of the House, Malam Mu’azu Gangara directed the Clerk of the House, Hajiya Umma Hikima, to send a clean copy of the bill to Gov. Patrick Yakowa for his assent.
The bill had passed through the due processes of first, second and third readings as well as the relevant committees’ input.
Mr Peter Adamu, the Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Local Government and Judiciary, had presented the report on July 24.
The report on the bill was unanimously adopted by the House and scheduled for third reading and possible passage last Wednesday, July 25.
In his own submission, Peter Adamu (PDP-Kagarko) had explained that the proposed amendment was meant to substitute the existing Local Government Law No. 13 of 2006.
He said that Section 5 (3A) of the constitution provided that a secretary to local government should serve for the period of two years.
Adamu said that the rule should be applicable to all members of the council.
He added that a local government council would be dissolved at the expiration of its two-year tenure.
The chairman added that Section 145(b) that said a member of a traditional council shall not be allowed to contest for any local council election until he/she resigned at least three months ahead of the poll.
He said that Section 18 (2), as amended provided for penalties to the tune of N50, 000.
The committee also recommended that the composition and structure of the local government system should be in keeping with present realities.
Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to September 25.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Business9 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
Politics9 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
Oil & Energy10 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
Oil & Energy9 hours agoElectricity Boost: Abia Launches Waste-To-Energy Project
-
Sports8 hours agoEnekwechi wins Orlen Cup in season opener
-
Rivers9 hours agoFasthire, PHCCIMA, CIPM Host CareerFest 2026 In PH
-
Environment9 hours agoNigeria, UAE to waive tariffs on some products
-
Niger Delta9 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority