Politics
Oyo Govt Trains Councillors, Clerks On Legislative Duties
No fewer than 351 councillors and 33 clerks of the Legislative Councils of the 33 local councils in Oyo State, on Wednesday, in Ibadan, began a three-day training on legislative roles and duties in local government administration.
The Tide source reports that the training is being organised by Office of the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Speaking at the occasion, Special Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Legislative Matters, Mr Adejumobi Ademola, said that the training was aimed at intimating and grooming the newly-elected councillors on their legislative duties and oversight functions.
Ademola, who said that the training would enable the councillors understand the rudiments of their assignments, added that they would be given proper orientation on legislative activities at the grassroots level.
He commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for approving the training, saying that it would enhance the job of the councillors and clerks of the legislative councils.
The governor’s aide urged the councillors to avoid clashing with the executive in their respective council areas, stressing that they should replicate the existing harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature at the state level.
While calling for strict observance of the principle of separation of powers, he called on chairmen to allow the legislative arm to perform their functions without interference to avoid confusion.
In his address of welcome, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Segun Ajekiigbe, said that the training was first of its kind in recent time.
He said further that it was aimed at setting the pace for greater things to happen in all the local government councils in the state.
Ajekiigbe said that government decided to put the training together to address the ‘serious lacuna’ observed in the series of research conducted on local government administration in Nigeria since the advent of the current dispensation in 1999.
“The republic largely identified the wide gaps between council chairmen and councillors as major encumbrances to grassroots development.
“The gaps were attributed to superiority complex between the executive chairmen and councilors, occasioned by educational qualifications, experience and social status,” he noted.
He stated that the present administration in the state would cement the relationship between the councillors and council chairmen, with the intention to raise the bar of local administration in the state.
The permanent secretary further said that the role of councilors, as the true representatives of the masses, in facilitating anticipated developments to them could not be swept under the carpet.
“As councillors, you must take cognisance of your role in carrying out executive oversight and ensuring budget management, effective use of budget resources and transparency in budgeting.
“It is incontestable that meaningful development does not happen overnight.
“Nations that have witnessed and still experiencing transformation rely on effective strategic planning in governing their people,” he said.
Ajekiigbe tasked the councillors on a new paradigm shift that would engender a workable strategic development plan.
NAN reports that Dr Stephen Lafenwa, of Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, delivered a lecture on “Local Government Structure and Significance of Elected Councillors in Grassroots Development.”
In the same vein, Dr Musah Abdulwasi, Chairman, State House of Assembly Service Commission, delivered a lecture on “Understanding the Act of Lawmaking at the Local Government Level.”
The duo emphasised the need for the council officials to understand the place of local government in the provision of good governance for the masses.
Abdulwasi, a former Deputy Speaker of the assembly, added that the task of lawmaking was very crucial to good enhancing governance at the grassroots. (NAN)
Alhaji Abubakar made the pledge on Wednesday during the launch of his presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he called on Nigerians to unite behind his ambition to rescue the country.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Vice-President said Nigerians were increasingly frustrated by hunger, insecurity and unfulfilled political promises, insisting that his campaign would offer a clear plan to address the nation’s challenges.
Expressing gratitude for the reception accorded him in Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the state as a historic centre of faith, scholarship and leadership.
“Sokoto, I am here! I am deeply grateful for the rousing welcome as I formally launch my campaign for the presidency from this historic seat of faith, scholarship, and leadership,” he said.
He promised to end insecurity across the country, restore hope to young Nigerians and make the country affordable for citizens.
“Nigerians are tired of hunger, fear, and broken promises. Today, they have a choice, a plan, and a leader ready to deliver. I will end the insecurity that haunts our communities, restore hope to our young people, and make Nigeria affordable again,” Alhaji Abubakar stated.
Describing the Sokoto event as the beginning of a broader campaign to reclaim the country’s fortunes, he urged supporters to remain united and committed to his presidential bid.
“The journey to rescue Nigeria begins here. Together, we will win,” he added.
Mr Dike made the call while speaking with newsmen ahead of tomorrow’s event scheduled to hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
He said the rally would provide an opportunity for political stakeholders and residents of the State to reflect on the Federal Government’s development initiatives, infrastructure investments and recognition of Rivers sons and daughters under President Tinubu’s administration.
The publicity subcommittee member noted that the appointment of Ambassador Desmond Akawor as Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) was among the significant federal appointments benefiting the State.
He also cited the appointment of Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as Chief Tony Okocha as Rivers State representative on the Commission’s Governing Board.
According to him, other Rivers political stakeholders appointed into federal institutions include Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, and Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
Mr Dike further noted that the reported disclosure by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, that Rivers State had secured no fewer than 49 federal appointments under the Tinubu administration, reflected the level of federal representation enjoyed by the state.
On infrastructure, he described the 37.9-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road, which was temporarily opened to public use in December 2025, as a major intervention capable of transforming transportation and economic activities in the State.
He said the road had provided a direct land connection between Bonny Island and the mainland, reducing the historic dependence of residents on water transportation and helicopter services.
The campaign publicity official also highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention on the East-West Road, particularly the Eleme Junction-Port Harcourt-Ahoada and Eleme Junction-Onne Port sections, as well as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would improve connectivity and economic opportunities across the Niger Delta.
Mr Dike further identified the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni local government areas, alongside the Bonny Ring Road and Bridges project being undertaken by the NDDC in partnership with NLNG, as important regional infrastructure initiatives.
He maintained that the projects and federal appointments had placed Rivers State in a strategic position within the national development agenda, urging residents to assess the benefits and support continued investment in the State.
The Ikwerre born politician and public affairs analyst called on party faithful, political leaders, youths, women and other residents to participate actively in the November 7 gathering, expressing optimism that the rally would further strengthen support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
King Onunwor
King Eke made the clarification during the council’s monthly general meeting, convened at the instance of Eze Temple Ejekwu , Nye Nwe Eli Rumuogba, at Rumuogba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The revered monarch explained that the decision was informed by the need for traditional rulers to preserve their revered positions as fathers of their respective communities, stressing that partisan political affiliations should not undermine their traditional responsibilities.
He maintained that political neutrality among members of the council was non-negotiable, noting that monarchs must remain above partisan divisions to provide balanced leadership, promote unity and sustain peaceful coexistence among their subjects.
He said the council was determined to entrench this principle of neutrality in its engagements, adding that traditional rulers must be seen as unifying forces rather than actors in the political divisions that often characterise electoral contests.
To strengthen the arrangement, the Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom disclosed that Eze Temple Ejekwu had been assigned the responsibility of coordinating political activities involving the monarchs, a development he said would ensure balance, proper organisation and respect for the council’s collective position.
The monarch, however, clarified that the council’s apolitical disposition should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal of support for qualified sons and daughters of Evo Kingdom who aspire to occupy elective positions at both the State and National levels.
He stressed that the traditional institution would continue to identify with the legitimate political aspirations of its people, irrespective of political platforms, provided such aspirations were pursued peacefully and in the overall interest of the kingdom.
Specifically, the monarch assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obio/Akpor Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Leslie Ejekwu, who already has his blessings, of the support of Woji, his immediate community, as well as the 33 Evo communities under his traditional leadership.
”Leslie Ejekwu, Esq., will do well given his experience at the Local Government Council as the Legal Adviser and other sundry areas within the political arena”, he said.
He noted that the assurance was consistent with the council’s commitment to the progress and political advancement of Evo sons and daughters, adding that the traditional institution would continue to encourage its people to participate actively in democratic processes without compromising its neutrality.
The Evo monarch also used the occasion to caution politicians and their supporters against violence before, during and after the 2027 general elections, describing the resort to intimidation, destruction and political hostility as an outdated approach to democratic competition.
According to him, the era when political victories were pursued through violence should give way to issue-based campaigns, intellectual capacity, constructive engagements and demonstrable leadership skills, stressing that ideas and competence should take centre stage in the nation’s political development.
King Onunwor
-
Rivers2 days ago
NUJ Set To Attend UNIPORT’s 217th Inaugural Lecture
-
News2 days agoNJC Suspends Three Judges, Sanctions Eight Others
-
Politics2 days ago
Atiku Kicks-Off 2027 Campaign, Promises To Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges
-
Featured2 days agoAPC Presidential Campaign Storms PH, ‘Morrow
-
News2 days ago
FG Explains Supply Disruption As Power Generation Drops To 3,659MW
-
Metro2 days ago
Port Harcourt Prepares For 10,000 Runners As International Marathon Returns
-
News2 days agoBille Gas Leak: Coalition Tasks FG On Proactive Measures
-
News2 days agoIGP Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of Campaign Billboard Vandals