Politics
LG Chairmen Seek Financial Autonomy For Councils
Chairmen of Okrika and Eleme Local Government councils in Rivers State have called for financial rather than absolute autonomy as canvassed in some quaters as part of the ongoing constitutional review process in the country.
Okrika Council boss, Barrister Tamuno Williams and his Eleme counterpart, Hon. Orji Ngofa bared their minds during the second annual thanksgiving and praise service organised by the Okrika council at the weekend.
Barrister Williams was of the view that absolute autonomy for local councils was a mirage and cannot be attained, stressing that most often local governments derive their powers from those given to them by the constitution
He noted that most federal systems have only two layers of governments, and cited the example of Germany where the states take up the responsibility of councils as have been demonstrated by the Rivers State Government in the area of education and waste management. Williams said,” autonomy per se is not feasible, constitutionally and jurisdictionally cannot be effectual. But autonomy interms of functions and duties are possiblea local government cannot be autonomous from the state. It is autonomous to the extent that its functions and duties are prescribed by law and their revenue is being given, based on constitutional provisions”.
For Eleme Council boss, all federating units as obtained all over the world run two layers of government, as the local councils draw their powers from the states.
Hon. Ngofa was ofthe view that local government autonomy as promoted by some politicians was more of a theory than practice, while calling for measures to improve funding for councils.
“A means should be devised whereby the finances of the councils are directly given to them without jeopardising the spirit of the federal system,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Barrister Tamuno Williams has expressed thanks to God for the peaceful atmosphere recorded in the area in recent years, saying the development encourages fast growth and transformation.
He disclosed that the special thanksgiving and praise service was a way to appreciate God’s infinite mercies on the people of the area, “first and foremost we have peace in Okrika now and with peace there is development”.
Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Okrika, Rt Rev Tubonimi Abere urged the citizenry to always respect their leaders and pray for them. “Our gratitude cannot be complete to trust God and move away from him,” he admonished the congregation
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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