Politics
Centre Urges NASS To Pass LG Autonomy Bill
Following the need for a minimum of 24 states’ Assemblies to vote in favour of Local Government Autonomy Bill currently before the National Assembly, the Centre For Leadership Strategy (LSD) has engaged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media in the North West to push for the passage of the bill at state levels.
The LSD, in partnership with Christian Aid Nigeria, with funding from UKAID under her Voice to the People (V2P) project, held a one-day CSO/Media roundtable in Kaduna to galvanise CSOs and the media in the North West geo-political zone to sustain the momentum around the issue of local government autonomy.
The Centre is also pushing for the passage of the bill at the sub-national stages leveraging on the current constitution review process.
In a remark, Programme Director of the Centre, Monday Osasah, noted that a financially-autonomous local government system that recognises the place of citizens’ participation in decision-making, would ensure not just the virility of local governments to deliver services at the grassroot level, but also bring about widespread development to communities across the country.
He commended the Nigerian Senate for passing the bill on local government financial autonomy amongst others in the ongoing constitution review process.
He therefore enjoined civil society organisations, the media, social media influencers as well as all well-meaning Nigerian citizens to sustain the push at the sub-national levels to ensure the bill(s) scale through. He nevertheless cautioned that relevant provisions of the bills should not be tampered with during the review stages by legislators at the state level in the interest of the federalist principles Nigeria had opted for.
“And for ensuring that the local government which is the arm of government that is closest to the people, performs her statutory function of being the engine of community and rural development”, he said.
Also speaking, Programme Officer, Governance, Christian Aid Nigeria which is currently working on Voice to the People (V2P), Terfa Hemea, reminded the participants on the need to work together to ensure that the push should work this time around in the interest of grassroots development.
The bill had been before NASS long before now but yet to see the light of the day.
Hence, the need for critical stakeholders to come together and let the states governors and lawmakers see how the autonomy would be beneficial to them and their people.
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.