Politics
LG Autonomy: ICPC Hails S’Court Decision, Decries Councils’ Funds Misuse
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, has raised the alarm over the widespread misuse of public funds under the guise of preparing for local government elections.
According to a statement from the ICPC last Wednesday, Dr Aliyu spoke at a one-day dialogue organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in Abuja.
He emphasised the urgent need to reform administrative processes and enhance capacity within the local government system to ensure transparency and accountability.
“In one such instance, substantial sums were illicitly moved, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability,” he revealed.
Dr Aliyu welcomed the recent Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to local governments, describing it as a significant step towards improving governance at the grassroots.
However, he warned that this progress must be matched with deliberate efforts by all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
In response to the ruling, the ICPC chair said the commission, in collaboration with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, had launched the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG).
The ICPC boss said the initiative focuses on five thematic areas: fiscal transparency, human resource management, open procurement, citizen engagement, and corruption control.
He also cautioned against attempts to frustrate the Supreme Court’s verdict through diversionary or frivolous litigation, stating that such actions weaken Nigeria’s legal framework.
Citing AG Ondo State v AG of the Federation, he noted that despite a clear Supreme Court ruling affirming the ICPC’s powers to investigate corruption, lower courts continue to entertain suits that implicitly challenge that precedent.
“The ICPC is determined to enforce the Supreme Court decision using the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, alongside other relevant laws and regulations,” he said.
Dr Aliyu further stressed the constitutional obligation under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all persons and authorities to enforce Supreme Court judgements. He urged legal practitioners to resist being used to undermine the ruling in AG Federation v AG Abia State and Others.
“The judiciary must stand firm. Judicial precedence is the bedrock of our legal system, and any attempt to reverse or circumvent it through baseless suits must be strongly resisted,” he said.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.
-
Opinion3 days ago
Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?
-
News3 days agoRSG Reiterates Commitment To Youth Dev
-
Politics8 hours agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers7 hours agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoTranscorp Energy, Renewvia Partner On Renewable Energy Gap
-
Politics3 days ago
RIVERS WOMEN RALLY SUPPORT, CONTINUOUS PRAYERS FOR TINUBU
-
Politics3 days ago
AKPABIO, DIRI, OBOREVWORI, OTHERS VOW TO REELECT TINUBU …AS GIADOM RETAINS APC ZONAL CHAIR
-
Business3 days agoNSCDC Discloses Illegal Dump Site In Ikwerre Community