Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Cholera: NAFDAC sensitises food vendors, restaurants on hygienic practices

    Cholera: NAFDAC sensitises food vendors, restaurants on hygienic practices

    Flowerbud News

    The agency’s state Coordinator, Mr Garba Adamu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that a team of officials had been detailed to ensure that stipulated sanitary regulations were adhered by all food outlets.
    Adamu explained that “the team, headed by NAFDAC’S  Nutrition Officer, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, is to ensure that only safe, hygienic and quality foods are being prepared and sold to consumers.”
    He said that through routine inspection,food vendors were mandated to comply with the agency’s guidelines on good hygiene and sanitation practices.
    According to him, the effort is to safeguard peoples’ health and prevent the spread of cholera, as cases are being recorded in some parts of the country.
    The coordinator cautioned food vendors against using adulterated, counterfeit, unregistered and expired items in cooking their meals, reiterating that NAFDAC would continue the enforcement to apprehend defaulters.
    Adamu said the operation would be extended to local government areas, border markets and others as part of the agency’s efforts to ensure only hygienic foods are sold.
    He called on the public to be wary of poorly prepared foods, and report any unhygienic practice from any eatery to NAFDAC, reiterating the agency’s determination to safeguard the health of the nation.
    NAN
  • Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    Flowerbud News

    Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) communicated this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of a two-day Pre-retirement Summit, organised by XEM Consulting Ltd.

    Akume, who was represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, urged the organised labour not to leave the enforcement of the law to the government.

    “So, as we are discussing paying pension, I will also throw it back to labour; you have the duty to enforce the compliance of these laws; it is not just the question of complaining.

    “You should be able to come in; ensure the compliance of these laws by the relevant stakeholders.

    “Federal Government can come up with a policy and issue circulars, but then the onus lies on those who are monitoring the implementation, to ensure that lack of compliance should be sanctioned.

    “Whether it is minimum wage or pension, the best law that can be made is the law you can enforce; if you make an omnibus law that you cannot enforce, that law is good as nothing,’’ he said.

    According to Akume, the Federal Government has initiated a lot of reform programmes that will lift people out of poverty in the nearest future but that Nigerians should be patient, while it materialise.

    Earlier in his remarks, Mr Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), regretted that the current pension scheme fell short of taking care of Nigeria’s aging population.

    “Nigerian workers before and after retirement are faced with challenging life situations; the lump sum payment should be increased by at least 50 per cent.

    “Together, we can create a system that assures workers a retirement period of joy and not trepidation; the theme of this summit resonates with the present day workforce.

    “Retirement under the current pension scheme may become a death sentence for many; many questions fill the minds of workers post retirement as regards the pension scheme.

    “Inadequate pension benefits, inflation, rising cost and the financial contributions made pre-retirement difficult to match the current monetary values at post retirement,’’ he said.

    Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said that her office was working on remodelling the existing health insurance programme to accommodate retirees.

    Yemi-Esan, who was represented by Dr Comfort Adeosun, a Director in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said retirees could not be abandoned in their old age.

    “Presently, on your retirement day, the next thing that happens to your National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment is that it stops.

    “But we are working on insurance; when she came in, she told us to start the drive; I come from a part of the  system where we treat them when they are retired.

    “NLC President mentioned the military having retirement camps; the military also had health care schemes for retirees; you just appear in the hospital, and all we need to see is that they are treating you.

    “We need to collaborate as civil servants and public servants so that the new policies that we are trying to formulate will work; we must be ready to believe in it.’’

    The head of service also said that efforts had been intensified to ensure workers own their houses before they retired.

    “We have already gotten more land and we have told ourselves that we must do more.

    “If you get a house and you have health insurance at retirement, what else do you want? Like I said, the head of service wants to achieve a lot before she leaves,” she said.

    According to Yemi-Esan, her office has developed a retirement plan that will help civil servants maximise their skills especially in the agricultural value chain.

    Convener of the Pre-retirement Summit, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, assured that the welfare of Nigerian workers, especially the retirees would always be on the front burner.

    Ndukwe said that the theme of the summit “Challenges, Prospects, Strategies and Opportunities at Retirement in Nigeria”, was carefully chosen to prepare prospective retirees for retirement.

    “This theme resonates deeply with our vision to create a hub where employees approaching retirement, stakeholders and industry vendors can converge, share resources, and co-create innovative solutions for a fulfilling post-work life.

    “We mark a significant milestone in our collective journey towards redefining retirement in Nigeria.

    “The summit aims to address the pressing need for a supportive ecosystem that enables retiring Nigerians to transition smoothly, pursue their passions and maintain financial sustainability.

    “We envision a future where aging is celebrated and prosperity is within reach for all.

    “We will explore strategies for sustainable income, healthcare, and personal growth, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship, mentorship and community engagement,’’ she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that exceptional individuals and institutions that have made significant impact on the lives of workers and retirees in Nigeria were given awards.

    Among the award categories is the Best Media Personality in Print, Broadcast and Radio in Supporting Retiree Welfare.

    NAN

     

  • Supreme Court’s judgment on LG autonomy, victory for democracy — Stakeholders

    Supreme Court’s judgment on LG autonomy, victory for democracy — Stakeholders

    Flowerbud News

    A cross-section of these elated critical stakeholders in the country’s LG system spoke in separate interviews with the Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the three states.
    NAN recalls that the Apex Court had in a landmark judgment on Thursday, ordered the Federal Government to immediately start the direct payment of local government funds to their exclusive accounts.

    In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the court chided the decades-long refusal of the state governments to allow the financial autonomy for the 774 LGAs, hence ”suffocating them’.

    Agim averred that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

    Similarly, he held that only democratically-elected local government administrations were entitled to these funds and not mere appendages of the states in the name of ‘caretaker committees’h

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr Abbas Abbas, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.

    He said, “This is a victory not only for NULGE and Nigerians, but a victory for democracy.
    “You cannot have three tiers of government with one being subordinate to the other.”
    Abbas opined that granting financial autonomy to the local governments would bring about more infrastructural development at the grass roots.
    He added that the ruling has created additional checks and balances as the LG Chairmen would  now be further emboldened to stand up to non- performing Governors.
    A former NULGE President in Sokoto State, Alhaji Shehu Dange told NAN in Kaduna, “First we thank Almighty Allah for the Victory.
    “I also appreciate the supreme court for doing what’s best for the country.
    ” I also congratulate Nigerians in the 774 L/G in Nigeria.I equally appreciate our leaders at the national level for standing firm throughout this struggle.
    “May Almighty Allah bring lasting peace to our dear country.”
    The President, Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE), Mr Rayyanu Turunku, said the supreme court’s decision was a welcome development.
    Turunku said the decision of the supreme court  was  a good decision for all Nigerians not only for the union.
    He said local government was the tier of government that was closer to the people particularly those in the rural areas.
    Turunku said,”Every Nigerian has his origin from the local government from the top to the bottom.”
    He said that some of the challenges the country was facing were due to the lack of autonomy of the local governments.
    Turunku said,”With this development,  a lot of these challenges will be reduced.”
    In his view, Dr Abubakar Danja, Department of Public Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, advocated an improved accountability mechanism to checkmate corruption, leakages and wastages at the local government level.
    The don made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Zaria.
    Danja suggested the establishment of a joint taskforce by the State and Federal Government towards ensuring that money sent to the LG coffers was judiciously utilised.
    He added that the monthly allocations to the LGs should be adequately publicised to enable the  citizens to ask relevant questions about it.
    He said the joint task force, when established, should also adopt the ‘name-and-shame’ approach any  LG Chairman found wanting.
    The don, who was delighted over the verdict, expressed hope that the judgment may translate into a rapid development at the local government level.
    He added that such development would bring access to adequate social amenities and public infrastructure from the local governments.
    The don also hoped that the local governments would be able to manage the resources judiciously, devoid of wastages and corruption.
    Danja added that the judgment was a welcome development on democracy and the federal system of governance in Nigeria.
    He added that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has earmarked separate independent powers and areas of jurisdiction to Federal, state and local governments.
    He added with dismay that the state Governors have hijacked the LGs allocations and they manage the money on behalf of the local government, thereby ‘endangering their performance.
    “These led to agitations by so many organisations and stakeholders for the full LG autonomy in terms of finances, elections and other things.
    “We are therefore happy with the Supreme Court judgment,’’ Danja said.
    Corroborating,  Malam Ibrahim Chawai, former Secretary, NULGE Sabon Gari LG said  to an average Nigerian, the judgment means that more money would come to the grassroots level.
    This, he said, would drastically reduce unemployment, poverty and insecurity.
    “If the LG has money they can embark on projects which will be carried out by local contractors; these local contractors engage local skilled and unskilled laborers for the job,’’ Chawai said.
    The Chairman, Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) Kano State chapter, Kabiru Inuwa, also hailed the landmark Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria.
    Inuwa who said this while reacting to the judgment on Thursday in Kano, explained that the judgement would enhance development in the country.
    The chairman also said that the judgment was a significant milestone in the quest for true democracy in the country.
    According to him, the decision will bring development to the grassroots and bring the government closer to the people.
    The labour leader added that the next step was to  empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee the organisation of local government elections.
    He said that the step would strengthen the integrity of the process by enhancing the transparency of leadership selection mechanisms at the grassroots level.
    Inuwa called on all the stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, to embrace this decision and work collaboratively towards its implementation.
    The chairman commended  President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly the judiciary for the feat.
    Various stakeholders in Katsina State also welcomed the judgment, describing it as a good omen for the LGs and the citizens in general.
    NAN
  • Presidential CNG initiative, partners target 1m vehicles for conversion

    Presidential CNG initiative, partners target 1m vehicles for conversion

    Flowerbud News

    The Conversion Incentive Programme is aim to tackle barriers by offering free CNG kits and conversion to targeted one million vehicles in the next three years, to tackle barriers

    The P-CNGi embarked on this elaborate programme regarded as the highest quantum of conversions so far in the world.

    Speakimg, at the official MoU signing on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/CEO, P-CNGi, said it had identified 123 conversion workshops, aiming to have 2,000, and achieve one million conversions by 2027.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partners including, NIPCO Gas, Portland Gas Ltd., Fix It 45, ABG Oil and Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) are participating in the conversion programme.

    The Conversion Incentive Programme is designed to tackle the barriers in Nigeria’s commercial transport entities/operators, to convert vehicles from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG engines.

    The programme is a government response, borne out of the complaint by Nigerians over the high cost of conversion amounting to about N500,000.

    “This partnership is basically to respond to that concern; firstly for commercial operators that are unionised through their unions can benefit 100 per cent discount, that is they will get the kits and installation done for free.

    “The unionised commercial operators include the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigerian Association of Transport Owners (NATO) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “And these will be done through the 123 certified workshops that we have identified while we will work with these five present in the FCT then activate more as we expand across the country.

    “Through the partnership the second operators which include Bolt Nigeria and UBER among others will also benefit 50 per cent write-off on the equipment and free installation, while government pays the remaining 50 per cent.

    “Arrangement is made too with these companies for them to pay at instalments without upfront.

    “Vast Nigerians depend on these Rideshares aside from the public mode of transportation; now Nigerians will be able to benefit from the low cost of transportation occasioned by the implementation of this programme,’’ he said.

    He said the P-CNGi had about 20,000 plus potential conversion kits to be distributed to state with CNG capacity under the palliative initiative in the next three months.

    He added that the National Assembly had made additional funding, to facilitate procurement of necessary kits and cylinders to be made available in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    “Work have started, installation of conversion kits has begun, mass transit vehicles operators that move 90 per cent of Nigerians will benefit and pass on their savings to consumers, based on the agreement,’’ he said.

    The P-CNGi boss said it had a strong monitoring mechanism around conversion and enforcement of reduced pricing, adding that the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System would ensure proper conversion and tracking.

    He further said that within the framework of the agreement, some significant pass-on of the savings would be realised.

    According to him, the President upon adoption of CNG for transportation promised that Nigerians can benefit from reduced cost of transportation by ensuring proper implementation.

    In their separate remarks, Mr Mohammed Bawa of ABG Oil and Gas, Zankyang Duniwa, Operations Manager, Bolt Nigeria and Mr Aliyu Isa, Acting President, NURTW, pledged to ensure that Nigerians derived the CNG initiative benefits through 50 per cent transportation fare slash.

    NAN

  • Horse racing world cup underway in Nigeria — Federation

    Horse racing world cup underway in Nigeria — Federation

    Flowerbud News

    “There will be participation from all the countries of the world like it is being done in Dubai,” Mustapha-Bida told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.
    He spoke to NAN on the sideline of the ongoing four-day of the maiden edition of the ‘International Horse Racing Derby.
    NAN also reports that it is themed: ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Democracy Derby 2nd Edition Under Division System Race’.
    The epochal sport meet was organised by the federation as part of the one year anniversary celebration of President Bola Tinubu.
    Mustapha-Bida, also the ‘Sarkin Dawakin Nupe’, said that horse racing, like other sports, was a key unifying factor in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
    According to him, such an event organised at the global stage will bolster the image of the country as well as add tremendous value to the nation’s economy.
    On the ongoing derby, he described Kaduna as the hub of horse racing, saying, “Kaduna is the centre of the North.
    “Horse racing has a very strong history in Kaduna from time immemorial from the time of our grandfather, the late Sardaunan Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
    “Kaduna has hosted the annual Northern Derby since 1961. It has a lot of lovers of horse racing.
    “Kaduna is the centre and the starting point. So, we will revive and  sustain this lost glory and feat.”
    NAN
  • Legislators, AGF throw weight behind LGs autonomy

    Legislators, AGF throw weight behind LGs autonomy

    Flowerbud News

    Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, Alhaji Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, have applauded the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments in the country.

    The legislators and the AG spoke when they visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Thursday in Abuja.

    Akpabio said the request for local governments’ autonomy was placed before the courts by AGF because the Federal Government felt strongly about separation of powers and the need for autonomy for all arms of government.

    “The Supreme Court has spoken and we have no option than to abide by the Supreme Court ruling.

    “So, I will just call on all states of the federation to respect what the Supreme Court has done and then we will go back to the legislature to ensure full implementation.

    “Because you know the words of the Supreme Court are like the words of the king, they cannot go without implementation,” said Akpabio.

    He said the ruling was great for democracy, “and I congratulate the president for this initiative.

    “I know that all Nigerians now know that local government administration is an arm of government meant for the grassroots and their money should be for the grassroots.

    “Definitely, local governments can now undertake projects on their own. So, it’s a great day for democracy and is the beginning of great things to come.”

    To the governors who seem not to conduct elections at local government level, Akpabio said that they should ensure impartial elections at the local government level so that all the political parties could participate.

    “At the moment, there’s a lot of lethargy and nonchalant attitude by many political parties not in power at the state level; they hardly partake in local government elections because of they believe in bandwagon effect and all that.

    “So, it is a great thing that the Supreme Court has done the needful, and now we have to go back and think, working with the AGF’s office and the parliament to see how we can ensure that there’s real election at the local government level.

    “I think once that is done everybody will have confidence. It’s progress for democracy, and that is how it should be.

    “So, we congratulate the justices of the Supreme Court and we in the parliament are determined to make sure there’s enforceability,” said Akpabio”.

    Abbas was emphatic that history had been made with the Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of local governments.

    “This is an issue that has been before the parliament for the past two years; all the constitutional amendments so far carried by the National Assembly, one aspect has always been local government autonomy.

    “Today everyone is happy and we are looking forward to local government that will work functionally, and that will be able to work on there own and extend goodwill to their own people undisturbed,” he said.

    Fagbemi likened the Supreme Court judgment to the emancipation of local governments, which had freed them from the shackles of the past.

    “I hope that local government officials will look at it as an opportunity to develop their various local governments.

    “Part of it requires that states government’s conduct elections for local government areas.

    He said the “ball is in the court of the governors but the judgement is clear as to what they should do.

    “The judgement is clear as to what consequences will follow failure or refusal to follow the judgement of the Supreme Court which takes immediate effect.”

    NAN

  • LG autonomy will revitalise governance at grassroots – NLC

    LG autonomy will revitalise governance at grassroots – NLC

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NAN) says the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the Local Government will revitalise governance at the grassroots.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

    Reacting to the apex court judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils, Ajaero described the decision of the court  as “courageous and transformative”

    “”The judgment is significant in restoring democratic principles and fostering national progress.. It is a crucial step towards revitalising grassroots governance, which has been stifled for too long.

    “The supreme court through this landmark judgment has not only restored our democracy, but also peoples hope in democracy,” he said.

    The labour leader commended the Attorney General of the Federation who went through the whole legal processes.

    “We  urge that all necessary measures  be taken that this judgment is not sabotaged at the implementation stage,” he said .

    NAN

  • Reps move to protect journalists against arbitrary arrest, detention

    Reps move to protect journalists against arbitrary arrest, detention

    Flowerbud News

    The House of Representative has resolved to probe alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in the line of their constitutional duties by security agencies.

    The resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Clement Jimbo (APC-Akwa Ibom) at plenary on Thursday.

    Moving the motion, Jimbo said that freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The legislator explained that the Constitution guarantees journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution.

    He said that freedom of the press is a cardinal feature for democracy as it serves as essential ingredient for holding government accountable and ensuring transparency.

    The lawmaker, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom, said that journalism practice is regarded as the fourth estate of the realm.

    Jimbo observed that there had been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties.

    “This act is being carried out by law enforcement agents, relying on the offence of cyber-stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015,’’ he said.

    Jimbo recalled that the arrest of Mr Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist which occurred in March 2024 as particularly disturbing.

    He explained that the journalist was arrested in a “commando style” barely 43 hours after 2024 World Press Day.

    Jimbo said that such actions are responsible for international opinion rating of Nigeria as one of West African’s most dangerous places to practice by Reporters without Borders (RSF).

    “In recent times, between 2015 and 2024 there have been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted on at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty.

    “This is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy and culminating into a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.

    “Earlier this year 2024 the President signed the amended Act with a substantial adjustment on section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such.

    “The law enforcement agents neglect this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech,’’ he noted.

    It was gathered that more than 10 journalists have been arrested in the past one year and another 15 during the previous administration as a result of the same alleged offence.

    Jimbo cautioned that arbitrary arrests of journalists have its consequences as it could lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space.

    According to him, this fourth republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.

    The house sent a very strong warning to perpetrators of the unwholesome act, saying that protecting the rights of journalists is not only important for upholding democracy but also for safeguarding the principles of free speech and human rights.

    The lawmakers resolved to pass laws to strengthen press freedom and to also engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure government to respect press freedom.

    They called on the Police and other law enforcement agencies to cautiously and democratically rely on Section 24 of Cybercrime Act 2015 as amended.

    The lawmakers insisted that law enforcement agencies should charge anyone including journalists to court if they have violated any law instead of depriving them of their constitutional right.

    The Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committee on National Security to ensure compliance.

    NAN

  • LG autonomy: ALGON says judgment, a new birth to democracy

    LG autonomy: ALGON says judgment, a new birth to democracy

    Flowerbud News

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Supreme Court on Thursday declared that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.

    The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

    The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.

    The Supreme Court however, ordered the Accountant General of the federation to only pay in LGA funds into LGAs with a democratically elected chairmen and councilors.

    NAN reports that this has put an end to Transition Committees, Caretaker Committees or sole administrators.

    Now, the State Assemblies have no other option than to pass the LGA autonomy bill once it gets to them.

    Reacting to the judgement, the ALGON Board of Trustees Secretary, Chief Chukwudi Ezinwa, told NAN in a telephone interview on Thursday that the judgement was a “birth of a new democracy in Nigeria”.

    He noted that a lot of atrocities had been committed by some of the state governors that had stampeded the Local Government from carrying out its operations.

    While describing local government as grassroots government oriented, Ezinwa said “if we get it right at the local level, Nigeria would be great again as everyone belong to local government even the governors, president and other Nigerians.

    According to him, once we get it right at local government level, states will have less work to do.

    “To us at ALGON, we thank God and commend the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for taking the bull by the horn and his political will power to pursue the case to the Supreme Court.

    “A lot of attorneys -general had come and gone but lacked courage to go ahead to make sure that local government was salvaged from the hands of governors.

    “We equally thank the President Bola Tinubu for proving to Nigerians that he is a president with courage and that his Renewed Hope Agenda was for real as well as showing that he wants to correct all the wrongs,” he said.

    He, however, called for full implementation of the judgment as there were a lot of judgments in the country that did not see the light of the day.

    “We encourage the president, Federal Republic of Nigeria to make sure that this judgement is implemented.

    “If implemented and local government is given autonomy, there will be a lot of change; insecurity and infrastructural decay will be handled,” he stressed.

    A Human Rights Lawyer, Desmond Kakaan, said the constitution never accepted Caretaker Committee adopted by the governors but elected Local Government Chairmen.

    He said It was wrong for state governments to be given local government chairmen paltry sum from their money to run the affairs of the Council Areas.

    While applauding the boldness of the Fagbemi, Kakaan said the suit was brought by him to the Supreme Court for interpretation.

    “I know it was in agreement with Mr President as well as the president’s experience when he was governor of Lagos State and created more local governments and President Olusegun Obasanjo refused to release funds for them.

    “With this judgement, people can now hold Local Government Chairmen accountable and a lot of infrastructural development will be witnessed at local level.

    NAN