Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery

    CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery

    Flowerbudnews

    The Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has created an Insolvency Unit for the court to ensure efficient and service delivery.

    The Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Hassan, made this known in a statement on Sunday night in Abuja.

    Hassan said the creation of the unit was done pursuant to the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, and Assets, Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2019 (as amended).

    He said the creation was also in line with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act, 2024, and the Bankruptcy Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.

    “The functions of the Insolvency Unit are to oversee the effective implementation of the provisions of the above enactments as it relates to Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA), Administration, Receivership, Winding Up and various forms of restructuring of companies.

    “The unit is created in line with global best practices on Insolvency and to also provide specialised and standardised services on insolvency matters.

    “It also offers insolvency practitioners, a dedicated channel for supervisory and enforcement services,” he said.

    According to him, this is a milestone in the quest for modernisation and updating insolvency practice and proceedings in Nigeria.

    He said the unit would also offer fast-track services required in the implementation of its mandate.

  • Judge withdraws from Sen. Natasha’s suit against Akpabio, others

    Judge withdraws from Sen. Natasha’s suit against Akpabio, others

     

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, recused himself from the suit filed by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others.

    The suit is seeking to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal from the case over allegations of bias levelled against the court by Akpabio, who is the 3rd defendant in the matter.

    When the matter was called on Tuesday, the judge, after taking the appearance of lawyers for the parties in the suit, announced his decision to withdraw from the case.
    He cited the allegation as the major reason for his decision.
    It was gathered that the senate president had expressed lack of confidence in the ability of the court to do justice on the matter, hence the reason for the development.
    The judge subsequently ordered that the case file be remitted back to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Egwuatu had, on March 19, set aside its order of March 4, declaring the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate as null and void.
    Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a ruling, vacated the suit after listening to the arguments of counsel for the plaintiff and lawyers to the defendants in the suit.
    NAN observes that though the court had earlier fixed today for the hearing of the matter, March 19 was however, rescheduled to take the motion on notice filed by the Senate (2nd defendant) to seek for the order vacating the March 4 order which declared any action taken by the defendants during the pendency of the suit as null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
    The judge had granted Natasha’s five reliefs on March 4, including Order Number Four which declared any action taken by the defendants during the pendency of the suit as null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
    The judge granted the five prayers after Sanusi Musa, SAN, who appeared for Natasha, moved the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
    Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had, in the motion ex-parte, sued clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) and the Senate as 1st and 2nd defendants.
    She also named the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Sen. Neda Imasuem, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct as 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.
    The senator had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Senate’s committee headed by Imasuem from proceeding with the purported investigation against her for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary on Feb. 20, pursuant to the referral by the Senate on Feb. 25, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, among others.
    However, the Senate, in a motion on notice filed on March 17 by its lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, had sought an order setting aside Order Number Four in the enrolled ex-parte order made by Justice Egwuatu against the defendants in Natasha’s suit.
    The Senate, through Ojukwu, urged the judge to vacate the order in the interest of fair hearing.
    “By Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of the Houses of the National Assembly established to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    “That the said Order No. 4 of 4th March, 2025 as granted, effectively restrains the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from conducting any of its legislative duties in accordance with its constitutional functions.”
    Ojukwu said enforcing the said order, as granted, would result in a constitutional crisis and anarchy, as the entire legislative duties of the Senate would be made to grind to a halt.
    “The order offends the doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    “This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to restrain parliament from conducting its constitutional duties,” he said.
    He therefore urged the court to hold that the entire proceedings of March 4 upon which that breach occured was in nullity.
    Lawyer to the clerk, Charles Yoila; Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who appeared for Akpabio and Umeh Kalu, SAN, who represented Imasuem, aligned themselves with Ojukwu’s argument.
    But counsel, who appeared for Natasha, Michael Numa, SAN, disagreed with their submissions.
    He described their argument as the conspiracy of the defence.
    The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the defence application and exercise its disciplinary powers on them for alleged contempt of the valid court order.
    He argued that the defendants had, with audacity, disobeyed the order of the court.
    While responding to the argument of Ojukwu, Numa submitted that “parties are bound by the prayers on the motion paper.”
    He urged the court to discountenance the application.
    The lawyer argued that the court must consider the entire orders in their ex-parte motion and not in piecemeal.
    He said their argument was immaterial.
    According to him, the Senate (2nd defendant) did not mention the propriety of Orders One, Two, Three and Five made by this honourable court.
    “The fact that Order Four was made is only an ancillary order to give effect to the motion that until the matter is dispensed with,” he said.
    Numa described the application by the defence as an affront on the court, that the judge should set aside the orders they had not challenged.
    He said the defendants had not even addressed the order directing them to show cause within 72 hours upon the service of the order.
    “This is an invitation to anarchy my lord,” he said, citing previous cases to back his argument.
    “Whatever reservation they have, their only duty is to come to court. The order was that the respondents to come and show course
    “Their application is self-defeating,” he argued.
    NAN reports that in her contempt charge, the embattled lawmaker argued that her suspension constituted wilful disobedience to the subsisting court order issued on March 4.
    She stated that an enrolled order of the interim injunction issued by Justice Egwuatu was duly served on the defendants on March 5.
    According to Form 48, the defendants/contemnors “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the binding directive of the court and “proceeded with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of the court.”

  • Kaduna train attack: Tukur Mamu’s trial suffers setback due to absence of witnesses

    Kaduna train attack: Tukur Mamu’s trial suffers setback due to absence of witnesses

     

    The trial of Tukur Mamu, the “terrorist negotiator”, was on Tuesday, stalled due to the absence of the witnesses in court.
    The trial was scheduled to proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    However, when the matter was called, lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), David Kaswe, informed the court of their challenge.

    Kaswe said though the prosecution still had three more witnesses to call to establish its case against Mamu, he said the next witness, who had already been prepared to testify, told them last night that he would not be able to come to Abuja.

    The lawyer further said that another witness who would have given his evidence and tendered the exhibits in the case could not come because the exhibits keeper was not around.

    “This is the challenge we have my lord,” he said, seeking an adjournment.
    Responding, Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Mamu, expressed sadness over the development.
    The senior lawyer, who did not oppose Kaswe’s application for adjournment, however informed the court of their complaints.
    Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
    He also alleged that Mamu’s relatives were being prevented from seeing him against the court order.
    Besides, the lawyer said though the court ordered that his client should be allowed to have access to a doctor of his choice, he said after his doctor prescribed a BP Digital Kit for his client, the DSS officers refused to allow the family come with equipment.
    He said even though the security agency insisted that the device would be provided for the defendant, they were yet to do that.
    Justice Ekwo, therefore, directed the prosecution and the defence lawyers to work together and report back to the court within seven days on the step taken to resolve the issues.
    The judge adjourned the matter until May 6, May 7 and May 8 for continuation of trial.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had, on March 21, 2023, arraigned Mamu for allegedly aiding terrorist operations in the country.
    He was arraigned on a 10-count terrorism charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
    The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was accused of collecting various sums of money in different currencies from families of victims of the train attack, on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists sect.
    The federal government told the court that investigations revealed that the defendant collected an aggregate sum of $420, 000 from families of the victims, as well as N21 million from another set of families of the train attack.
    It further alleged that Mamu concealed funds he earned from services he rendered to the terrorist organisation, in his residence in Kaduna State.
    It told the court that the defendant had sometime in 2022, in Kaduna State, received ransom payments in the sum of N500, 000 on behalf of the Boko haram terrorist group, from families of the train attack that were held as hostages.
    More so, in the charge that was signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr M.B. Abubakar, FG added that the defendant exchanged voice note communications with one Baba Adamu, identified as spokesperson of the Boko Haram, in relation to acts of terrorism.
    It maintained that the defendant acted in breach of the Terrorism Prevention, Prohibition Act, 2022.
    Mamu, however, denied all the allegations.

  • Unical: Additional Sixteen Academic Programs Set For NYSC Mobilization

    Unical: Additional Sixteen Academic Programs Set For NYSC Mobilization

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    Calabar (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  A total of sixteen (16) more academic programmes of the University of Calabar have been successfully added to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) Mobilization App in readiness for Students mobilization.

     

    This happens ss the Univetsity continues to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, indicating more progress and development for the institution, a statement by the Public Relations Unit observed.

     

    According to the University’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Patrick Egaga, the successful addition of the programs is the result of a strong request by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi to the Management of the NYSC Scheme.

     

    Now rightly dubbed the ‘Golden Vice Chancellor’, Prof. Florence Obi is said to have highlighted in the aforesaid request that the programs have all been successful in both resource verification and subsequent accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), hence the need for their inclusion in the NYSC Mobilization App.

     

    The affected academic programs are; Architecture, Agricultural Engineering, Fine and Applied Art, Peace and Conflict Studies, Pharmacology, Survey and Geo-informatics, as well as, Urban and Regional Planning.

     

    Others are; Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Educational Psychology, Mass Communication, Music, Physiotherapy and Estate Management.

     

    Prof. Egaga added in his statement that, “as it stands however, the effective Mobilization of these streams will be in the upcoming Batch B.

     

    This heartwarming development is truly remarkable, especially coming on the heels of an epochal and very memorable fiftieth anniversary and 37th Convocation”,  he added.

     

  • *Tinubu trades off high political risks for Nigeria’s economic reforms-IMPI

    *Tinubu trades off high political risks for Nigeria’s economic reforms-IMPI

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    Popular Think Tank, The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has said that President Tinubu took a big political gamble by going ahead with economic reforms that usually take long to manifest in positive benefits.

    In a policy statement signed by its Chairman Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI carried out a risk assessment of the Tinubu reforms and concluded that the President deserves credit for going ahead with the policies inspite of the possibility of the opposition capitalizing on the attendant short-term pains to drive its agenda.

    It said: “In light of these challenges, it is worth assessing the political risk Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took in decisively implementing economic reforms from the outset of his administration on 29 May 2023.

    “The political costs of reforms are substantial in countries like Nigeria, where existing political institutions may not align with international best practices. In democratic systems, political cycles often limit politicians’ ability to implement long-term reforms due to the electoral process every 4-5 years.

    “As a result, significant reforms, which require time to yield visible benefits, are often pursued incrementally. In this context, the 22-month-old Tinubu administration must navigate political pressure and criticism from politicians and influencers.

    “These critics often position themselves against the administration to capitalise on perceived shortcomings, sometimes misrepresenting ongoing reforms as damaging to Nigerian citizens’ economic fabric and standard of living.

    “Despite these challenges, we commend President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to advancing economic reforms amid substantial opposition over the past 22 months.

    “The administration has demonstrated a dedication to its reform agenda despite the lack of immediate incentives for engaging in long-term change, which is characteristic of developing nations. This requires significant statesmanship and leadership, akin to navigating uncharted territories.”

    IMPI noted that only national interest could make an administration go ahead with reforms that are risky enough to lead to electoral loss.

    “Against evident resistance to economic reforms, President Tinubu has shown exceptional perseverance, driven by a forward-looking vision for Nigeria’s economy that prioritises national interest over personal or electoral gains.

    “This commitment is particularly notable considering the conventional approach of starting reforms with minor and more manageable steps to build success stories and political support.

    “Reforms are typically categorised into first-generation reforms, focusing on macroeconomic stabilisation and liberalisation, and second-generation reforms, which deal with institutional changes and public service improvements.

    “But the Tinubu administration has embarked on first- and second-generation reforms simultaneously, demonstrating its comprehensive engagement with economic reformation,’it added.

    The policy think tank also provided insights into the nature of the Tinubu reforms as well as some of the earliest benefits midway into the administration’s term in office.

    “Despite the political opposition and other sundry interest groups sniping at the reform implementation, our impact analysis implicates an emerging and truly liberalised economy, which is an accomplishment of one of the primary objectives of the reform agenda.

    “This is exemplified in Nigeria’s total trade exports, which surged to a high of $50.4 billion in 2024, driven by exchange rate depreciation due to the harmonization of foreign exchange windows and the elimination of fuel subsidies, the two flagship foundational policies of the reform agenda.

    “Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that Nigeria recorded a total trade volume of N138 trillion, the highest in the country’s history, representing a 106 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

    “This translates to $89.9 billion in dollar terms, indicating a 22.1 per cent surge in 2024 when dollarised. It also rebounded from the 35 per cent decline in 2023 when the government introduced the more market-driven exchange rate.

    “Under the facilitation of the Tinubu administration, Nigeria is redeeming its image in the perception of foreign investors. Over the years, concerned investment experts lamented that it is a tragedy that a country of more than 220 million people has been unable to attract more than $2 billion worth of net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows annually in recent years.

    “This is changing: when foreign investment inflow into the country in 2024 is finally tallied, Nigeria may have received about $21 billion worth of foreign investment, with only the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) attracting $17 billion.

    “Also, total FAAC allocations jumped to N15.26tn in 2024, a 43% increase from the previous year. Again, the surge can be attributed to the Tinubu administration’s fiscal reforms, including removing fuel subsidies and exchange rate adjustments, significantly boosting oil revenue remittances,” it explained.

    IMPI is however concerned that inspite of falling food prices in recent months, the agriculture sector has continued the trend of distorted growth in the last five years, slumping from 3.42 percent in 2020 to 1.74 percent in 2024.

    The policy group expressed hope that recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the recently sealed Green Imperative Project (GIP) deal with Brazil, targeting small scale farmers across the 774 local government areas will help boost growth in the sector

    End

  • Just in:   Unical Governing Council appoint Director of works ….

    Just in:   Unical Governing Council appoint Director of works ….

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    Calabar (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The Governing Council of the University of Calabar  (UNICAL) has appointed ENGR.Adeniyi E. Daodu as the new Director of Works of the prestigious institution.

    Flowerbudnews reports that the newly appointed Director who is expected to Serve for 4 years, was the Acting director of works of the University  until his appointment as Substantive director.

    Engineer Daodu had worked for over 19 years in UNICAL works departments, including at the power generation section of the University.

     

    A fellow and member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers  (NSE), Engr. Daodu had studied MECHANICAL Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state

     

    A statement by the Public Relations Unit of the University made available to FLOWERBUDNEWS disclosed that Engr. Daodu had also added more academic qualifications to his knowledge before the attainment of the new status as Director, obtaining a Master Degree from University of Cross River State.

    The Publisher and the Editorial Board of Flowerbudnews joined the University community in Congratulating Engr. Daodu and wishing him success on his new task as UNICAL Director of works (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

  • TMSG rallies support for FG’s efforts to restart oil exploration in Ogoniland after 32 years

    TMSG rallies support for FG’s efforts to restart oil exploration in Ogoniland after 32 years

     

    By Majeed Ishola

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has expressed confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to resolve the decades-long crisis that is stalling the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni, one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil-producing areas.

    This, according to the group, stems from the overtures the federal government is making as well as the groundswell of support from individuals and groups from the oil-rich area.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that a resumption of oil production in Ogoniland would add a minimum of 500,000 barrels a day to the country’s daily crude output.

    It reads in part: “Since 1993, when the multinational oil company Shell pulled out of Ogoni in the aftermath of the crisis over environmental issues, no single drop of oil has been extracted from any of the nearly 200 oil wells in the area.

    “It is on record that different administrations since 1999 had tried to broker peace between the aggrieved members of the Ogoni community and Shell with little to show for all the efforts.

    “We are aware that former President Olusegun Obasanjo made mediatory efforts led by Father Matthew Kukah which were bogged down by unmet demands for restitution while the Jonathan administration’s initiatives were largely stalled by the inability to set up a structure to receive the $1 billion recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a clean up of the affected areas.

    “Former President Muhammadu Buhari continued from where his predecessor stopped until President Bola Tinubu assumed office and opted for a two-pronged approach of sustainable development and reconciliation to win the heart of the 260 communities in Ogoniland

    “We recall that at the second of his two meetings with a selection of prominent leaders of the Ogoni community, the President said ‘We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We can not heal the wounds if we continue to be angry.

    “The reconciliation initiative to be led by the National Security Adviser is to entail getting a buy-in of all the stakeholders on efforts by the government to ensure a conducive environment for resumption of oil exploration.

    “In a demonstration of his commitment to the sustainable development of the area, President Tinubu has since approved the take-off of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, which was not only designed to give Ogoni people a sense of belonging in education but also to pave the way for the development of capacity in life-changing global academic endeavours.

    “Like many Nigerians, we see it as a great step towards addressing some of the people’s long-standing grievances of neglect against the Nigerian state.

    “We are also aware that the federal government also intends to involve the various communities in the Ogoni clean-up initiative just to ensure that the people have the kind of sense of belonging they had not felt in a long time.

    “All these are part of several efforts to smoothen the path to the resumption of oil exploration in the oil-rich area after a 32-year pause, especially now that Shell has divested from its onshore operations.

    “What we know is that with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in place with provisions that clearly spelt out immediate benefits of three per cent of annual operating expenditure of oil prospecting companies to host communities, the over 260 communities of Ogoniland are bound to have a new lease of life in their relationship with oil producing companies.”

    TMSG also urged Ogoni communities to be wary of conflict entrepreneurs who have been pushing back against the government’s efforts.

  • Zimbabwe stun Nigeria in 2026 FIFA World Cup race

    Zimbabwe stun Nigeria in 2026 FIFA World Cup race

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:  Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals suffered a setback on Tuesday after the Warriors of Zimbabwe scored a last-minute equaliser in their Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

    The result meant the Super Eagles are still stuck in fourth place in group C.

    Leaders South Africa put daylight between themselves and the rest of the pack with a matured 2-0 win over the Benin Republic in Abidjan, which took them to 13 points.

    Benin Republic’s Cheetahs and Rwanda’s Amavubi are both on eight points, one more than the Super Eagles, with four rounds of matches left, to be played over September and October.

    Usual suspect Victor Osimhen, playing his 40th match for the Nigeria senior team, scored to put Nigeria in front after 73 minutes, making hay from Olaoluwa Aina’s cross from the left that escaped every Zimbabwean player in the defense.

    With robust confidence and a positive spirit from their win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria launched onslaught after onslaught, particularly through the left side of the Zimbabwean defense, with Simon Moses always in good flow.

    However, goalkeeper Washington Arubi thwarted their forays and kept his team in the game.

    Three minutes after Osimhen’s goal, the visitors could have scored as Khama Billiat broke from the left, and the Super Eagles were only saved by the crossbar.

    Substitute Tawanda Chireda would eventually find the leveller on the dot of 90 minutes, as the Warriors swept past the Nigeria rearguard and he cleverly poked past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from close range.

    **FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Africa):

    Nine group winners in Africa will qualify automatically for the World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

    There could be a 10th qualifier if the winners of an African mini-tournament involving the four best-ranked runners-up finish among the top two in inter-continental play-offs.

  • Increasing FAAC allocations validates President Tinubu’s position on policy deployment -TMSG

    Increasing FAAC allocations validates President Tinubu’s position on policy deployment -TMSG

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) is optimistic that all tiers of government will get more federal allocations than ever before in 2025 following the disbursement of N1.7 trillion for the month of January.

    This, according to the group, is an affirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s position on the successful deployment of his administration’s economic policies

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that Nigerians would be justified to demand more from their state governors this year.

    It said: “The latest allocation of N1.703 trillion from the federation account to the three tiers of government comes on the back of a total gross revenue of N2.641 trillion in January.

    “This disbursement is not only more than that of previous months. It also exceeded the January 2024 allocation of N1.149 trillion by more than N554 billion.

    “It is also interesting to note that it is nearly one trillion naira more than what all the three tiers of government shared in January 2023.

    “We make bold to say that all these are a direct consequence of the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which have caused an increase in revenue.

    “Anyone in doubt should take a second look at the country’s monthly revenue since May 2023, which has constantly recorded quantum leaps over what the Tinubu administration inherited.

    “In addition, monthly reports from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) also showed regular increases in Value Added Tax (VAT) Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty, and Common External Tariff (CET) levies.

    “And now that the country is on the verge of amending its tax laws with more focus on expanding the tax net than burdening the people with additional taxes, we are convinced that all tiers of government would continually get more federal allocations.”

    TMSG, however, expects Nigeria’s to demand fiscal responsibility from the sub-nationals with the increase in allocations.

    “We do not think that it is too much for the citizenry to ask questions from their leaders on how the nation’s resources are managed at the federal level. But with more funds going to the subnationals than ever before, the onus is on Nigerians to pay more attention to how states and local government authorities spend their legitimate money.

    “For us, this is the time to demand good governance, probity, transparency and accountability in the use of public funds now that the local governments have financial autonomy.

    “We also look forward to a situation where many of the subnational governments will use public funds to boost their revenue generating capacity so that they will depend less on federal allocations,” it added.

    End