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LG funds: S’Court reserves judgment

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LG funds: S’Court reserves judgment

LG funds: S’Court reserves judgment

 

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, reserved judgment in the suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governments, seeking to enforce the financial autonomy of the 774 local government areas.

The court reserved judgment after the parties adopted their briefs.

In the suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Federal Government accused the state governments of stifling local governments and withholding their funds.

But the 36 states, through their AGs, vehemently opposed the suit and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it.

 

 

In the suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, the Federal Government wants the apex court to enforce the autonomy of the local government by, among other things, stopping state governors from appointing caretaker committees to administer local governments in their states.

The Federal Government wants the Supreme Court to rule that any local government manned by a caretaker committee instead of an elected local government chairman and councillors should have their funds from the Federation Account withheld.

It also wants the court to rule that funds due to local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them instead of through the state government to guarantee their autonomy.

 

 

 

The seven man-panel, of the apex court led by Justice Garba Lawal, announced that parties in the matter would be communicated when the judgment was ready after parties in the suit adopted their processes on Thursday.

All 36 states in their response opposed the FG’s suit and appealed to the court to throw out the suit.

The AGF, on his part, asked the apex court to grant all the reliefs sought by the Federal Government in the suit.

The AGF said,  “I adopt and rely on these processes. I urge My Lords to overrule the various objections and grant the originating summons.”

While some states claimed that they were denied fair hearing and weren’t served, the AGF clarified that he sent copies of the affidavits to the defendants via WhatsApp and emails.

He added that the court bailiff also served the defendants in their various state liaison offices in Abuja.

The PUNCH reported that the Federal Government, in the suit, is urging the apex court to issue “an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments.”

 

 

 

In the suit predicted on 27 grounds, the Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

The FG, in the originating summons, prayed the Supreme Court to make an order expressly stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments.

The justice minister also prayed for “an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.”

The Federal Government further sought “an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the Constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.”

The originating summons was backed by a 13-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Kelechi Ohaeri of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Ohaeri, in the affidavit, averred that the AGF instituted the suit against the governors under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on behalf of the Federal Government.

He said, “The Constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state and local governments as three tiers of government and the three recognised tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution.

 

 

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World leaders salute Trump, vows to end illegal immigration

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World leaders salute Trump, vows to end illegal immigration

World leaders salute Trump, vows to end illegal immigration

 

Donald Trump has emerged as the 47th President of the United States, after winning over 292 electoral college votes in the 2024 election.

Trump won the election having crossed the 270 score required to clinch the White House.

As of the time of filing this report, Vice President Kamala Harris had polled 224 votes in the electoral college system, according to the Associated Press.

On the heels of the results, President Joe Biden called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his election victory and to invite him to the White House to discuss the transition.

The White House said staff would coordinate a date “in the near future.”

Biden plans to address the nation on the election results, which will have sharp implications for his legacy on Thursday.

Biden also spoke with Vice President Harris to congratulate her on her campaign, the AP reports.

 

Addressing a massive crowd of supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, Trump vowed to deliver a “strong, safe, and richer America,” while outlining his key priorities and echoing his promise to restore the country’s former glory.

“We are going to secure our borders immediately. No illegal immigrants will be allowed to enter this country,” he declared to cheering supporters, according to NDTV.

On international relations, Trump declared his intention to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas-Lebanon conflict, stating, “I would not start a war; I will end one.”

A prominent theme of Trump’s speech was his intent to reduce federal income taxes, which he framed as essential to bolstering the economy.

“We will cut taxes and bring prosperity to American families,” he affirmed, stressing financial relief for working and middle-class Americans.

Trump also spoke glowingly of a vaccine sceptic and environmental lawyer, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who he said would play a key role in his administration.

Amid chants of “Bobby, Bobby,” Trump expressed his support for Kennedy, promising, “He wants to do some things, and we are going to let him go to it.” Trump humorously added, “But Bobby, leave the oil to me.”

 

Referencing recent assassination attempts against him during the campaign, Trump credited his survival to a divine purpose.

“Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason, and that reason was to save our country,” he said.

In his vision for the future, Trump pledged a “golden age” for America, declaring, “America’s future will be bigger, better, bolder, richer, safer, and stronger than it has ever been before.”

In a nod to Elon Musk, Trump praised the tech mogul as a “new star” and stressed the importance of protecting “super geniuses” like Musk for the country’s future innovation.

As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, 2025, he promised, “I will not rest until we have delivered a strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders have extended their congratulations to the US President-elect.

Tinubu said he looked forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the US amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

 

His congratulatory message was conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates President-elect Trump.’

Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.

He also congratulated the US electorate on their commitment to democracy.

“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” Onanuga noted.

Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump would bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed Trump’s win, calling it “history’s greatest comeback” and expressing optimism about a new chapter in the US-Israel alliance.

Netanyahu described Trump’s return as a chance for a renewed commitment to their close strategic partnership, especially on regional security matters.

China’s reaction was cautiously optimistic, calling for “peaceful coexistence” in future US-China relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed hope for mutual respect and collaboration, indicating China’s interest in maintaining a stable relationship while preparing for Trump’s typically assertive stance, particularly on trade and economic issues.

French President Emmanuel Macron extended a diplomatic message, affirming his readiness to work with Trump “with respect and ambition.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump, emphasising hopes for “just peace” in Ukraine and expressing appreciation for Trump’s “peace through strength” philosophy.

 

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed Trump’s win, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the alliance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent warm congratulations to Trump, referring to him as a “friend” and expressing optimism for renewed US-India collaboration.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt phoned Trump to congratulate him on his election, according to a statement from the Egyptian leader’s office.

El-Sissi has affirmed: “Egypt looks forward to completing the joint work with President Trump during his new term … in a way that benefits the Egyptian and American peoples and achieves stability, peace and development in the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, Harris will deliver her concession speech at Howard University, her alma mater, in her first public address since election results indicated a victory for Trump.

Her speech will formally acknowledge the election outcome and her defeat in the closely watched race.

The Republican Party has regained control of the US Senate, marking their first majority in the chamber in four years, according to the Associated Press.

This shift gives the Republican Party a foothold in Washington, positioning them to influence key decisions, including the confirmation of the next president’s cabinet and any Supreme Court nominees should a vacancy arise.

 

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NNPP’s Ajadi congratulates President Trump

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NNPP’s Ajadi congratulates President Trump

NNPP’s Ajadi congratulates President Trump

 

 

Ogun State’s 2023 New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate and South West chieftain, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, extended warm congratulations to newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing confidence that his leadership will bring lasting stability to the world.

 

NNPP’s Ajadi congratulates President Trump

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a staunch advocate for good governance, had previously predicted the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. elections. Known for his sharp political insights, Ambassador Ajadi has consistently voiced opinions on global and national political trends, often foreseeing outcomes with remarkable accuracy. His earlier prediction on Trump’s success highlights his keen understanding of political dynamics and his commitment to staying informed on international affairs.

Americans turned out in record numbers to vote in a closely watched presidential race between Donald Trump and his challenger, Kamala Harris. The election, marked by intense campaigning, captivated global attention, with critical issues like economic recovery, healthcare, and foreign policy taking center stage. Trump, representing the Republican Party, campaigned on a platform of economic revival and strong conservative values, while Harris, of the Democratic Party, promised progressive reform focused on social justice and environmental concerns.

Both candidates offered opposing visions for America’s future, creating a polarized atmosphere across the nation. Observers noted this election could redefine the United States’ role on the world stage, as well as its approach to pressing domestic issues. As votes were counted, Trump emerged victorious, securing another term in the White House and prompting reactions worldwide, from celebration to contemplation of its implications for America’s alliances and domestic policies.

Speaking to journalists early Wednesday morning at his office in Ibafo, Ogun State, Ajadi hailed Trump’s victory as a “divine intervention,” stating that it brings blessings beyond American borders. “President Trump’s win is a powerful message of hope, not just for Americans but for people all around the world,” Ajadi declared. He highlighted Trump’s role as a stabilizing force amid current global tensions, especially among nations where conflicts have sparked fears of a potential world war.

Ajadi expressed his optimism, predicting that Trump’s leadership could help avert the “looming world war” by promoting diplomacy and de-escalating tensions among powerful countries. “We believe Trump has the resolve and influence to bring major players to the negotiating table and promote peaceful resolutions to conflicts,” Ajadi remarked. “His re-election represents an opportunity for constructive dialogue that will ease global anxieties and strengthen efforts for international peace.”

He went on to describe Trump’s diplomatic approach as potentially beneficial for emerging markets and African nations. “This victory symbolizes a global movement toward fairness and mutual respect in international relations,” Ajadi said, expressing hope that Trump’s presidency would foster partnerships with nations like Nigeria, advancing development through collaboration on trade, technology, and security.

Ajadi also emphasized Trump’s commitment to national sovereignty and self-reliance, viewing these principles as valuable lessons for African countries. “Trump encourages nations to stand strong and use their resources wisely,” he said, “and this message can inspire African leaders to pursue sustainable, self-reliant growth.”

The NNPP leader went further with a hopeful vision for the future, adding, “President Trump’s victory is not merely for America; it’s a victory for all who cherish peace, stability, and cooperation across borders. Under his leadership, we anticipate a renewed era of global stability, where nations can work together toward progress and mutual understanding.”

Ajadi reiterated his confidence in Trump’s capacity to unify nations, especially in times of division. “This is a time for healing, and we trust that Trump will rise to the challenge,” he added.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Confirms Death Of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja

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How Pro. Kingsley Aitafo Accurately Predicted Lagbaja Death, Trump’s Victory

 

BREAKING: Tinubu Confirms Death Of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja

 

Sadly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff.

Lagbaja died at the age of 56.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

 

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement added.

 

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