Justice Emmanuel Agim who led a seven-member panel of the justices of the apex court, gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors.

“Henceforth, no more payment of the Local Government Area allocations to the state government accounts,” the judge held.

The federal government approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel governors of the 36 states of the federation to grant full autonomy to the local governments in their domains.

The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the  Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the federal government.

The federal government 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.”

READ ALSO: FG to establish security directorate for Niger Delta –Ribadu

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

The federal government, 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 democratically system.”

Source: NAN

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The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also said that it recognized the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country’s democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

In a press statement issued on Thursday to mark this year World Press Freedom Day and signed by its president, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists, who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.

This year, the World Press Freedom Day, is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, this day helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

‘’In line with the theme of this year celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

READ ALSO: Lagos: Police arrest over 50 suspects over Ile-Epo violence

‘’Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions,” the editors added.

More importantly, the NGE added that this year’s World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists, including censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence.

It also emphasized the urgent need by the government to take deliberate and sustained action to promote press freedom and good journalism in the country.

According to the editors, ‘’The federal government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.

‘’The federal government should take a cue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).

‘’More so, there are still many obnoxious and anti-media laws in our statutory books that are targeted at journalists and media houses. The National Assembly (NASS) must take immediate step to repeal them.’’

The NGE also urged government at all levels, international organizations and civil society organization to protect and promote press freedom; ensure safety and security for journalists/media houses; and ensure that all restrictive laws and policies targeted at the media were repealed.

The NGE added, ‘’We celebrate the courageousness and commitment of journalists across the country, who continue to risk everything to bring us the truth and reliable/credible information. We also acknowledge the growing threats to press freedom – from violence and censorship to disinformation and economic pressures.

‘’We pay tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution, and we stand in solidarity with those under threat or attack and those who continue to work under very harsh economic conditions.’’

The editors said that they would continue to advocate for press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, adding that they were crucial to good governance, democratic societies and fundamental human rights.

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MRA Director Programmes, Mr Ayode Longe, made the call in Lagos at a news conference to commemorate International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

The event was also to mark 10-year anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity.

Longe listed various infractions, violation and violence against journalists including killings which were reported by MRA and others but were never punished, thereby heightening impunity.

He said the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies who should collaborate and protect journalists had also become tools in the hands of influential people to violate and intimidate them.

Longe said killings of 19 journalists from May 1999 to date were yet to be investigated for arrests or prosecution of offenders to ensure justice.

“As the 2023 general elections draw near, we see attacks on journalists and media houses escalating and so we need to cry out early to draw attention to this forthcoming escalation of attacks and call on the Nigerian government to take proactive action so our fear will not come to pass,” he said.

He said all tiers of government should live up to their responsibility to investigate all attacks and prosecute perpetrators to restore confidence to journalists in carrying out their assignments.

READ ALSO: Don’t sacrifice your lives for politicians, Ayefele warns journalists

He urged the federal government to develop and adopt robust mechanisms to protect journalists and ensure their safety and security.

“We once again call on the federal government to establish a specialised team of prosecutors to facilitate the effective investigation and the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists and other media workers.”

He said that would enable Nigeria to fulfill its regional and international treaty obligations to ensure the safety of journalists.

“The federal government should fully implement the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 and enlighten law enforcement agencies and the general public on torture and the provisions of the Act.

“The federal government should comply with and give effect to all judgments delivered by national, regional and international courts on freedom of expression and media freedom,” he said.

Longe urged the federal government to immediately repeal all laws that fell below international norms and standards on freedom of expression and media freedom.

He also called for amendment or repeal of laws not complying with the Nigerian Constitution or international instruments by national and regional courts.

He called on Nigerians to join the campaigns for safety of journalists to hold government accountable and ensure that those who attacked them were brought to book.

Source: NAN

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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, said in a statement on Monday that it was necessary to address their demands, following the planned seven-day job boycott by the drivers.

Giwa said that the job boycott was as a result of over alleged harassment and extortion by motor parks and garages management personnel across the state.

He said that sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on the strike, starting from October 31, the state government, through the Ministry of Transportation, had invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday, October 28.

According to him, the invitation was in spite of the government’s non-affiliation to any of the transport unions, such as NURTW and RTEAN, known to the state.

READ ALSO: Lagos commercial drivers protest: CDWR gives support, mobilises

“Most of the union members at the meeting were from the Badagry axis and it was resolved that the meeting be adjourned till Wednesday.

“This is to have a larger house, which will include representatives of other recognised unions, with a view to resolving the matter amicably,” Giwa said.

He said that the outcome of the second meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday would be made known to the public.

Giwa, therefore, urged members of JDWAN to continue their daily routine without fear of molestation and intimidation as security agencies had been directed to maintain law and order.

“Those who are taking advantage of the situation to raise fares are warned to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions,” he said.

Source: NAN

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He said the devolution of power should not be seen or likened to the disintegration of the country.

Obasa said this in his speech after the passing into law the Appropriation Bill 2021 by the assembly.

His words: “Decentralisation or devolution of power from the federal level to the state and local levels will spur rapid development in Nigeria as we have never seen before.

“If we truly practise federalism, it is of utmost importance that we allow the devolution of powers which is its key element.

“The federal government should endeavour to shed weight by transferring some items in the Exclusive legislative list to the Concurrent legislative list to enable states to have a direct responsibility on state police, community police, and prisons among others.

“It is gratifying to note that the Amotekun Security outfit formed in Southwest is working assiduously to address some of the issues in their little way.”

The Speaker also said if the federal government allowed each state to manage its police, it would go a long way to curb insecurity in the country.

Obasa said that the monumental increase in the capital expenditure at both the federal level and the fact that the capital expenditure is higher than the recurrent expenditure in the Lagos State’s budget is an indication of the positive change the APC government is preaching and implementing for Nigerians.

The Speaker also used the occasion to thank Lagosians, community leaders, and the corporate world for their unflinching supports to the House of Assembly and the APC.

He wished Nigerians and Lagosians in particular a superb and prosperous new year 2021.

He prayed that their lives would be filled with lots of celebrations and happiness in the new year 2021.

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He said it was unfortunate that COVID-19 had made it impossible to enter into the new year prayerfully in joint fellowship with brothers and sisters.

The statement which the CAN president personally signed reads: “We understand the unfortunate state COVID19 infection has put everybody world over which caused some state governments to place total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the new year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters. We however urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all. One thing that is certain is that, the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) advises that, where the government places an embargo on the Crossover Night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God. In those states, services should be closed about 10:30pm or at most 11:00pm to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ Name.

“We appeal to all state governments to be relating with the leadership of CAN under their watches for understanding and support on their directives. We are partners in progress and development of the country.

“We also call on local government authorities to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in our markets and in the transport sector.

“Our condolences to the family of the late Professor Charles Adeyinka Adisa

“On behalf of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), I commiserate with the family of the late Prof Charles Yinka Adisa on his glorious Home Call. It was one death too many because nobody expected such a God’s General to depart from the scene when his contributions are still highly needed. Prof Adisa used his influence and position to speak for the Church in the country. He led the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship and other related groups to champion the cause of the Body of Christ. We cannot forget their contributions during the agitation for the restoration of Christian Religious Knowledge back to the public schools, CAN’s position on the controversial Ruga Settlements, Company Allied Matters Act (CAMA), lopsided appointments, etc. Our consolation is that, for Christians, to die is gain. He served the Kingdom to the end and he has gone to his rewards.

“Our condolences go to his immediate family, especially his wife, who stood by him to the end, the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship, the Think Tank for the Body of Christ, colleagues, friends and relatives. May his home call be a challenge to us to be sincere in our services of the Lord.”

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It will be recalled that the government had earlier relaxed the 24-hour indefinite curfew to run from 8:00 p.m. till 6:00 a.m. daily, following observation of citizens’ compliance and cooperation with the government’s efforts to restore peace and normalcy to the state.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, citizens can now go about their businesses and other transactions beyond 8:00pm without any hindrance or restrictions with effect from Wednesday November 11.

She stated: “The government has once again observed the level of compliance to all directives aimed at restoring tranquility to our dear state, and hereby appreciates the citizens for their patience and understanding. The government also appreciates security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order in the state.

“With effect from Wednesday, November 11, residents of the state are free to go about their businesses without any hindrance or restrictions, while security agencies continue to discharge their duties to forestall breakdown of law and order.

“The government urges every citizen to be wary of actions that can upset the peace and harmony that the state is reputed for, and not hesitate to provide useful information to security agencies in case of suspicion of violence in any of our communities.

“The government is also calling on parents and guardians to continue to caution their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous elements to jeopardize the peace of the state.”

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