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Ondo Government Urges Supreme Court To Dismiss AGF’s Suit On Local Government Autonomy

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Ondo Government Urges Supreme Court To Dismiss AGF’s Suit On Local Government Autonomy

The Ondo State Government has officially challenged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in a Supreme Court case advocating for the autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. Ondo is urging the court to dismiss the AGF’s suit entirely.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Joining other state governments in opposing the federal suit, Ondo claims the federal government lacks the legal standing (locus standi) to bring such a case on behalf of local governments.

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, branding the federal government as a meddlesome interloper with no business interfering in local government matters.

Ajulo outlined 27 objections against the federal government’s suit. He argued that the AGF cannot unilaterally rewrite the Nigerian Constitution by asking the Supreme Court to assume jurisdiction over a case that violates section 232 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 1 of the Supreme Court Act 3, 2002, and Order 3, Rule 6 of the Supreme Court.

The objection stressed that Section 232 of the Constitution allows the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction only in disputes directly involving the federation and states, which pertain to legal rights.

Ondo contends that the funds at issue belong to local governments, which are constitutionally distinct from the federal government. According to Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution, funds in the federation account are to be distributed among federal, state, and local governments as prescribed by the National Assembly, not at the discretion of the federal government.

Ajulo also cited Section 162(8) of the Constitution, which mandates that local government funds be distributed according to state legislative provisions, not federal guidelines. Furthermore, Section 7(1) of the Constitution requires that state governments ensure the existence of democratically elected local councils and provide laws governing their structure, finance, and function.

He emphasized that the Ondo State House of Assembly has already enacted relevant legislation: the Local Government Administration, Conduct of Local Government Election, and Allied Matters law (Cap 87, Volume 2, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006). Thus, the federal government has no authority over local government fund allocation or distribution within Ondo State.

Ondo accuses the federal government of overstepping its bounds, interfering in local affairs without any affected legal interest. The state claims that the necessary parties for invoking the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction are not present.

Calling the federal government’s suit an affront to the principles of rule of law, democracy, separation of powers, and true federalism as enshrined in the Constitution, Ondo describes it as a gross abuse of Supreme Court process. The state is seeking an order to strike out the suit for being incompetent.

The Attorney General of the Federation initially brought the suit against the 36 state governments, accusing them of mismanaging local governments and seeking full autonomy and direct funding for local councils. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on June 13.

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Defection Rumors Crushed: NDC Breaks Silence On Kwankwaso’s Alleged Exit.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially refuted claims that vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso is considering a departure from the party. Speaking on Arise News this past Saturday, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director dismissed allegations of a rift over Kano State candidate selections as “conjectures and media speculations” orchestrated by political opponents to destabilize the party. Director emphasized that Kwankwaso never threatened to defect, attributing the rumors to external interests attempting to manufacture a crisis. While the speculation followed the replacement of several nominees from the Kwankwasiyya movement, NDC Kano State Chairman Hussaini Mairiga clarified that these adjustments were made to maintain a pre-existing 60/40 power-sharing agreement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the established party structure. NDC leadership maintains that nomination-related friction is a normal part of coalition building and stated that internal dialogues are ongoing to resolve these matters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NDC is pushing back against reports that Rabiu Kwankwaso threatened to exit the party due to disputes over Kano State candidate nominations. National Publicity Secretary Osa Director labeled the claims as baseless media speculation, stating, “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party.” The rumors emerged following the replacement of several nominees linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement. Party officials explained that these changes were standard adjustments to honor a 60/40 power-sharing deal between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the wider NDC structure. Dismissing the narrative of internal turmoil as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle, the NDC insisted that consultations to address candidate concerns are already underway.

Option 3: Concise News-Style

  • Headline: NDC Denies Kwankwaso Exit Rumors

  • Body: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has slammed reports of a potential exit by vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso. Party spokesperson Osa Director clarified on Arise News that the former Kano State governor remains fully committed to the party, dismissing rumors of a rift over candidate lists as an orchestrated smear campaign by opponents. The controversy stemmed from adjustments made to Kano State nominations to uphold a specific 60/40 power-sharing ratio between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the party’s established wing. Officials stated that such internal disagreements are common in a growing coalition and affirmed that efforts to resolve the nomination issues through dialogue are ongoing.

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Amorim To Milan? The Tactical Genius Confirms Readiness For Serie A Challenge.

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AC Milan is nearing a deal to appoint Rúben Amorim as their next head coach, as the 41-year-old manager is reportedly prepared to accept all terms negotiated with the club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the former Sporting CP and Manchester United coach is aligned with Milan’s long-term sporting goals and is awaiting final approval from the club’s leadership to officially begin his tenure at the San Siro. While the club has evaluated multiple candidates in recent weeks, discussions with Amorim have reached the final stages, with a decision expected in the coming days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has signaled his readiness to lead AC Milan, with reports indicating he is prepared to agree to all conditions discussed during recent negotiations. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Amorim is eager for the role and is currently waiting for a final “green light” from Milan’s hierarchy to move forward. After weeks of assessing various candidates to lead the club into a new era, Milan’s leadership is expected to finalize their decision shortly, with Amorim currently the frontrunner for the position.

Option 3: Punchy/News-Style

  • Headline: Rúben Amorim Nears AC Milan Appointment

  • Body: AC Milan is on the verge of securing Rúben Amorim as their new head coach. The Portuguese manager has reportedly accepted the club’s conditions and is now waiting for official approval to finalize the move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that Amorim is enthusiastic about the opportunity at the San Siro and is fully committed to the club’s future vision. With the selection process nearing its end, Milan’s hierarchy is set to make a definitive announcement in the near future.

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Legal Showdown: Former Imo Governor Launches Explosive Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo.

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Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has initiated a lawsuit against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo following allegations of extortion. Okonkwo had accused Udenwa, alongside other South-East leaders like Peter Obi and Onyema Ugochukwu, of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). In response, Udenwa’s legal counsel has demanded a retraction, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages. Separately, Peter Obi’s legal team has also threatened a lawsuit against Okonkwo for similar defamatory claims involving allegations of financial irregularities and ₦10 million bribery charges related to party ticket distribution. Obi has categorically dismissed these accusations, asserting that he operates strictly within legal guidelines and has maintained a clean record throughout his career in public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kenneth Okonkwo is facing significant legal pressure after accusing prominent South-East political figures, including former Governor Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, of extorting aspirants for party tickets. Udenwa has formally filed a lawsuit against Okonkwo, demanding a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages for the allegations made during a television interview. Peter Obi has similarly rejected Okonkwo’s claims of financial misconduct, with his legal team demanding a retraction and damages of ₦5 billion under the threat of litigation. Obi defended his political integrity, stating that he refuses to participate in the corrupt practices he has spent his career opposing, noting that he would have acted differently if he were interested in illicit gain while in office.

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  • Headline: Legal Storm: Kenneth Okonkwo Hit with Lawsuits by Udenwa and Obi

  • Body: Kenneth Okonkwo is under fire after alleging that South-East political leaders, specifically Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, extorted political aspirants for tickets. Achike Udenwa has responded with a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit, demanding a full retraction and public apology. Peter Obi’s team has followed suit, issuing a similar demand for ₦5 billion in damages and a retraction, while Obi himself has publicly denounced the “rascal” allegations as baseless. Obi emphasized that his commitment to ethical governance remains steadfast, challenging the premise of the accusations by highlighting his clean departure from public office.

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