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Governors’ Power Crushed: Supreme Court Awards Financial Independence To Local Councils

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Governors’ Power Crushed: Supreme Court Awards Financial Independence To Local CouncilsThe Supreme Court’s ruling on July 11, granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, has been met with widespread acclaim and some apprehension among Nigerians. The ruling mandates that financial allocations from the federation account be directly transferred to local governments, curbing state governments’ ability to interfere.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This decision follows a lawsuit filed by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), against the 36 state governors. The suit sought to end the practice of diverting funds meant for local governments and to prevent governors from appointing caretaker committee chairmen in place of elected officials.

The Supreme Court’s seven-man panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, emphasized that local governments should independently manage their finances. This judgment aims to enhance grassroots governance and reduce state-level interference.

Prominent figures like Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome praised the ruling as timely and bold. He highlighted the misuse of local government funds by state governors, likening their actions to “banditry.” Ozekhome expressed hope that the judgment would empower local governments to develop their areas without undue interference.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also lauded the judgment, calling it a triumph for democracy. NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for proper implementation to ensure local governments benefit from this newfound autonomy.

However, concerns remain that governors may still attempt to influence local government finances through indirect means. Some advocate for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take over local government elections to prevent governors from installing loyalists as council leaders.

Public affairs analyst Anthony Ugwuoke and Nigerian Bar Association President Yakubu Maikyau echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for further legislative reforms to ensure uniformity and fairness in local government elections and tenures.

To safeguard local government funds, there are calls for the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to closely monitor allocations and prevent any potential diversions by governors.

Overall, while the Supreme Court’s judgment has been hailed as a significant step toward decentralizing power and enhancing local governance, the focus now shifts to ensuring effective implementation and addressing lingering concerns about state-level influence.

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“Kano Will Fall!” – NDC Candidate Declares Total War On APC Ahead Of 2027.

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Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, has declared his firm belief that his party will defeat the incumbent administration in the 2027 elections. During a recent event to affirm his candidacy, the former deputy governor emphasized the unity between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, asserting their shared determination to lead Kano State in a new direction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gwarzo reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating, “We are the followers of Kwankwaso. We are here, and we continue to pray day and night. By the will of Allah, this government will be defeated in a single stroke.” He pointed to the palpable enthusiasm within the movement as clear evidence that democratic change is well within reach.

Looking toward the upcoming election, Gwarzo outlined a strategy centered on robust grassroots mobilization and consistent engagement with the electorate. He also encouraged his supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the law as the political climate heats up. Finally, he called on the people of Kano to critically evaluate the performance of their political leaders to ensure they are prepared to make informed choices at the ballot box.

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“Relief At Last!” – Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price To ₦1,250 Per Litre.

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), lowering it from ₦1,275 to ₦1,250 per litre, marking a two per cent reduction. This price shift is attributed to a decline in international crude oil prices, which serve as the refinery’s primary feedstock.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    An official from the refinery noted that such adjustments are expected in a deregulated market and emphasized that the company will continue to calibrate prices based on evolving market conditions. Despite this move, current retail prices at many filling stations across Nigeria remain above ₦1,350 per litre, with costs varying by location and marketer.Beyond pricing, the refinery has been credited as a key driver of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook. S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the country’s long-term foreign- and local-currency sovereign credit ratings from “B-” to “B,” citing factors such as stronger economic growth, increased oil production, and improved external balances. S&P specifically highlighted the operational ramp-up of the Dangote refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day facility as a significant contributor to the nation’s enhanced balance-of-payments position and overall economic resilience.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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Political Grudge Match: Ganduje Mocks Kwankwaso, Declares Him His Former “Political Boy”!.

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A political war of words has erupted between former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The friction began when Kwankwaso, speaking at his Kano residence, insisted that prominent politicians—including Ganduje—owe their political rise to his mentorship and cannot deny their past loyalty to him. Ganduje, currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, responded through his chief of staff, Muhammad Garba, by asserting that Kwankwaso was actually his own protégé. Ganduje highlighted his role in Kwankwaso’s early career, including his support during Kwankwaso’s rise to the House of Representatives and his decision to step down as a gubernatorial candidate in 1998 to serve as Kwankwaso’s deputy. Ultimately, Ganduje advocated for moving away from “godfather” labels to focus on effective leadership and peace in Kano.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Option 2: Concise Summary

Following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s claims that top Kano politicians were once his “political boys,” Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has fired back, asserting he was actually the mentor in their relationship. While Kwankwaso insisted that his former allies owe their success to his political structure, Ganduje countered by citing his own past support for Kwankwaso’s career, including his sacrifice during the 1998 Kano governorship race. Furthermore, Ganduje requested respect for the office of current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and urged Kano’s political class to prioritize unity over divisive rhetoric regarding past hierarchies.

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