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Fashola Breaks Silence: Nigerian Constitution Kills True Local Government Independence

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Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has declared that genuine local government autonomy is unachievable under Nigeria’s current constitutional framework, describing expectations to the contrary as unrealistic.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fashola made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunrise on Saturday, against the backdrop of renewed agitation for local governments to operate independently.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor of Lagos State, Fashola argued that the present structure—particularly the control exercised by state governments—undermines any notion of true autonomy for the third tier of government.

“The real question we should be asking is whether we actually want autonomous local governments. As things stand today, it is simply unrealistic to expect autonomy for councils created by the Constitution,” he said.

He explained that the Constitution empowers state houses of assembly to legislate over local governments, which in itself constitutes external interference and contradicts the idea of independence.

“Autonomy means freedom from external control, yet a state assembly makes laws regulating how a local government functions. That alone defeats the concept,” Fashola stated.

The former minister further highlighted that land—an essential asset for local development—is vested in state governments, leaving local councils dependent on state-level decisions to pursue infrastructure projects.

“If we truly want local governments to be autonomous, we must first free up critical assets like land that are currently controlled by the states,” he noted.

Why Joint Accounts Exist

Fashola also traced the root of the current arrangement to historical challenges. Before 1999, councils received allocations directly from the Federation Account through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). But after the return to democracy, many councils struggled to meet obligations such as paying teachers and primary healthcare workers, prompting the creation of the joint local government account to enforce some oversight.

“Whether those overseeing the funds have now become as culpable as those they were meant to supervise is another matter entirely,” he added.

Supreme Court Ruling and the Road Ahead

On the 2024 Supreme Court judgment that barred governors from dissolving elected councils and granted them financial autonomy, Fashola acknowledged that the decision has sparked mixed reactions among legal experts and may still face constitutional challenges.

Nevertheless, he welcomed recent moves to hold local council elections, describing them as a crucial step toward strengthening local governance and building a more accountable system in the future.

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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