News
“Local Government Autonomy Will Create More Billionaires Across Nigeria” – Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has thrown his weight behind the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, describing it as a crucial step toward grassroots development and accountability.
Speaking at a forum on local government autonomy organized by the House of Representatives, Oshiomhole stressed that local governments must have the freedom to manage their finances to improve governance and better serve their communities.
The Supreme Court’s decision on July 11, 2024, to uphold the financial independence of local governments has been widely praised as a landmark ruling.
The judgment reinforces the constitutional rights of local governments to control their resources without undue interference from state governments.
For years, local governments in Nigeria have struggled under the financial domination of state authorities, limiting their capacity to fulfill their mandates effectively.
At the forum, Oshiomhole highlighted the significance of character and accountability in leadership.
He urged local government chairmen to prioritize essential services such as roads, healthcare, and other public infrastructure.
According to him, these investments are vital for fostering development at the grassroots level and ensuring that citizens see the tangible benefits of governance.
In his characteristic style, Oshiomhole blended humor with serious commentary, stating, “It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief.”
He elaborated that financial autonomy would enable local governments to generate and manage their own funds, ensuring broader economic benefits across various communities.
“With this autonomy, every local government in Nigeria has the potential to produce one or two billionaires, rather than having just one billionaire dominating the entire state,” he quipped.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
Victor Osimhen Speaks on His Childhood and Family Struggles
Dolapo Lawal Says Many Nigerians Abroad Are Surviving, Not Thriving
