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Supreme Court to Rule on FG’s Suit for Local Government Autonomy Against State Governors

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment on a critical case filed by the Federal Government seeking to enforce autonomy for local governments.

This lawsuit, initiated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, challenges the practices of state governors who have allegedly undermined the constitutional mandate for democratically elected local government councils.

The AGF’s suit, filed under SC/CV/343/2024, asserts that the 1999 Constitution clearly establishes local governments as a third tier of government that must operate democratically.

The suit accuses state governors of subverting this mandate by dissolving elected councils and appointing caretaker committees, thereby violating the constitutional framework.

The Federal Government’s case includes 27 grounds, arguing that the state governors’ actions constitute a deliberate abuse of power and a subversion of democratic principles.

The AGF seeks the court’s intervention to prohibit state governors from unilaterally dissolving local councils and to mandate that funds allocated to local governments be disbursed directly from the Federation Account.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that the attorneys general of eight states—Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto—were absent despite being served hearing notices.

The court has ordered that these states be served fresh notices and has set the hearing date for May 30, 2024.

The outcome of this case could significantly impact the governance structure in Nigeria, reinforcing the autonomy of local governments and ensuring that funds meant for local development are used appropriately.

The Federal Government argues that adherence to constitutional provisions is essential to uphold democratic governance at all levels.


 

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Atiku Abubakar Visits Former President Buhari in Daura

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On Saturday, June 22, former presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, paid a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

Atiku arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina around 11:25 am on a private jet before heading straight to Daura to meet with the former President.

Accompanying him were former Sokoto State governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former National Secretary of the PDP Ibrahim Tsauri, as well as party stakeholders and supporters.

After the visit, Atiku spoke with journalists, explaining that his visit was to congratulate the former President and the Emir of Daura on the successful celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festivity.

However, some, including Doyin Okupe, believe the visit is politically motivated with an eye on the 2027 election. Atiku has previously stated in an interview that he will continue to run for the presidency as long as he remains healthy.


 

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Biden Announces Streamlined Residency Process for Undocumented Spouses of US Citizens

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On Tuesday, June 18, President Joe Biden will introduce new regulations to simplify the pathway for undocumented spouses of US citizens to obtain permanent residency, the White House has announced.

The updated rules will not extend eligibility for permanent residency but will simplify the existing process for those already eligible. One significant change is the elimination of the requirement for applicants to leave the United States during the application process.

These new regulations will apply to individuals who have been residing in the US for at least 10 years and are married to a US citizen by June 17, 2024. The administration estimates that this will affect approximately 500,000 people. Additionally, around 50,000 stepchildren of US citizens will also benefit from these changes.

Those who qualify under the new rules will be granted work authorization and permission to remain in the US for up to three years while their permanent residency applications are processed. Upon obtaining permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, individuals can then apply for citizenship.

A senior administration official highlighted that the new process aims to “reduce bureaucracy and alleviate the hardship caused by the need to leave the country.” However, another official stressed that comprehensive reform of immigration and asylum laws can only be achieved through Congress.

This announcement comes on the heels of President Biden’s executive order to close the border to asylum seekers after daily limits were reached, a move that faced significant backlash and legal challenges from various rights groups. Biden’s previous attempt to pass a bipartisan immigration reform package also failed when Republicans withdrew their support.

In addition, the Biden administration will simplify the process for “Dreamers”—individuals who entered the US illegally as children—to obtain work visas if they have graduated from college and secured a high-skilled job offer.


 

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Osinbajo Urges Churches to Refuse Donations from Unexplained Sources

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised churches to be cautious about accepting donations from unexplained sources.

Osinbajo emphasized that places of worship should be vigilant in ensuring that their funds come from legitimate and transparent origins.

This statement aligns with his broader call for integrity and accountability within both religious institutions and the broader Nigerian society.

By encouraging churches to refuse suspicious donations, Osinbajo hopes to combat corruption and promote ethical standards.

He stressed the importance of financial transparency and the role of religious organizations in setting moral examples for their communities.


 

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