BIG STORY

“Poverty’s Persistence”: Reps To Probe Utilisation Of N6.57trn FAAC Allocation To States In 2023

Published

10 months ago

February 14, 2024

The house of representatives has decided to look into how states and local government units (LGAs) used money from the federal account allocation committee (FAAC) in 2023.

During Tuesday’s plenary session, the lower legislative chamber approved the resolution after a proposal put up by Ademorin Kuye, a lawmaker from Lagos’ Somolu federal constituency.

FAAC gave N6.57 trillion to 774 LGAs and the 36 federal states in 2023.

The FAAC monthly allocation helps to drive development and aid governments at various levels in fulfilling their duties.

The current FAAC revenue-sharing formula allocates 52.68 percent to the federal government, 26.72 percent to states, and 20.60 percent to local governments.

While leading the debate, Kuye said FAAC allocation has increased significantly due to the withdrawal of petrol subsidies, the floating of the naira and other economic policies of the federal government.

He said the N6.57 trillion received by states in 2023 increased from N3.16 trillion they received in 2022.

The legislator said despite the “availability of more cash to the states, 14.2 million more citizens continue to grapple with poverty”.

“Most of these states with increased allocation face significant challenges in payment of salaries, effective management of public institution, provision of public transportation and access to potable water as the unemployment rate has increased to over 51 percent in some of them,” the lawmaker said.

He said state governors have “brazenly refused to complement the federal government poverty amelioration efforts and are not driving the necessary economic transformation that will reduce citizen suffering in their respective states with the increased allocation at their disposal”.

The motion, which was not debated, was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote.

The house subsequently asked the committees on special duties, national planning and economic development and inter-governmental affairs to “look into state spending and utilisation of the increased allocation from FAAC” by states and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

It is unclear how federal lawmakers intend to investigate states over the spending of their FAAC allocation.

The 1999 constitution does grant the national assembly the express power to exercise oversight functions on states, including how they spend their funds.

States have the autonomy to determine how their finances are spent, with state legislatures responsible for scrutinising such expenditures.

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BIG STORY

Tinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

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BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

12 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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