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Lagos Lawmakers Call For Financial Autonomy For Local Government Legislative Arm

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Members of the Lagos State Assembly have called for financial autonomy for the legislative arms of the Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) throughout the state.

The call was made at Plenary session on Tuesday, September 16, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa.

The motion, titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” was introduced by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.

Hon. Babatunde underscored that the legislative arm at the local level plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic framework, bearing constitutional responsibilities for law-making, oversight, and constituency representation.

Contributing to the discussion, Hon. Obafemi Saheed highlighted that the 1999 Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers, asserting that granting autonomy at the local level would enhance representation, oversight, and independence, aligning it with practices at the state and federal levels. He argued that such measures would foster good governance at the grassroots.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, who supported the motion, stressed that councilors perform functions comparable to those of state legislators. He expressed concern that many council leaders often face undue influence from local government chairpersons due to their financial reliance. He proposed that training for local government legislative leaders should involve cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Further insights were shared by Hon. Bonu Solomon, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial autonomy to local governments through direct allocations from the federation account, which has reportedly improved their operational efficiency. He insisted that similar financial independence should also be granted to local legislative bodies.

Hon. Aro Moshood added that empowering local government legislatures is essential for effective governance, suggesting that lawmakers should actively observe local legislative sessions to understand the issues faced by councilors without autonomy.

The lawmakers decided to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to formulate a strategy for the independent financing of Legislative Councils within Lagos State.

Speaker Obasa echoed the importance of financial independence for councilors to effectively perform their oversight roles. He noted the increased allocations to local governments and emphasized the need to empower grassroots legislatures to maintain proper checks and balances for the benefit of the citizens.

The House resolved to instruct the Commissioner of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to prioritize ongoing training and capacity-building programs for councilors in financial management, budgeting, and legislative practices. They also urged the Ministry to pursue the enactment of a self-accounting law that would secure financial autonomy for the legislative arms in all local governments and LCDAs.

BIG STORY

Protest Rocks Lagos Over Alleged Killing Of Marwa Driver By NURTW Boss

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A 55-year-old transport union leader on Lagos Island, Shamsideen Oladiti, widely known as Shamelon, has been taken into custody over accusations of assault and murder.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed his arrest in a statement on Friday, noting that Oladiti is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Information made available indicates that on September 17, 2025, around 3 p.m., the suspect attacked a dispatch rider in Lagos Island, allegedly using his fists and a helmet to inflict serious injuries.

The rider was rushed to a hospital and is said to be receiving treatment on oxygen support.

It was gathered that Oladiti had earlier been accused in another case linked to an altercation on August 28, 2025.

In that encounter, he allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike a man on the head and face, causing severe wounds.

Despite medical attention, the man passed away on September 17, 2025, and his body has since been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

News of the victim’s death sparked protests at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, where mourners of the deceased set two motorcycles ablaze, escalating tensions in the area.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, led a team of mobile policemen, tactical squads, and regular officers to the scene to restore calm.

He assured residents that the suspect remains in custody and would face charges once investigations are finalized.

The commissioner also appealed for calm, urging Lagos residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while stressing the police command’s commitment to delivering justice.

Meanwhile, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, clarified that the dispatch rider attacked on Wednesday is still alive, contrary to earlier reports of his death.

She said: “We have confirmed from the family that he is still alive. He is not dead, although he is currently breathing with the aid of oxygen.

“The one who died passed on September 17th. He was also beaten by Oladiti on August 28th but died on Wednesday, September 17th.”

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Fubara To Address Rivers People At 6pm

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The reinstated governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resumed duty at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday and announced plans to address residents of the state by 6 p.m.

His return comes after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

Earlier on Friday, Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, accompanied by his wife, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, and other officials.

He was warmly received by former commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political leaders who gathered to welcome him.

Upon his arrival at the Government House, the governor expressed gratitude to Rivers people for their overwhelming show of support.

He said: “I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed.

“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport.

“I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me.

“It shows love, confidence and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a show of the reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.

“I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more.”

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BREAKING: Fubara Arrives Port Harcourt Airport

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, touching down at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, just two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on the state and directed his reinstatement.

The governor’s aircraft landed at exactly 11:50 a.m.

He was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and political allies, including former Information and Communications Commissioner, Barr. Emma Okah; ex-Health Commissioner, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; ex-Environment Commissioner, Sydney Gbara; and Victor Oko-Jumbo, former factional Speaker of the state assembly.

Others at the airport included former Youth Commissioner, Chisom Gbali; ex-Physical Planning Commissioner, Evans Bipi; former NUPENG President, Igwe Achese; ex-Education Commissioner, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as past chairmen of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor councils, Ezebunwo Ichemati and others.

 

More to come…

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