The Committee on Local Government Autonomy, set up by the Federal Government, has concluded its meetings and signed the technical document, which is expected to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu soon.

The National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Hakeem Ambali, made this known in an interview (with The PUNCH) on Tuesday.

In May, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit to challenge the governors’ authority to receive and withhold federal allocations meant for Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The suit sought to prevent state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government councils and establishing caretaker committees.

The AGF argued that the constitution mandated a democratically elected local government system and did not allow alternative governance structures.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 LGs in the country, noting that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.

The seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to manage and withhold LG funds.

The apex court also directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay LG allocations directly to their accounts, as it declared the non-remittance of funds by the 36 states unconstitutional.

Also, on August 20, the Federal Government instituted a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

The committee members include the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.

Others are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya; the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu; and representatives of state governors and the local governments.

The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.

Speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, Ambali said, “The committee has held its final meeting and we have signed the technical document which will be transmitted to Mr President so by November end. It is expected that states will receive their allocations from FAAC. Also, I can tell you that the President is eager to receive that document. The committee worked within the time frame that was provided.”

Meanwhile, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed fears about the capacity of LGs to pay the N70,000 new minimum wage to primary school teachers.

The NUT’s apprehension is based on the failure of the councils to implement the former N30,000 minimum wage.

Findings by our correspondent show that some LG workers in Nasarawa, Enugu, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, and Kogi states, among others, have remained on the N18,000 minimum wage, which was approved in 2011.

However, the inability of the councils to implement the minimum wage has been blamed on the failure of the government to fully implement LG autonomy.

Data obtained from the NUT revealed that teachers in LG primary schools were not paid the former minimum wage.

In Enugu State, for instance, LG workers were exempted from benefiting from the minimum wage, even though state workers enjoyed the salary.

Also, Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kogi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Imo, and Gombe States did not implement the old minimum wage for teachers at both state and local levels.

Confirming this, the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Dr. Mike Ene, said, “I can tell you that some states didn’t even implement the N18,000 minimum wage for teachers at the local level. Some governors refused to pay, stating that the teachers are under the employment of the local governments.

“There should be no form of segregation when it comes to the implementation of the minimum wage. We all go to the same market. There is no specific market for local government workers. However, we commend all the governors who have come out to say that the minimum wage will be implemented across the board.

“Also, the NLC has vowed to shake the country by December should state governments fail to implement the minimum wage, so I can tell you that the move by the NLC will force things into play.”

But NULGE president Ambali assured that the minimum wage would be implemented across the board when the LG autonomy commences.

“Over the years, governors have had one excuse, and that is the fact that they always claimed that LGs are autonomous so they can’t negotiate minimum wage on behalf of LG workers. But the truth is that LGs were never autonomous during those periods.

“However, during the negotiation of the new minimum wage, the President brought in representatives of ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) to also negotiate, and with the LG autonomy coming into play, that will be settled. The NLC has also given an ultimatum of December for all states as regards the payment of the minimum wage,” he added.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in on Tuesday in Benin City.

Following his victory in the state governorship election on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially succeeded former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Amid a large crowd and tight security, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office at 1:00 pm, administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

Earlier, Idahosa, joined by his wife, took the oath as the state’s deputy governor.

The governor then proceeded to inspect the guard of honour and watch a parade by officers of the Nigeria Police.

Supporters in the stadium cheered throughout the ceremony, marking the beginning of the new administration in the state.

Speaking after his swearing-in, Okpebholo unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of the state.

In his inaugural speech, he pledged to prioritise security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.

The governor declared war on criminals, saying the era of incessant kidnapping and other violent crimes was over.

“Our citizens are a top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.

“We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” Okpebholo said.

Bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state.

“For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land, so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.

“The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.

“Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all.

“We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.

“We are also ready to partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors,” he said.

The governor promised that the new administration would support small businesses and market women with soft loans.

“Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them in acquiring relevant skills for self-empowerment.

“My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms.

“Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education,” Okpebholo added.

He added, “Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.

“Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

“It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, which were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” he said.

He promised to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state.

The governor also announced a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure to inaugurate 14 members-elect of the House of Assembly in 2019.

• Okpebholo Names New Appointees

The governor appointed Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, son of the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health-designate.

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, the governor also appointed Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to State Government and a former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice-designate.

Cyril’s academic journey began at St. Anne’s Primary School, followed by Command Secondary School.

He later pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery.

He enrolled at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, where he obtained a Master of Science in Public Health, majoring in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management.

His academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, Boston, where he underwent postgraduate training in Clinical Research and at Queen Mary University, London, where he studied Gastroenterology.

Ikhilor was born on the 6th of August 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.

He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LL.B in 2008 (Second class Upper Division). In 2009, he obtained a B.L. (Second Class Upper Division) at the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In 2017, Ikhilor proceeded to acquire his Masters degree in Telecommunications Law (LL.M) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He has over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedures and processes, constitutional drafting and amendment, and general legislative governance issues working in various capacities at the National Assembly.

In 2019, he was appointed a Consultant to the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he had been closely analysing and reviewing matters on gender equity, human rights, strengthening institutions of government and creating efficient and transparent processes and systems to deliver good governance.

Also in 2019, he was appointed as Senior Special Assistant and later Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who also doubled as the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

In May 2022, he was assigned to act as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives when the substantive Chief of Staff resigned to contest in the 2023 parliamentary elections.

In June 2022, Ikhilor was appointed by the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a Notary Public.

He is active in business, corporate legal practice and social works where he serves as the Managing Partner of Springfield Legal Consult and as the Executive Director and Board of Trustees member of Amana Legacy Foundation.

“In addition to these roles, he also provides consultancy services to several private and public sector entities. He is married and union blessed with children,” the statement read.

Itua said Osagie, the nominee for Attorney-General, is a private legal practitioner, having been called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22, 1995.

Born on November 11, 1967, Osagie hails from the Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was a two-term member of the Edo State House of Assembly and also the House of Representatives where he rose to the position of the Minority Whip.

He has been involved in intensive legal practice across Nigeria and the African continent.

He holds a first degree in Law from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a qualifying Certificate for Law practice from the Nigerian Law School, and triple Master’s degrees in Law, Public Administration and International Relations.

He also bagged a Doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies.

He has been a legal adviser, solicitor, and consultant to many corporate organisations and development partners.

• President Tinubu Congratulates Governor Okpebholo

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday extended his heartfelt congratulations to Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Edo State governor.

Tinubu conveyed his felicitations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The statement is titled “President Tinubu congratulates Senator Okpebholo on Edo governorship inauguration.”

In his message, the President urged Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Reflecting on the transition, the President noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State was rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.

“He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

“The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance,” the statement read.

Expressing concerns, Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

Additionally, Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo State governorship election and encouraged the commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

As Okpebholo and Idahosa were sworn in, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the nation’s most challenging economic period was now behind them.

In his address, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated what he termed “democracy in its truest form,” stressing the significance of the popular will in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

• VP Shettima Leads Delegation

Vice President Shettima led the Federal Government delegation to grace the inauguration.

Shettima was joined by governors across the country, who were elected on the platform of the APC.

The governors included AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Bassey Otu of Cross River, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, among others.

The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, were also part of the ceremony, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Other dignitaries included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, among many others.

• Parliament Calls For Youth Inclusion

The Edo State Youth Parliament has urged Okpebholo to include youths in his government.

They promised to support the new administration in building a prosperous and inclusive future for the people of the state.

The Chairman of the State Youth Parliament, Fawaz Muhammad, at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, congratulated the governor and his deputy, expressing confidence that this would be the beginning of a new era of impactful leadership in the state.

He also expressed the parliament’s readiness to support the new administration in achieving its set objectives for the people of the state.

He said, “The Edo State Youth Parliament is calling on the new governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to include youths in his government, as they are ready to support the new administration in building a prosperous and inclusive future for the people of the state.

“We congratulate the governor and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa. We are confident that this will be the beginning of a new era of impactful leadership in the state.

“We believe that under your leadership, Edo State will experience significant advancements in youth development, education, economic empowerment, and community welfare.

“We are confident that this administration will bring hope, opportunity, and progress to every young person in Edo State.

“In this spirit, we humbly encourage your administration to prioritise youth inclusivity within the cabinet and in policies that impact our state.

“By engaging the perspectives and energy of Edo youths, this administration has the unique opportunity of fostering a more innovative, united, and dynamic state.”

• Obaseki In Lagos — Aide

An aide to Obaseki has denied claims in some media outlets that the former governor has fled the country.

The aide, who craved anonymity, told The PUNCH that Obaseki was in Lagos on Sunday, where he was hosted by friends and business associates.

He also stated that the governor, in a broadcast on Monday night, spoke to the Edo people, thanking them for the support they gave him while he was in the saddle.

He noted that the former governor was passionate about Edo and he would always be a regular feature in the state.

He said, “There is no truth that the former governor has fled the country. There is no need for him to do that. His friends hosted him in Lagos on Sunday and he spoke to the Edo people in a broadcast on Monday.

“It is mischievous to say that Obaseki has run away from the country. He will remain in Nigeria and still support the Edo people.”

Credit: The PUNCH

Monday Okpebholo, a serving senator, has been sworn in as the governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo took his oath of office at about 1pm on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony in Benin, the state capital.

As the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo won the September 21 off-cycle governorship election in the state.

He polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second with 247,274 votes.

Olumide Akpata, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), came third with 22,763 votes.

Dennis Idahosa was also sworn in as the deputy governor of Edo.

Dignitaries, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, chair of the governors’ forum; Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo; and other governors from the party, were present as Okpebholo took the oath of office.

The new governor later rode in an open-top van around the stadium, acknowledging cheers from supporters.