Politics
Atiku Claps For Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has joined those cheering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for securing the fiscal independence of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.
The feat was attained in a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) on Thursday in Abuja.
The former vice president took to his verified X handle on Thursday night to commend the decision, asserting that the ruling should engender development.
He asserted that the fiscal autonomy should extend to internally generated revenues, across Nigeria.
Atiku tweet has long been retweeted by President Tinubu’s media team.
Biztellers reports that this Constitutional interpretation followed a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), seeking the SCN to clarify what should be the status of the LGAs.
The suit was greeted by legal and media fireworks with the 36 states being summoned by the SCN to make their legal representation on the matter.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Supreme Court Grants LGAs Autonomy
After taking all the pleas on the matter, the SCN entered its considered verdict on Thursday, conferring the LGAs with autonomy.
Well-meaning Nigerians, including fierce political rivals of the President Tinubu administration like the former vice president, Atiku have surprisingly been lauding the landmark decision.
The PDP stalwart wrote, “The judgment of the Supreme Court earlier today affirming fiscal autonomy to local government councils in the country is a win for the people of Nigeria.
“The court’s ruling is a step in the right direction and a major corrective action in greasing the wheels of national development across the country.
“The decision by the Federal Government to consolidate disbursements of local councils’ revenues into the state government accounts was a decision that was borne out of politics of hasty compromise.
“I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.
“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities.
“Many of our states, especially those in the ultra urban areas with high density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many more.
“The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments. –AA”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki participated in the ongoing governorship election by casting his vote at polling unit 19, Ward 4, located at Emokpae Primary School in Benin City.
Arriving at the polling station, he was accredited and completed the voting process in under ten minutes.
Following his vote, Obaseki expressed his satisfaction with the election process and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a smooth collation of votes.
Read Also: #EdoDecides2024: Ighodalo, Wife Cast Votes
He also praised the resilience of voters who turned out to exercise their franchise despite the heavy rain.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, has voted at his voting centre, Okaigben Ward 1, Unit 3, in Idinrio Primary School, Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ighodalo arrived at the polling booth at about 10:33am, a few minutes after INEC’s officials arrived.
ALSO READ: #EdoDecides: Suspected Vote Buyers Nabbed In Egor
He, alongside his wife, Ifeyinwa, cast their ballot at Okaigben Ward 1, unit 3, Idinrio Primary School, Okaigben, Ewohimi.
The couple were accredited at about 12.03pm for voting at Okaigben Ward 1, unit 3, Idinrio Primary School, Okaigben, Ewohimi.
The PDP candidate expressed dissatisfaction over the late arrival of voting materials.
He is expected to battle against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Ekpobholo, for the votes in Edo Central Senatorial District, where both candidates hail from.
The Edo Central Senatorial District comprises of Esan South-East, Igueben and Esan North East, Esan West and Esan Central LGAs.
Speaking after casting his ballot, the governorship candidate expressed displeasure over the slow pace of the process.
“The process has been slow, but thankfully, I’ve finally voted,” he said.
He, however, expresses optimism for victory.
Despite the early morning rain, voters have thronged the various polling units and cast their votes.
Voting has ended at some polling units, and results have been collated.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested several individuals suspected of vote buying during the ongoing Edo Governorship election.
Some of the arrests occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the Egor Local Government Area.
Three suspects—two men and one woman—were taken into custody, despite protests from local residents who claimed they were being unfairly targeted.
Read Also: EdoDecides2024: BIVAS Machine Failure Halts Voting In Ugbekun
In anticipation of the election, the EFCC had on Friday, announced plans to deploy operatives to monitor the electoral process, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale had said, “Our operatives are on the ground to ensure that voters can exercise their rights without facing financial inducement. Vote buying is a financial crime, and the EFCC will not tolerate it.”
Also, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization (CSO), had warned that politicians might resort to violence and vote buying during the upcoming Edo election.
Egor is one of eight local government areas (LGAs) identified as hotspots for these issues, along with Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Esan South-East.
The organization stressed the urgent need to address vote buying through decisive actions, including the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Yiaga noted a “volatile political climate” leading up to the election, pointing out that strong-arm tactics and violence have marred the campaign period.
Seventeen candidates are competing for over 2.2 million votes across the 18 LGAs in Edo.
Girls Play Sports Tournament 2024: Southern Finalists Set For Zonal Showdown In Lagos
‘Stop Checking Your Partner’s Phone’ – Yhemolee Urges Couples
‘They Say I Worship The Devil’ – Rema Addresses Craziest Rumor
Gov Obaseki Votes, Praises Voter Turnout Amid Heavy Rainfall
CBN Pulls Back Monetary Policy Document
#EdoDecides2024: Ighodalo, Wife Cast Votes
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
