The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ALGON

  • ALGON mourns HID Awolowo

    The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has condoled with the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Nigerians over the death of Mrs. Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage.

    President of ALGON Hon. Micah Jiba said he received the news of her passing with sadness, adding that Mrs Awolowo will be greatly missed.

    “On behalf of the 774 local governments’ chairmen and residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), we sincerely commiserate with the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of their mother.

    “She was a jewel of inestimable value to this great country. Nigerians will missed her, because of motherly role to many people who knew her and the role she played with her husband,  Chief Obafemi Awolowo in ensuring the unity of this country, is something that can never be over emphasises.

    “We join the family and millions of admirers of her late revered husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader of our great country Nigeria,” he said.

    Jiba, who is also the chairman of AMAC added that the history of the nation will forever remember that Mrs. Awolowo was a great woman of substance and has left an indelible impression and very significant legacy both in the country and the minds of her admirers.

    “We prayed that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and uncommon vacuum she has left behind.

    “We also pray that God will receive the soul of the late mother of the nation and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and the entire country,” he stated.

     

  • Edo councils yet to receive bailout fund-ALGON boss

    Chairman of Edo State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Mrs. Itohan Osahon-Ogbeide, has said that local councils in the state were yet to receive the federal government bailout fund for the payment of workers’ salaries.

    Although Edo State government does not owe its workers, 15 local government councils have, however, been unable to pay salaries.

    The state hopes to access N3.167bn bailout fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria for the payment of local government workers salaries.

    Mrs. Osahon-Ogbeide said the defaulting local councils were in the process of accessing the fund from the CBN Salary Assisted Fund in order to pay salary arrears of workers.

  • Plateau PDP, ALGON accuse Lalong of instigating conflict

    Plateau PDP, ALGON accuse Lalong of instigating conflict

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has been accused of taking actions capable of provoking political conflict in the state.

    The accusation followed the suspension of the local government chairmen by the governor and his alleged refusal to respect the court injunction restraining him and the House of Assembly from tampering with the tenure of elected council chairmen.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) staged a peaceful protest in Jos on the matter.

    The police commissioner, Nasiru Oki, addressed the protesters behind close door for an hour. They included the local government chairmen, state zonal vice chairman of PDP (central zone) Hon. Yusuf Ishaya and the legal adviser of PDP, Bitrus Gyang.

    Ishaya, who represented the party chairman, Raymond Dabo, said: “The party has to lead the council chairmen to see the commissioner of Police because of the actions of the state governor in recent times”

    “I am here to represent the state chairman of PDP in this struggle along with all the ALGON members to intimate the state police commissioner on the actions of the state governor who have chosen to disobeyed the law, disrespect court order and ridicule the entire judiciary.

    He added: “The governor announced the suspension of elected local government executives without genuine reasons, and when the council chairmen went to court to seek justice, the court ordered that status quo remains pending the determination of the case.

  • ALGON faults Lalong for sacking council chairmen

    ALGON faults Lalong for sacking council chairmen

    The Plateau State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has faulted Governor Simon Lalong for sacking the 17 council chairmen.

    The governor sacked the local government bosses and directed them to hand over to the directors of personnel management.

    The chairmen described the action as unconstitutional and an afterthought.

    The ALGON Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Loman, who led his colleagues at a news conference in Jos yesterday, said: “The recent sack of the elected local government chairmen is condemnable, as the indigenes will recall that Govenor Lalong assured that he would not dissolve the councils.

    “It is on record that our beloved governor used this assurance as a campaign tool before the election. He also reiterated it in his inauguration speech.

    “But rather than stick to his promise, the governor succumbed to blackmail and sacked the chairmen.

    “This action is an aberration of the tenets of democracy. It can threaten the state and the country.”

    According to the chairmen, “Section 41(3) of the local government law gives three- year tenure and we are just half way before the dissolution. We will explore the option of the judiciary to reclaim our mandate.”

  • New AGF backs out of $3.2b judgments’ negotiation

    The newly appointed Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has backed out of the planned settlement talks with beneficiaries of two judgments of $3,188,079,505.96 given against the Federal Government) by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The judgments were given in 2013 by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, in favour of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), its consultant, Linas International Limited and some others in relation to the debts settlement agreement between the Federal Government and the Paris Club.

    Also listed as beneficiaries of the judgments given in suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/129/2013 and FHC/ABJ/CS/130/2013 are some firms and two lawyers.

    They are Phil-Tech Nigeria Limited, Riok Nigeria Limited, XI Nigeria Limited, Snecou Group of Companies Limited, Wells Procurement Services Limited, Systematic Engineering Limited, Prince Orji Nwafor –Orizu and Bello Olaitan Busayo.

    The companies are those ALGON purportedly awarded contracts for the provision of health care and security services in all local governments.

    But a recent investigation commissioned by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) raised doubt about the legitimacy of both judgments.

    The report queried the conduct of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation, who were defendants in the case.

    It revealed how the AGF, the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation allegedly neglected to defend both suits, which sought to deprive the country huge sums of money, raising questions about the actual motive behind the suits.

    At Monday’s resumed hearing of the garnishee proceedings initiated by ALGON and its consultant, Linas International, to retrieve the judgment sum from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), lawyer to the judgment creditors, Joe Agi (SAN) said the AGF has opted to allow the court decide the case.

    “We took a date before today with a view to holding a meeting with the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). However, on the day we were to meet, another AGF was appointed by the Federal Government.

    “He (the AGF) subsequently called off the meeting and advised that he will rather await the decision of the court. So, we have come today, ready to conclude the cross-examination,” Agi said.

     

  • CBN, ALGON, others begin negotiation over $3.2b judgment against Fed Govt

    CBN, ALGON, others begin negotiation over $3.2b judgment against Fed Govt

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said it has commenced settlement talks with beneficiaries of two judgment of $3,188,079,505.96 given against the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) by a Federal High Court in Abuja in favour of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), its consultant, Linas International Limited and some others.

    The other beneficiaries of the judgments are: Phil-Tech Nigeria Limited, Riok Nigeria Limited, XI Nigeria Limited, Snecou Group of Companies Limited, Wells Procurement Services Limited, Systematic Engineering Limited, Prince Orji Nwafor–Orizu and Bello Olaitan Busayo.

    The companies were allegedly awarded contracts by ALGON for the provision of health care and security services in all local governments.

    A recent investigation report commissioned by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) raised doubt over the legitimacy of both judgments.

    The report doubted the conduct of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation, who were defendants in the case.

    It revealed how the AGF, the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation did  not defend both suits, which sought to deprive the country huge sums of money, raising questions about the actual motive behind the suits.

    ALGON and Linas  challenged the alleged Federal Government’s  unilateral withdrawal of funds from the Federation Account, the fund the London Club debt buyback of 1992 and London Club debt exit payment of 2006.

    They argued that government’s deployment of the funds for the payment of foreign debt without the consent of the other tiers of government contravened the provision of Section 162(1), (3), and (5) of the Constitution.

    The plaintiffs urged the court to order the refund of $3,188,079,505.96 to them; order the defendants to pay 20 per cent of the money to Linas through its lawyers as consultancy fees; and that the court should order the defendants 15 per cent of all amount due to the Local Governments ‘for utilisation on security and health care delivery all over the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

    Defendants in the suit were the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation.

    Linas however, filed a separate suit against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation, ALGON and 180 local governments (who were part of the plaintiffs in the initial case).

    The company claimed it was entitled to N1 million per local government and another 20 per cent of the $3,188,079,505.96 being claimed by the plaintiffs in the case over the foreign debt deduction, as its consultancy fees.

    Since the defendants did not defend the case, Justice Adeniyi Ademola granted the plaintiffs’ prayers in both cases in the judgments given on December 3, 2013. The defendants also failed to appeal, prompting the plaintiffs to commence garnishee proceedings against the FGN. So far, the court has granted four garnishee orders against the FGN.

    At the resumption of hearing in the garnishee proceedings, yesterday, prosecuted by Linas’s counsel, Joe Agi (SAN), CBN’s lawyer, Ms. Ozeigbe Omo-Egharevba, told the court  that representatives of the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the judgment creditors met on Monday.

    “Representatives of the CBN and the Accountant-General of the Federation met with the representatives of the plaintiff yesterday (Monday) to see how we can explore an out of court settlement of the case,” Omo-Egharevba said, but was silent on the details of the meeting.

    Lawyer to the judgments’ beneficiaries, Chief A. Akunebu, said he could neither confirm nor deny what the CBN’s lawyer said.

    He said the plaintiffs’ lead lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), who could confirm whether or not such settlement effort was ongoing was not yet in court.

    Justice Ademola shifted proceedings till later in the day when Agi was available to confirm the development. Further hearing in the case has been fixed for July 6.

     

  • ALGON hails peaceful elections

    The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has congratulated residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the entire Nigerians on the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections.

    President of ALGON, Hon. Micah Jiba, who spoke with reporters, said with the outcome of the elections, Nigerians have demonstrated that the unity of Nigeria is more than any politician’s ambition.

    According to Jiba, although there were reports about pockets of violence in some states, the most important thing is that the country still remains one despite fears of national violence that may lead to separation.

    “I am one of the happiest Nigerians today, because, eventually the general elections have come and gone, despite predictions of probable crises and serious post-election violence. Nigerians have proven that the interest of one prosperous nation is in our hearts. God really loves Nigeria, which is why He did not allow the prediction of Nigeria breaking up in 2015 to be a reality.

    “This country has been marked for greatness and I believe that the incoming administration will work towards actualising that desired greatness for Nigeria. I must commend Nigerians who conducted themselves peacefully during the general elections. They have shown that they did not need to sacrifice their blood for anybody to be in power, because power comes from God alone.

    “I also advise aggrieved politicians to work towards peace by channeling their grievances through the appropriate authorities, instead of taking the laws into their own hands. This is because all we need now in Nigeria is a peaceful co-existence that would take this country to the desired greatness that all of us have been praying for,” he said.

    He further promised that ALGON will negotiate with the President-elect, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari to work together with the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the reports and recommendations of the National Conference, which include issues that affect other local government areas and the FCT is guaranteed.

  • Osun APC, ALGON hail voters

    Osun APC, ALGON hail voters

    TheAll Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has congratulated Nigerians for voting for the party and the “change it represents”.

    A statement by its Publicity Director, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “It raises hope for greater development, and promises a better, more reliable funding for the state.

    “With Buhari’s victory, change has been ushered into the political space, and hopefully it will permeate all spectra of our national life.

    “By the outcome of this presidential election, Nigeria has set in motion a truly democratic system, which will place premium on the people as the traditional custodians of power.”

    The Association of Local Governments (ALGON) in Oyo State, also known as FORUM 33, praised the people for voting for the APC and Buhari.

    The Forum, through its Chairman, Yekeen Popoola, also hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi for working hard to build the party.

    It praised the governor for his unparalleled performance and for allowing internal democracy, which helped the party present its best candidates.

    “It is gladdening to see the  people of Oyo State come out in large numbers to vote for all APC candidates from Buhari to National assembly candidates.

    “Your huge support confirmed our collective desire for continued change which started on May 29, 2011 when you gave Governor Abiola Ajimobi a chance.

    “We urge you to continue in the same spirit by casting al your votes for our performing governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and all APC candidates for the 32 seats for House of Assembly election on April 11,” the forum said.

    The victory, according to FORUM 33, belongs to the people who are not looking back in their resolve to enthrone only leaders that are accountable.

    The Southwest chapter of the APChas described the victory of its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as a new dawn in Nigeria.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Ayo Afolabi, the party said what felt like fantasy has become a reality because of Nigerians’ commitment to forging the country of their dream through democratic means.

    It congratulated Nigerians “for the dawn of a new era and plethora of opportunities that Buhari’s election opens for them”.

    Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, has praised the electorate for insisting on making their voices heard against all odds.

    He asserted that with the outcome of the elections, a clear message was sent to the politicians and political actors.

  • ALGON hails Ugwuanyi on court victory

    Enugu State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has congratulated the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on his victory in a suit challenging the authenticity of his candidature.

    The association, through a statement by its Chairman, who also chairs Enugu East Local Government, Mr. Cornelius Nnaji, described the judgment as a victory for democracy and an indication that the PDP would win the coming elections.

    ALGON thanked the indigenes, PDP members and supporters for their prayers and support while the case lasted and assured them of its collaboration with the party to entrench internal democracy, the rule of law and the principles of justice, equity and fairness.

    Nnaji, who was elated by Ugwuanyi’s popularity and acceptability, noted that the judgment vindicated PDP’s position that Ugwuanyi was elected as the governorship candidate of the party at the primary election on last December 8.

    He urged Senator Ayogu Eze and other aggrieved aspirants to accept the verdict in good faith and support stakeholders to ensure victory for the PDP.

    The ALGON chairman praised those who contributed to the victory, especially the national leadership of the PDP, the state leader of the party, Governor Sullivan Chime, other leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others, and urged “Ugwuanyi to remain steadfast and focused in his resolve to sustain the tempo of the PDP-led administration of Governor Chime through continuity and consolidation of the four-point agenda, if he is elected.”