The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Council Chiefs

  • Why we’re supporting Oyetola for governor, by council chiefs

    Residents of Irepodun and Orolu local government areas of Osun State have given reasons for supporting a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, ahead of the party’s July 28 primary.

    Oyetola and his team, who were on a campaign tour of Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal Constituency, got a tumultuous reception from leaders and supporters of the APC in the two local government areas.

    In turns, speakers at the event said Oyetola was a “popular choice because he was a major contributor to the success of the best administration in the history of the state”.

    A former member of the House of Representatives representing Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu federal constituency, Nasiru Olateju, said they were impressed by Oyetola’s mien, which he described as “cool, calm and collected”.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kolapo Alimi, advised Osun State residents to learn from Lagos State’s steady development.

    He said: “Lagos is what it is today because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as governor was succeeded by Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode. We should be careful the way we manage who succeeds Rauf Aregbesola so that Osun can continue to advance rather than retrogress.

    “What we should aim at is continuity. And for good works of this present administration to continue, we need someone with competence as we have found in Oyetola. He has the capacity to continue from wherever Aregbesola will stop and even do a lot more for the state.”

    Alimi said Oyetola’s capacity was never in doubt because as “a Chief of Staff to the governor, he was loyal; in the public and private sectors, he was a force to be reckoned with, and as a politician, he is committed to good governance”.

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Adejare Adebisi said the people aligned with democratic principles instead of zoning, which he noted was not in the party’s constitution.

    Referring to how Edo State produced Godwin Obaseki as governor after Adams Oshiomhole without zoning, Adebisi said what should be more important is “who can do the job efficiently”.

    At Ifon, the headquarters of Orolu Local Government, three community leaders, Alhaji Kelani Orisawale, Rasheed Oyedele, and Adekunle Benson, prayed for the success of the aspirant.

    Oyetola said he would leverage on his experience in private and public services to ensure good governance.

  • Ondo Assembly sacks council chiefs

    Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday dissolved caretaker committees in the 18 councils.

    This followed the expiration of their tenure.

    The House, at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, David Oloyelogun, asked the committees to hand over to the directors of local government administration.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in April 2017 appointed caretaker committees.

    The Assembly extended the tenure last October.

    The House, at plenary, acknowledged the contributions of the committees to the development of the state.

    It was not certain last night whether or not the governor would renew their appointments.

    The Nation, however, gathered that the governor may appoint caretaker committees soon.

    Governor Akeredolu, last week, suspended the Caretaker Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Ebenezer Akinsulire, for alleged misconduct.

    Petitions were written against him by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the council.

  • Ahmed swears in 16 council chiefs

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday swore in 16 local government chairmen. He pledged to work harder and closer with them to find a sustainable solution to the salary crisis at the local government level.

    Ahmed, who is worried about the plight of workers and pensioners experiencing salary and pension delays, urged the chairmen to work with relevant stakeholders to raise Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “As your governor, I feel your pain. I feel your pain in the messages I receive from some of you, in the pleas of your leadership, the challenges faced by your families and the distress expressed in the public space about your distress”, he said.

    The governor particularly urged them to work with the legislature to enact enabling laws to back effective revenue drives, and with the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) to exploit existing revenue lines.

    He said: “Every local government, especially those in the cosmopolitan and populated areas, has latent revenue opportunities that must be identified and exploited without imposing additional burden on the people. That is the only way your administrations can survive and meet the people’s expectations.”

    The governor advised the chairmen to prioritise due process and prudence and to shun unnecessary appointments, ostentatious living and other conduct that could call their integrity to question and hamper capacity to uplift the people.

    Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Mr. Yinka Dallas, who responded for his colleagues, promised to work with the state and its agencies to improve IGR to meet their challenges, especially salary payment.

    He thanked the people for the confidence reposed in them and promised to deliver on their campaign promises.

  • Commissioner advises council chiefs

    The chairmen of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ogun State have been admonished to embark on meaningful and people-oriented projects to improve the people’s standard of living.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, stated this at the end of an assessment tour of the LCDAs.

    “Doing so will not only end the challenges of urban/rural migration, but also make rural areas more conducive for people and make them feel the presence of the government,” he said.

    Ojuko urged political office holders, career officers, traditional rulers and the indigenes to support government’s programmes and policies for the sustainability and enhancement of socio-economic growth in the state.

    Chairman of Leguru council Ololade Onakoya; his Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode counterparts, Rafiu Awoyemi and Olalekan Adebanjo, thanked Governor Ibikunle Amosun for embarking on projects which would make the state a better place to live.

  • Be prudent, Ambode tells council chiefs

    Be prudent, Ambode tells council chiefs

    •57 local govts chairs take oath

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday swore in the elected local government chairmen and councillors, charging them to be accountable and transparent in the management of resources.

    At the ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, he said having crossed the election hurdle, they must settle down for real governance.

    He said: “At the state level, so much is being done to harness the potential of our state and make it a preferred destination for local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and maximise the economic potential of the three senatorial zones of the state. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.

    “As you (council chiefs) settle down to the business of governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections. The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy making process and implementation. It is from you that we get the feedback of the people. You must be accountable and transparent in the management of the resources put in your care for the benefit of the people.”

    Ambode warned the council chiefs against discrimination, saying the dividends of good governance must be fairly distributed to the people without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religion or ethnic background. He added that the cosmopolitan nature of the state must also be factored into all decisions.

    The governor hailed the court of Appeal verdict which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, empowering the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to regulate transportation and sand dredging in the state. The development, he said, would go a long way to aid the state in abating flood.

    “I am delighted to inform you that the state has recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of fiscal federalism. On July 18, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the appeal of the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court judgment which gave NIWA power to regulate transportation and sand dredging.

    “The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in abating flood in the state,” he said.

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government Mr Tunji Bello said the council election confirmed that democratic institutions were strong and consolidating in the state.

    Bello urged the council chiefs to build on Ambode’s achievements by ensuring laudable development projects at the grassroots.

    Responding on behalf of others, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman Kamal Bashua promised that they would hit the ground running.

    His Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye counterpart Rasak Ajala said: “We live among the people, and know what their expectations and aspirations are; therefore, our programmes would be tailored along that line so that at the end of our tenure, we would have succeeded in creating a people with great economic, social, and infrastructural prosperity.

    “As a government, we have five covenants we have made with our people. They are infrastructural development; social intervention, youths, sport and women development; capacity building and education; health and environment; governance and security.”

    LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CHAIRMEN

    1. Agbado Oke-odo Arogun Augistine Adeoye
    2. Agboyi Ketu Oladele Oshinowo
    3. Agege Egunjobi Ganiyu Kola
    4. Ajeromi Ifelodun Ayoola Fatai Adekunle
    5. Alimosho Sulaimon Jelili Adewale
    6. Amuwo Odofin Buraimoh Valentine Oluwaseyi
    7. Apapa Iganmu Muhammed Akande Funmilayo
    8. Apapa Adele Elijah Owolabi
    9. Ayobo Ipaja Yusuf Sakiru Adisa
    10. Badagry Onilude Olusegun Adeniran
    11. Badagry West Gbenu Henugbe Joseph
    12. Bariga Alabi Kolade David
    13. Coker Aguda Akinyemi-obe Omobolanle
    14. Egbe Idimu Sanyaolu Kunle Olowoopejo
    15. Ejigbo Bello Monsuru Oloyede
    16. Epe Adesanya Adenola Adedoyin
    17. Eredo Saliu Adeniyi Rasaq
    18. Eti-osa East Olufunmi Rafiu Olatunji
    19. Eti-osa Bankole Kuye Adesegun Saheed
    20. Iba Oseni Adedayo Rahmat Rachel
    21. Ibeju Lekki Surakat Semiu Olorunkemi
    22. Ifako Ijaiye Oke Oloruntoba
    23. Ifelodun Shuaib Fatai Ajidagba
    24. Igando Ikotun Adesina- Williams Morenike
    25. Igbogbo Baiyeku Olusesan Mayokun Daini
    26. Ijede Salisu Fatiu Jimoh
    27. Ikeja Balogun Mojeed Alabi
    28. Ikorodu North Banjo Adeola Adebisi
    29. Ikorodu Adesina Ayodeji Wasiu
    30. Ikorodu West Ademehin Olajumoke Ganiat
    31. Ikosi Ejirin Onanuga Samson Adeniyi
    32. Ikosi Isheri Oyesanya Abdulfatai Ayodele
    33. Ikoyi Obalende Atanda-lawal Fuad Abimbola
    34. Imota Agoro Wasiu Kunle
    35. Iru-victoria Island Adu Rasheedat Abiodun
    36. Isolo Olaleye Shamsudeen Abiodun
    37. Itire Ikate Apatira Hammed Olanrewaju
    38. Kosofe Sofola Afolabi Babatunde
    39. Lagos Island East Salau-bashua Kamal Olawale
    40. Lagos Island Olusi Tijani Adetoyese
    41. Lagos Mainland Essien Ajala Omolola Rashidat
    42. Lekki Ogidan Mukandasi Olaitan
    43. Mosan Okunola Adebajo Olabisi Doris
    44. Mushin Bamigboye Emmanuel Olarenwaju
    45. Odi-olowo Ojuwoye Ajala Rasaq Olusola
    46. Ojo Idowu Rasulu Olusola
    47. Ojodu Oloro Julius Olumuyiwa
    48. Ojokoro Tijani Hammed Idowu
    49. Olorunda Olatunde Samson Folorunso
    50. Onigbongbo Oke Francis Babatunde
    51. Oriade Akinlola Hassan Ramotalai
    52. Orile Agege Sunday Babatunde
    53. Oshodi Isolo Muse Ariyoh Bolaji Idris
    54. Oto Awori Ashafa Musibau Adekunle Prince
    55. Somolu Abdul-hammed Salawu
    56. Surulere Ajide Yomi Tajudeen Yusuff
    57. Yaba Omiyale Kayode Adejare
  • LASIEC to council chiefs: make Electoral Officers’ offices conducive

    LASIEC to council chiefs: make Electoral Officers’ offices conducive

    The Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd), has appealed to Sole Administrators of Local Government/Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) to make the offices of Electoral Officers deployed to their councils conducive.
    Phillips made the appeal at Agbowa in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA after an inspection tour of the offices of Electoral Officers in Ibeju Lekki, Epe, Eredo, Lekki and Ikosi Ejinrin to ascertain the state of the offices and the facilities available to the officers.
    While acknowledging that the councils were “landlords” to the commission, she stressed that as partners in progress, the authorities in the councils should assist in making the working environment of Electoral Officers conducive.
    This, she said, was important for the conduct of elections into the 57 councils when the officers would stay long in their offices.
    The LASIEC boss also noted that while the offices of many had adequate space, they all required massive rehabilitation and furnishing.
    LASIEC Permanent Secretary Mr Olumide Lawal, said the tour had shown that there was a wide gap “between the expectations of the commission and what really obtained” in each of the councils.
    Lawal pointed out that while the commission had an Electoral Officer in each of the councils, the commission would appreciate if the council authorities could assign support staff to the Electoral Officers in their councils, particularly as the next elections were around the corner.
    The commission, he said, would soon embark on stakeholders’ fora where it would engage and consult with the relevant groups and political parties.

  • Battle of governing council chiefs

    Battle of governing council chiefs

    Did the immediate past governing council of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) squander N1.5billion? Yes, says the council chairman, Prof Tunde Samuel, who claims to have inherited an empty treasury. No, says his predecessor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye who is asking Samuel for details of the ‘mismanagement’,. The council has since sacked some top officials of the Ogunleye administration over the matter. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports 

    For a college of education with infrastructure challenge, the money at stake is huge. About N1.5 billion was said to have been squandered by the immediate past governing council of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED). The council chairman, Prof Tunde Samuel, is locked in a war of words with his predecessor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, also a former deputy governor of the state, over the cash.

    Some workers have gone with the crisis.

    Early this month, some principal officers in the immediate past administration were sacked for their involvement  in the ‘deal’.

    Ogunleye has challenged Samuel to prove his allegations. According to him, the figure being bandied in the media by the Council is not true. But Samuel dismisses his claim, saying the councul’s investigation was through, asking the aggrieved to go to court.

    Those sacked are the immediate past provost and registrar. Bashorun Wasiu Olalekan and Bola Disu. Others are the immediate past bursar, Mr Fatai Ipaye, current registrar, Coker Charles Olumuyiwa and bursar Oyewolu Sunday Babatunde.

    Although a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar (Information) Odunayo Adebowale, described the step as a “part of restructuring” of the institution, The Nation can reveal that it may not  be unconnected with the ‘scandal’.

    Some of the affected officers, Disu and Coker and a clerical officer Adekunle Ahmed Arinle, are geering up for a legal battle with the management.

    They claimed that the process leading to their termination was skewed in favour of those accusing them of mismanagement. Their accusers, they asked, were also members of the panel that investigated them.

    Last April during the probe, Samuel released the  report of an audit by Lagos State University (LASU) Audit Unit. The affected officers are challenging the veracity of the report.

    Three weeks ago, Arinle petitioned the government,  accusing the council of bias and pleading for his reinstatement. Arinle, who gave his petition to reporters, claimed that some workers who committed more grievous offences such as rape, plagiarism,  going on sabbatical and collecting salaries in more than two institutions, among others, were either pardoned or given a slap on the wrist because they are “the untouchables”.

    But Samuel punctured Arinle’s claims. He told our reporter how  the council took its decision.

    On the rape and plagiarism allegation, Samuel recalled that the matter had been settled before the Ogunleye-led council was dissolved in June, last year, adding that his council, which took over last October ratified the recommendation of its predecessor.

    But, Ogunleye dismissed Samuel’s defence. He said there was need to correct some misconceptions to preserve his reputation.

    The College of Education Academic Staff (COEASU) and Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SUCCOEN)  of AOCOED which spearheaded the case, have pitched their tent with the Council.

    COEASU Chairman Michael Avosetinyen said the principal officers’ punishment was light, compared to what they did.

    On the punishment for rape, he  said management’s action smacked of incompetence, and that it was “premeditated”.

    He said: “Rape is a criminal matter and the union will not condone criminality. “We understand the lady (victim) in question claimed to have been raped about 8pm that day and she later made a complaint to the college security unit; but why was she not taken to the school clinic or any hospital around for examination immediately after the incident? So, if management is saying there was an allegation of rape, that simply means they are incompetent.

    “As a union, we are being lenient with management, otherwise we would have actually taken up this case because it is premeditated against our member; but we felt let sleeping dogs lie.

    Avosentiyen also debunked the rumours that certain workers were being treated as untouchables at the expense of others.

    “As far as I know, COEASU is one and all the talk about factionalisation is not true,” he added

    “My role as chairman is to protect our members’ interest.’’

    Bashorun, in a phone interview, said the time was not ripe for him to talk.

    “I know a lot of people have been saying a lot of things (about mismanagement) and asking me to talk. I have made consultations and I realised it is not yet the best time for me yet.

    “Under my tenure, and for the first time in the history of this institution, AOCOED was ranked the best college of education nationwide. The record is still there. No one can contest it. At the appropriate time, the truth will come out. I have so much to say but when the time comes, I will.”

    The college’s Provost Dr Ladele Aina, told our reporter on phone that the allegations were true,  adding that investigation began before her appointment last January.

    “The case occurred and investigation started last year. I assumed the leadership of this college in January,” she said in response to a question on why management did not immediately conduct a medical test on the said rape victim.

    “The case was referred to Council’s Disciplinary Committee, which deliberated on the matter and had made its recommendations,” the provost said.

    For Arinle, there is no going back on his seeking redress in court.

    “Initially before council commenced investigation, we objected to the inclusion of the chairmen of COEASU and SUCCOEN on the committee because they cannot be the accuser and the judge at the same time. Besides, the manner the investigation ran shows that they (council) were acting out a script by some superior hands,” he said.

  • Minister to council chiefs: steal and face the music

    The newly elected chairmen of the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) have been warned to shun corruption or face the consequence.

    FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello gave the warning while declaring open an induction course for the new Area Council chairmen, Vice chairmen and councilors at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The newly elected chairmen of the Area Councils are Abdul_Rahman Ajiya-Abaji; Abdullahi Adamu Candido-AMAC; Musa Dikko-Bwari; Adamu Mustapha Denze-Gwagwalada; Abdullahi Galadima- Kuje and Joseph Shazin-Kwali.

    Bello who was represented at the event by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye insisted that the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration is serious because it has gone beyond lip-service.

    The minister said that Buhari has taken a holistic approach to confront corruption in all its ramifications in order to save Nigeria’s image and economy.

    While recalling President Buhari’s inaugural speech that says, “people have nothing to fear, but the consequence of their actions,” he said this is a clear indication that the present administration would ensure that no action or inaction that negates the current war against corruption goes unpunished.

    Bello urged the new councils’ officials to imbibe the tenets of Mr. President’s Change Agenda anchored on prudent management of public resources, transparency and accountability as well as diversification of sources of revenue and efficient service delivery to the residents within their domain.

    According to him, the FCT administration organised the induction course in order to properly acquaint them with knowledge and skills that are necessary to lead their councils in this era of dwindling revenue from the Federal Government and the ideals of Change Agenda of the present Administration under President Muhammadu Buahri.

    Bello enjoined them to build synergy in the FCT Administration’s efforts to meet the infrastructural and public utilities need of the residents.

    He explained that the workshop is aimed at assisting the new councils’ officials to effectively drive the goals of the FCT Administration especially environmental sanitation.

    The minister noted that as council officials, their primary responsibility is to ensure that they clean their environment and properly dispose of refuse in their respective councils.

    While addressing the participants, the lead resource person, Dr. Abdul-Hamidu Abdullahi of the Department of Local Government & Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said the induction course will prepare them for people oriented leadership.

     

  • New council chiefs promise not not to disappoint

    The chairmen-elect have promised indigenes and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that they will not  disappoint the electorate who voted for them to pilot the affairs of the six area councils.

    They said they will ensure that they benefit from the dividends of democracy.

    The chairman-elect of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Adamu Candido made this promise on behalf of the elected chairmen at the presentation of certificates of return to the elected officers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The elected chairmen also vowed ensure that they stand out as the best crop of elected chairmen in the history of the territory, while delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

    INEC presented certificates of return to 62 councillors and six area council chairmen elected at the just concluded elections in the FCT.

    The FCT-INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Jacob Jatau stated that he was delighted to see that the council elections were conducted peacefully.

    He said it was not the intention of the commission to conduct the supplementary elections, but was compelled to due to some hitches during the April 9 polls.

    “I want to say the supplementary election was concluded peacefully despite some hitches especially at polling units of AMAC,” he said.

  • Ogun council chiefs told to assist police

    POLICE Commissioner Abdulmajid Ali has urged the caretaker committee chairmen of 20 local government areas in Ogun State to assist the police rid their domains of kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and land grabs.

    Ali spoke at his maiden security meeting with the chairmen in Eleweran, the command headquarters.

    He said the police was determined to tackle kidnappers, land speculators, cultists and operators of unregistered vehicles.

    Ali added that the police required the help of the council chiefs to succeed.

    The police commissioner noted that the command has been proactive on many security challenges and would continue to tackle them as they arise to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

    He encouraged the chairmen to be more involved in community policing, stressing that the command was ready to refer some community-based conflicts to them for resolution.

    Mr. Mojeed Ekelojumati of Ijebu North Local Government Council, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, said the security meeting would go a long way in promoting effective policing and peaceful coexistence among the people.