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Tag: Reps

  • Reps seek S’West assemblies’ support for constitution amendment

    Reps seek S’West assemblies’ support for constitution amendment

    The House of Representatives has called on the Houses of Assembly in the six Southwest states to support the ongoing review and amendment of the country’s 1999 constitution.

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who is the Chairman of the committee on the Constitution Review made the appeal in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, during a retreat for Speakers and principal officers of the State Houses of Assembly in the South West.

    Kalu, who underscored the crucial roles the state assemblies play in ensuring successful alteration of the constitution, said they remained fundamental bodies to facilitate amendment of the existing legal framework.

    He pledged the House’s commitment to work closely with the state assemblies in the ongoing constitution review exercise towards producing a more robust legal framework that would meet and satisfy the desires and yearnings of Nigerians.

    The Deputy Speaker disclosed that the Committee on Constitution Review has received a total of 161 proposals from the memoranda submitted, saying the panel is assiduously working towards delivering the reviewed constitution by December 2025.

    He said: “In the amendment or review of the constitution, there is a process that the constitution abides with, and one of them is the active participation of the state legislatures.

    Read Also: Reps panel urges INEC to relocate offices from LG headquarters

    “You cannot amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without the involvement of the state legislation. They occupy the cardinal, fundamental position in the structure of the amendment of the constitution.

    “This visit is to strengthen our existing relationship. We are here today to see the Southwest Caucus of the Houses of Assembly to intimate them on the process and how far we have gone in our efforts to have a constitution reviewed by December 2025,” he added.

    The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and Chairman of Southwest Caucus, Hon Stephen  Aribasoye hailed the National Assembly for collaborating with the legislative body, stressing that such synergy would foster unity and bring success in the process of constitutional review.

    He added that the retreat was borne to foster cooperation among the Southwest region in ensuring that peer review and synergy thrive in the lawmaking process.

    “You can’t have a constitutional amendment without the input of state legislation, which is 2/3 majority of the state House of Assembly have to agree before you can have any bill in Nigeria.

    “The Current National Assembly has been very fair in ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along including the Houses of Assembly in Nigeria. No nation can strive without good laws and laws are made by the legislative arms of the government”, he added.

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abibat Adubiaro, applauded the Southwest Houses of Assemblies for being at the front burner of human development.

  • Reps to march against gender-based violence Monday

    Reps to march against gender-based violence Monday

    The House of Representatives will on Monday lead a landmark march against gender-based violence as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day for the elimination of violence against women.

    The spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement that the match which will take off from the National Assembly and terminate at the police headquarters is part of the commitment of the House towards eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

    He said the match will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

    According to him, this demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

    “This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail”, he said in the statement.

    He said further that beyond the march, the House, in alignment with its Legislative Agenda has outlined key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism.

    He said on Tuesday, November 26, 2024

    Members of the House will be expected to don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, and during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

    Read Also: Reps panel demands details of projects by Solid Minerals Ministry

    He said the House, will on Mobsay, on December 9, 2024, hold a strategic meeting that will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide, which will be followed by the National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 the following day.

    He said the summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

    He said gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria, adding that the 10th House of Representatives remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

    He said: “Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.”

  • Reps panel urges INEC to relocate offices from LG headquarters

    Reps panel urges INEC to relocate offices from LG headquarters

    The House of Representatives Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the electoral body to relocate its offices from local government headquarters to more neutral and secure locations.

    The House recently resolved that INEC’s current practice of using local government headquarters poses a significant threat to electoral integrity following a motion by Hon. Sunday Nnamchi.

    The matter was referred to the House Committee on INEC for further legislative action.

    The chairman of the committee, Adebayo Balogun, during a public hearing at the National Assembly Complex, called on the state governors to provide land for the Commission to build their offices across the country.

    Balogun said: “There must be a communication between either INEC or the committee, through members or through the state governors to provide land. Because you have to put this on the front burner. If people are talking about it, it will happen. Because yes, I know Mr. Chairman is a very conservative person when it comes to issues like this, but we need to talk.

    “People will only listen to you when you talk and the pressure is on the ground. There is so much demand from every department and every ministry. Sometimes it is when they hear you that action is being taken and I think with this motion, I want to use the opportunity to thank the mover of this motion because I never knew we had this kind of situation until this motion came. Even in Lagos I never knew we had this situation in Lagos. I mean, Alimosho, Apapa, Oshodi and Eti Osa. And I think we should be able to solve these problems very, very fast,” he said.

    Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, said over time, they built some of the local government offices in places that were not surrounded by buildings, but with urbanization, they became surrounded.

    Read Also: Reps panel demands details of projects by Solid Minerals Ministry

    He said: “The places became like in the middle of the city, like our office in Abeokuta South, for instance. At that point, we had to work with the security agencies to actually relocate the shops that enveloped the office. We strongly suspect that it was from one of these locations that someone somehow threw some device that burnt down the local government office.

    “So it’s catch-22 for us. We don’t want to locate the offices in the middle of built-up areas so that people can have immediate access to them. But at the same time, we don’t want to build it far away from where people are because security becomes an issue on Election Day and every day actually when you use facilities.

    “So we look at these issues. Right now there may be some offices that require relocation. Fortunately, we have another office in Abeokuta, so we moved the Abeokuta South office to our previous state office. That’s where they are operating from. But you don’t have that luxury elsewhere,” he said.

  • Reps seek southwest assemblies’ support for constitution amendment

    Reps seek southwest assemblies’ support for constitution amendment

    The House of Representatives has called on the Houses of Assembly in the six southwest states to support the ongoing review and amendment of the country’s 1999 constitution.

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who is the chairman of the committee on the Constitution Review made the plea at Ikogosi during a retreat for speakers and principal officers of the State Houses of Assembly in the southwest.

    Kalu underscored the crucial roles the state assemblies play in ensuring the successful alteration of the constitution, saying they remain fundamental bodies to facilitate the amendment of the existing legal framework.

    He pledged the House’s commitment to work closely with the state assemblies in the ongoing constitution review exercise towards producing a more robust legal framework that would meet and satisfy the desires and yearnings of Nigerians.

    The deputy speaker disclosed that the committee on constitution review has received a total of 161 proposals from the memoranda submitted, saying the panel is assiduously working towards delivering the reviewed constitution by December 2025.

    He said: “In the amendment or review of the constitution, there is a process that the constitution abides with and one of them is the active participation of the state legislature.

    “You cannot amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without the involvement of the state legislation. They occupy the cardinal, fundamental position in the structure of the amendment of the Constitution.

    “This visit is to strengthen our existing relationship. We are here today to see the southwest caucus of the Houses of Assembly to intimate them on the process and how far we have gone in our efforts to have a constitution review by December 2025″, he added.

    The speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and chairman of the southwest caucus, Hon Stephen Aribasoye hailed the National Assembly for collaborating with the legislative body, stressing that such synergy will foster unity and bring success in the process of constitutional review.

    He added that the retreat was borne to foster cooperation among the southwest region in ensuring that peer review and synergy thrive in the lawmaking process.

    “You can’t have constitutional amendment without the input of state legislation, which is 2/3 majority of the state house of Assembly have to agree before you can have any bill into in Nigeria.

    “The Current National Assembly has been very fair in ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along including the Houses of Assembly in Nigeria. No nation can strive without good laws and laws are made by the legislative arms of the government”, he added.

    Read Also: Reps panel demands details of projects by Solid Minerals Ministry

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abibat Adubiaro applauded the southwest Houses of Assemblies for being at the front burner of human development.

    He also commended Aribasoye for his remarkable leadership policies which have brought creativity, and vibrance to the Ekiti State House of Assembly, making it the most innovative and ICT-driven House of Assembly in the country.

    “South-west geo-political zone remains the front runner in so many areas of human development, which is a product of cooperation between Ekiti and legislature in our region”. he added

  • Reps panel demands details of projects by solid minerals ministry

    Reps panel demands details of projects by solid minerals ministry

    The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has demanded details of all projects embarked on by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in the past year.

    The Committee made the demand when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend their 2024 budget.

    The Committee led by Hon Gbewfi Jonathan Gaza, expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation of the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.

    The committee also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.

    Gaza said: “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.

    “We were quite detailed when we sent you the documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, the amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.

    “So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.

    Read Also: Reps reject Bill seeking six-year single tenure for President, governors

    “There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.

    “Don’t give us any half-baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisement that was done, the code, the contractors and everything. Even if it is before the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make a proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.

    Earlier the Permanent Secretary a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.

    “This comprised N894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation had not been fully executed.

    “On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As of October 31st, 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as of October 31, are N149, 073, 555. The percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation, it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 have been released. 11 percent had been released and the percentage performance is 100 percent.

    “The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non-debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in the capital as of the end of October is 11 percent.

    “This is because the procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom-up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.

  • Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Director General, Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy security personnel to communities in Edo state to safeguard the lives and property of the people.

    The House also tasked the security agencies to investigate the killings of innocent persons in communities in Itsukwi, Imegba, Okpekpe, and Imiakebu communities in Etsako East local government area of Edo state to fish out those behind the act.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) the House called for financial assistance to those whose farmland was destroyed by the attackers to enable them to prepare for the farming season.

    Leading a debate on the motion, Osawaru reminded the House that Section 14 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) provides that the people’s security and welfare shall be the government’s primary purpose.

    He said: “Section 17 (b) of the Constitution provides that the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced; governmental actions shall be humane.

    “Also, Chapter 4 of the nation’s Constitution in Section 33 (1) provides that “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

    Osawaru said every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person” and accordingly, “No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.”

    Read Also: Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    He disclosed that “on Monday, October 28, 2024, herdsmen invaded Ugbereke, a popular farmland known for its fertility, and destroyed completely the yam plantation of a youth leader in Itsukwi community (Ward 9, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State), Mr. Samuel Igbeneghu.

    “On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, three farmers by the names Umuagene Obey, Emuesugheli Obi and Ogbitabu Imoudumhe (all from Okpekpe community in Ward 10, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were ambushed on the way to their farms and brutally murdered by suspected herdsmen.

    “On the same day, the killers made their way to Ugbereke, and killed one Undyar Aondongu, male, while at five women were beaten and left to flee with various degrees of injuries.

    “If the federal government fails to take the necessary steps to protect the lives and property of the people; acute hunger owing to food scarcity would be the natural consequence, not just for the people of the area but the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and by extension, Edo State as a whole.”

  • BREAKING: Reps reject bill seeking single six-year term, zonal rotation for president, governors

    BREAKING: Reps reject bill seeking single six-year term, zonal rotation for president, governors

    The House of Representatives on Thursday, November 21, rejected a proposed constitution amendment aimed at instituting a single six-year term for the president, governors, and local government chairmen across the federation. 

    The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 co-sponsors, also sought to divide the country into six geopolitical zones and establish a rotational system for the presidency and governorship within these zones.

    Additionally, it proposed that all elections be conducted on a single day. 

    Lawmakers declined to allow the bill’s sponsor to lead the debate, which sought to amend key sections of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 76, 116, 132, and 136.

    It sought to amend the provision of section 132 of the Constitution t by inserting a new subsection (2) deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly to provide that an election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the country every six years.

    It also sought to amend Section 180 of the Principal Act by substituting “four years with “six years”.

    In addition, it sought to alter Section 76 by inserting a new subsection (3) as follows; (3) For the Purpose of Section (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly shall hold simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.

    “Section 116 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new subsection (3) as follows: For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils shall be held simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.

    “Section 132 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new é subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly: An election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the Country every six years. Provided that where it is the turn of the North or South to present a candidate for election into the office of President, it shall be rotated among the three geo-political zones that constitute the regions. The extant subsection (2) becomes subsection (3) The extant subsection (3) becomes subsection (4) The extant subsection (4) is hereby deleted The extant subsection (5) remains subsection (5).

    “Section 136 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the extant subsections 1 & 2 and replacing them with new subsections I, 2 and 3 as follows: If a person duly elected as President dies before taking and subscribing to the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office or is for any reason whatsoever unable to be sworn in, the person elected with him as First Vice President shall be sworn in as President and he shall appoint a new First Vice President with the approval of a simple majority of the National Assembly at a joint sitting.

    Read Also: Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    “A person who was sworn in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for another term. The Principal Act is altered by inserting a new Section 188 immediately after the extant 187 and immediately before the extant 188 and renumbering accordingly as follows; 188(1) Notwithstanding any other provision, the Governor shall present a mid-term account of stewardship performance report to the State House of Assembly at the end of the third year of the six-year term.

    The State House of Assembly shall determine by a resolution supported by not less than a two-thirds majority of members whether the Governor has by the account of the stewardship report justified his continuous stay in office.

    Where, upon the consideration of the mid-term report under subsection (1) of this section, the State House of Assembly is not satisfied with the performance of the Governor for the period he has been in office, the State House of Assembly shall pass a vote of no confidence on the Governor. The State House of Assembly shall immediately commence the process for the impeachment of the Governor from office.”

  • Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    The House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions has begun efforts to address challenges facing the Police Service Commission (PSC) and explore ways to enhance its functionality. 

    During a visit to the PSC headquarters, the committee emphasized that its initiative would improve its oversight role over the police, ensuring better performance and accountability. 

    Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya, Chairman of the committee and leader of the delegation, highlighted the importance of civilian oversight of law enforcement, stating, “It is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement institutions.” 

    A statement issued on Wednesday by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, quoted Boya as advocating for strengthening the Commission’s authority and capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively.

    “He told the Commission’s management that to function effectively, there is a need to provide adequate budgetary provisions, legal backing, and operational independence for the Commission.

    “The Committee Chairman said he is aware of the financial challenges the Commission is facing and said he has discussed it with his colleague in the Appropriation Committee.

    “Hon Boyo commended the Commission Chairman for the innovative programmes he introduced since his assumption of duty, stressing that the “Arena of Knowledge” lecture series was a demonstration of his commitment to improved staff knowledge, productivity, and efficiency towards service delivery.

    “He also commended the Chairman for his astute leadership, prudent management of resources, and forthrightness in repositioning the Commission.

    “The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who received the visiting delegation at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission expressed his happiness at the decision of the Committee to visit the Commission. 

    “DIG Argungu noted that the visit was timely and remarkable and appealed for the support of the Committee in ensuring adequate budgetary provision for the Commission.

    Read Also: Reps direct CBN, finance ministry to refund deduction from Shippers Council’s account

    “The PSC Chairman said the constitutional responsibilities 9f the Commission have suffered due to financial incapacitation.

    “He assured the Committee of the Preparedness of the Commission to improve the services of the Nigeria Police Force through credible and efficient oversight.

    “DIG Argungu said the new leadership of the Commission has zero tolerance for Corruption and has launched the whistle-blowing Policy stressing that these programmes would remain the benchmark for its oversight of the Police.

    “DIG Taiwo Lekanu, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani Secretary to the Commission were in the Chairman’s team that received the visiting delegation”.

  • Declare DISCOs as non-state actors, Reps urge FG

    Declare DISCOs as non-state actors, Reps urge FG

    The House of Representatives has urged the federal government through the Ministry of Power to declare Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria as non-state actors.

    It urged that immediate measures be taken to address “their reckless actions, threatening the nation’s economy.”

    The House also urged the DISCOs to undergo recapitalization of not less than 500 billion Naira.

    It said only those with the required financial muzzles that can provide maximum satisfaction to consumers should be allowed to continue to operate.

    The House mandated the Committee on Power to investigate the activities of the DISCOs with the intent of holding them accountable and safeguarding consumer rights.

    The Committee is also to examine the implementation of the stricter regulations governing the operations of DISCOs, to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with Consumers;

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Address to Activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria” moved by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka.

    The House noted that the activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in the country and their recent actions are posing a threat to the economic stability and welfare of the Nigerian populace.

    It also noted that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meter installation, but DISCOs are demanding additional payments for the replacement of these metres under dubious pretences, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens.

    The House worried that Consumers are being coerced into paying for meters that they have earlier financed, causing financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.

    It also worried about the sabotage of economic development by Discos, where essential services are used against citizens intended to serve thereby, stifling growth and development.

    Read Also: Reps direct CBN, finance ministry to refund deduction from Shippers Council’s account

    The House was concerned that despite constant regulatory oversight and demand for accountability by the Committee on Power from these companies, DISCOs remained recalcitrant in operating with impunity and disregard for consumer rights

    It recognised that the DISCOs’ actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and the welfare of citizens.

    The House said it was cognizant of the need to stand against injustices and prioritises constituents’ needs and rights.

  • Reps direct CBN, finance ministry to refund deduction from Shippers Council’s account

    Reps direct CBN, finance ministry to refund deduction from Shippers Council’s account

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to immediately refund the 50 percent deduction made from the accounts of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

    Adopting a motion moved by Hon. Abba Ahmed Sani (APC, Zamfara), the House also directed the Ministry of Finance to release all outstanding 2 percent Port Development Levy Surcharge funds owed to the Council without delay.

    Leading debate on the motion, Abba Sani said the Ministry of Finance deducted 50% of revenue from the accounts of the Nigerian Shippers Council in December 2023 using the provisions of the 2021 Finance Act.

    He also expressed concern that the Ministry of Finance has been slow and inconsistent in releasing the 2 percent portion of the 7 percent Port Development Levy Surcharge allocated to the Council, resulting in delayed and insufficient funding.

    According to him, the non-release and delayed release of funds has caused significant operational challenges for the Council, including the inability to pay salaries and retirees’ entitlements, leading to undue hardship for staff and retirees.

    Read Also: NBET to Reps committee: we are not created to make money for government

    He argued that the headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is in a critical condition due to structural and technical damages, saying, “The building is at risk of imminent collapse, posing a significant danger to staff and visitors. This situation is a potential national disaster in waiting.”

    He expressed concern that “the building’s integrity is compromised, with a leaking roof that allows water to seep into the upper floors during rainfall. This worsens the structural damages and makes the environment uninhabitable and hazardous.”

    He said that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is classified as a revenue-generating agency, placing it in the same category as other such agencies, even though they are not, saying “this misclassification has resulted in inadequate budgetary allocations, leaving the Council unable to meet its operational and financial obligations.”