Politics
FG Wins Case Against State Governors Over Local Government Autonomy.
By Zara Maisango
The Federal Government and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) have secured a significant legal victory against the State Governors in a dispute over the financial autonomy of Local Government joint accounts. The ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court on Monday, marks a pivotal moment in the quest for greater financial transparency and autonomy at the local government level.
The controversy began in June 2019 when the NFIU issued a set of guidelines aimed at curbing crime vulnerabilities associated with cash withdrawals from Local Government accounts by various State Governments. These guidelines were part of a broader effort to strengthen financial controls and combat money laundering. The NFIU’s directive required that transactions from joint accounts should not be honored by banks, and the accounts should only be used for receiving and subsequently transferring funds to Local Government accounts.
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) responded by suing the Federal Government and the NFIU, arguing that the guidelines infringed on the constitutional powers of the State Governments. The NGF contended that the 1999 Constitution grants states the authority to manage Local Government funds, and the NFIU’s interference was therefore unconstitutional.
Justice Ekwo, however, dismissed these claims, affirming the legality and necessity of the NFIU’s guidelines. He emphasized that the NFIU’s actions were in line with its mandate to combat money laundering and financial crimes. The ruling underscored the importance of financial transparency and accountability, especially in the management of public funds.
This decision has significant implications for the financial administration of Local Governments in Nigeria. By affirming the NFIU’s guidelines, the court has reinforced the principle that Local Governments should have direct control over their finances, free from undue interference by State Governments. This autonomy is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Local Governments in delivering public services and fostering grassroots development.
Reacting to the judgment, a spokesperson for the Federal Government hailed the decision as a victory for good governance and the rule of law. “This ruling is a major step forward in our efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds,” the spokesperson said. “It ensures that Local Governments can operate independently and are empowered to fulfill their responsibilities to the people.”
The Nigerian Governors Forum, meanwhile, expressed disappointment with the judgment but indicated that they would respect the court’s decision. “While we disagree with the ruling, we recognize the authority of the judiciary and will comply with the guidelines as stipulated,” a representative of the NGF stated.
The case has highlighted the ongoing tensions between different tiers of government in Nigeria over financial control and autonomy. It also underscores the critical role of the judiciary in interpreting the constitution and ensuring that all actions taken by government entities are in line with the law.
As Local Governments across Nigeria adjust to this new reality, the focus will now shift to how effectively they can manage their finances and deliver on their mandate to improve the lives of their constituents. The ruling not only affirms the autonomy of Local Governments but also sets a precedent for future interactions between federal, state, and local authorities in the financial sphere.
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has called for a peaceful, respectful and issue-based political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the interest of Gombe State must remain above personal and political differences.
Dr. Gwamna made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, where he emphasized that his campaign would focus on solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than engaging in insults, personal attacks or divisive politics.
According to the APC governorship flag bearer, the people of Gombe State deserve a campaign centred on ideas, policies and practical programmes capable of improving their lives.
“From the very beginning, I made it clear that I will run an issues-based campaign. I have no interest in politics of insults, personal attacks, or needless distractions,” Dr. Gwamna stated.
He noted that the guiding philosophy of his campaign remains “Gombe Above All,” stressing that every policy and programme under his administration would be designed to promote unity, development and prosperity for all citizens.
Dr. Gwamna disclosed that his campaign would focus on critical sectors such as job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
He also urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is contesting for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat, as well as other APC candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The APC candidate described the achievements of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration as clear evidence of the party’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Our campaign is equally committed to consolidating the remarkable achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while introducing fresh ideas, innovative policies and strategic initiatives that will accelerate growth,” he said.
Dr. Gwamna further revealed that a comprehensive development blueprint for Gombe State would be unveiled once campaigns for governorship and State Assembly positions officially commence.
The blueprint, he explained, would be anchored on the principles of Continuity, Sustainability and Consolidation, aimed at building on the successes of the current administration while introducing practical solutions to create more opportunities, improve living standards and ensure that development reaches all parts of the state.
He expressed confidence that Gombe possesses the human and natural resources needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading sub-national economies through visionary leadership, disciplined governance and collective efforts.
Dr. Gwamna therefore called on political actors, supporters and citizens across party lines to maintain peace and uphold the values of mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say the APC candidate’s emphasis on issue-based politics could set a new tone for campaigns in Gombe State, where citizens are increasingly demanding policies and programmes that directly address their socio-economic needs.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
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