EKSG Decries Stoppage of Salaries to Traditional Chiefs, Orders Immediate Payment.

EKSG Decries Stoppage of Salaries to Traditional Chiefs, Orders Immediate Payment.

Following the stoppage of the monthly salaries payable to a section of traditional chiefs in Awo -Ekiti owing to obaship tussle, the Ekiti State Government, has condemned the act, ordering those perpetrating the act to effect immediate payment to restore unity and peace.

The State Government described as wrong and undemocratic, the way some chiefs loyal to Alawo of Awo- Ekiti, Oba Abdulazees Olaleye, had stopped the salaries of 2015 -2019 to these victims for opposing Alawo's selection and ethronement, despite  the release of the money by authority. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, expressed government's position, on Friday, while intervening in the petition written by some Awo-Ekiti chiefs over the stoppage of their monthly salaries.

Present at the parley are the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, Permanent Secretary office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele, and the representatives of the two feuding parties.

The peace parley was convened by the Deputy Governor to resolve the accusation raised by some kingmakers in the town that their salaries were stopped for a period spanning four years on the order of Alawo due to their opposition to his ascendancy.

In her position, Mrs Afuye disagreed with the  defence put up  by Oba Abdulazees that the fund was withheld because the chiefs allegedly abdicated their duties, saying there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove the allegation or showed that they were under  suspension to warrant such deprivation.

The Deputy Governor, also said the claim that the money was used to prosecute a litigation filed against the Kingmakers over the selection of Oba Abdulazees, was tantamount to misappropriation and diversion of funds, since the fund was specially released for payment of salaries.

"Government operates with laws and guidelines and these must be strictly followed. The statutory monthly fund being released by the Local Government to traditional rulers was for their upkeep and it is strictly  for that purpose.

"So, you couldn't have used it for any other purpose without the consent of the petitioners. If they pursue this case against you in court, you will all be charged for fraud. 

"The arrangement to use the money for litigation was  wrong. If you wanted to do that, you should have carried them along. You shouldn't have spent the money without putting the concerned chiefs  into confidence.

"I want you to go and resolve within yourselves how the money will be paid, because it is their entitlements and you have no power to deprive them.

"When you spent government's money wrongly, it is called misappropriation or diversion. I expected you to have spent the money on what it was meant for, which was to pay the salaries of the chiefs, whether they are with the king or not. 

"It could have been a different game now if you showed enough evidence that they were suspended within that period".

Meanwhile, Mrs Afuye has directed the petitioners to release all available documents relating to the town's accounts and minute books to Oba Abdulazees, saying  inaccessibility to those documents prompted resort to diversion of salaries to fund litigation.

"The accounts of the town must be returned to the monarch because he is still in charge pending the determination of the case  at the Supreme Court. The petitioners must do proper handing over of all accounts to the monarch to avert crisis. 

"Kabiyesi should go and summon a peace meeting. He shouldn't  allow division. We thank God that the money between 2019 and now is in the custody of the Local Government. Coming together is the only way your town can have development".

Also lending his voice to the matter, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Chief  Atibioke, appealed to the aggrievied parties to maintain peace and work hard to sustain the unity of the town. 

Earlier  in his defence of the actions taken by the chiefs loyal to him, Oba Abdulazees, disclosed that none of the chiefs took salaries within that period under contention, revealing that they unanimously agreed to use the fund to prosecute their case in court.

"In the case filed against the kingmakers, those opposed to my enthronement were also joined as defendants that was the reason for the decision by the chiefs to use their salaries to defend everybody, so that they won't go to jail. It wasn't a case of embezzlement".

FUEL SUBSIDY: NLC Declares Two-Day Warning Strike.

FUEL SUBSIDY: NLC Declares Two-Day Warning Strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a two-day warning strike, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, in protest against the Federal Government for failing to address the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

This comes barely one month after the union embarked on a nationwide protest.

On August 2, organised labour protested the “anti-people” policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

The NLC followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government demanding “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.

The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.

Several meetings between the Presidency and the unions on palliatives for Nigerians suffering hardship in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal proved abortive.

Motorists, Communities Appeal For Urgent Intervention On Damaged Odo-Ayedun-Ayebode Ekiti-Abuja Road.

Motorists, Communities Appeal For Urgent Intervention On Damaged Odo-Ayedun-Ayebode Ekiti-Abuja Road.

Motorists particularly travellers plying the Odo-Ayedun-Ayebode Ekiti road as well as residents of the area have sent a Save our Soul (SOS) message to the Federal and Ekiti State Governments over the completely damaged stretch of road between the two communities.

The stretch which is very important as it serves as one of the foremost options for motorists traveling between Lagos and Abuja, has become a death trap with the road practically cut into two making movement between the two communities virtually impossible.

One of the community leaders in the area, the Ajagunna of Odo-Ayedun, High Chief Abiodun Ogunyemi explained that total failure of the road had become an annual problem, adding that recent spells of heavy rain led to the deterioration of the damaged stretch of road. 

According to him, commuters need to board two different vehicles to undertake the short journey between Odo-Ayedun and Ayebode Ekiti while farmers are facing severe challenges to get to their farms.

Chief Ogunyemi noted that failure to address the situation may lead to serious socio-economic problem in the area as the residents who are predominantly farmers have been forced to almost neglect their farms. 

He therefore appealed to relevant authorities to take urgent steps towards rectifying the situation and save the people from possible famine which may occur because of the forced neglect of the farms.

LG chairman suspended days after accusing Ogun governor of diversion of council funds.

LG chairman suspended days after accusing Ogun governor of diversion of council funds.

It comes on the heels of Mr Adedayo's allegations that Ogun State governor Abiodun was mismanaging local council funds.

The Legislative Council of Ijebu East Local Government of Ogun State has suspended the chairman of the council, Wale Adedayo, days after he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of mismanaging local council funds in the state.

In a series of posts on his Facebook page on Thursday morning, Mr Adedayo had said his councillors were being coerced to sack him.

A few hours later, a resolution emerged in which the councillors announced the suspension of Mr. Adedayo for “financial maladministration.”

According to the document signed by the leader of the house, Adesuji Fasheyi, and six others, lawmakers said they had resolved to suspend Mr Adedayo while they investigate the allegations against him.

The council has 11 members.

The lawmakers also directed Mr Adedayo to appear before them at their next sitting on 14 September in Ogbere, the council’s headquarters.

“That the Chairman steps aside for the proper conduct of investigations.

“The Council Chairman, Hon. Wale Adedayo, is hereby suspended for three months pending the conclusion of the investigations, and therefore directed to hand over all the properties of the council in his possession to the Vice Chairman…,” the council’s resolution further stated.

It also directed the council treasurer through the Head of the Local Government Administration (HOLGA), to furnish them with the bank statements of the council in the last two years, along with other relevant documents and vouchers required by the house for its investigation.

Punishment? However, the development is an apparent punishment for Mr Adedayo for standing up against Governor Abiodun over the alleged illegal diversion of local council funds in his state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Adedayo, in a letter on Sunday to a former governor of the state, Segun Osoba, complained that local governments were under a regime of “zero allocation” due to the the governor allegedly seizing their federal allocations and internally generated revenue.

The Nigerian constitution, in section 162 prohibits state governments from interfering with local government funds, but state governors are widely believed to meddle in the use of funds belonging to the councils.

Mr Adedayo followed up by writing petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC containing the same allegations.

However, the governor, in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Kunle Adeniran, denied the allegation, saying he had, instead, been augmenting allocations to the local councils.

On Wednesday, the chairpersons of the 18 local governments in the state, under the umbrella of the Association of Local Government Councils of Nigeria (ALGON) went to the Government House in Abeokuta to

apologise for the ’embarrassment’ caused the governor by their colleague’s remarks.

Reacting to the latest development, Mr Adedayo said his suspension did not follow due process.

Speaking with journalists, he alleged that two of the councillors who signed the resolution suspending him were led to the council secretariat at gunpoint.

“Suspension or impeachment of a local government chairman ought to follow due process. The first stage is a letter to me about the so-called infractions.

“Of course, they stormed the council secretariat with more than 100 armed policemen this morning, along with thugs and ‘agberos’.

“They think we were going to react violently as they had prepared. We are in a democracy. We’ll challenge them democratically.

“All the allegations are baseless and without foundation. They forcefully marched the Clerk of the House to Abeokuta yesterday along with the local government’s HOLGA. So, we knew what the Governor was up to before the charade of this morning.

“Two of the councillors were led to the Council at gunpoint. And immediately after they finished, all of them were taken in a vehicle to Abeokuta.

“Of course, I was told that N1 million was given to each person that signed. We are not bothered. Once the EFCC comes, the books of the local government can also be opened for them to see,” he added.

Mr Adedayo had earlier on Thursday morning raised the alarm that his councillors were being coerced to suspend him from office.

“Invading the peaceful Ogbere community with mobile policemen in order to impeach Wale Adedayo is desperation. As I told the SSG yesterday, we took an oath with our fathers that we’ll make this land better

than we met it. You can kill the body, but not the spirit of Wale Adedayo

“Yesterday, the Clerk of the House was summoned to Abeokuta along with our HOLGA. Of course, they wanted to impeach me since Tuesday. They claimed it has been done today after more than 100 armed policemen invaded the local government.

“So, after this one, does it make the allegations go away? Mr. Governor still have (sic) to account for all the funds since 2019. And we are yet to open another box on the N52 billion,” Mr Adedayo wrote on Facebook.

The police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, could not be reached to comment on the alleged involvement of the police in the alleged siege to the local council secretariat in Ogbere.

Mrs Odutola did not pick up her calls or respond to a text message sent to her by our correspondents on Thursday.

After listening to the council bosses, the governor reminded them that he had adhered to the provisions of the constitution in managing local government funds in the state.

He said the funds were managed by the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), the lawful entity for the distribution of funds to local governments.

“This job, I am doing it with every iota of sincerity and I will continue to ensure that I am guided by my promises during my sojourn to this place,” Mr Abiodun said.

Commenting later on his colleagues’ actions before the governor, Mr Adedayo said, “It is a democracy, anybody can pick the choice they want. It is either they want to serve the people who elected them or they want to serve the Governor, the choice is theirs.

“Let their constituents ask them how much have they got so far and how much have they expended on what? That is it, if it is true, they are begging, that means they were being given money, so how much have they collected so far and what did they use the money for, where is the balance? That is what their constituents should be asking them.”

FROM: PREMIUM TIMES

CAF Women’s Champions League:Ampem Darkoa Stun Delta Queens To Pick WAFU B Sole Ticket.

CAF Women’s Champions League:Ampem Darkoa Stun Delta Queens To Pick WAFU B Sole Ticket.

JUDE AGBEYEKE.

Delta Queens Football Club of Asaba failed to qualify for the 3rd edition of the CAF Women Champions League after losing by a lone goal to Ampem Darkoa Ladies Football Club of Ghana.

The Coach Tosan Blankson tutored side had kicked off the final match seating deep in an attempt to ward off the free scoring Ghanaian Ladies and it paid off as the Ghanaians failed to re-enact it’s potency in front of goal.

The Asaba Ladies having curtailed the attacking forays of the Ghanaians took the initiatives as they came out seeking to score but the attacking line up anchored by the duo of Chinasa Agoh and Folajomi Olabiyi failed to capitalize on the few Chances created.

Ampem Darkoa tutored by Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa however it’s counter attacking style which was consistently thwarted by the resilient Delta Queens.

The Ghanaians however scored the only goal of the grueling encounter in the 44th minute after Delta Queens goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi’s failure to gather a free kick with Ophelia Amponsah heading home the loose ball that left fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City into a shock.

Delta Queens came out looking for an equalizer in the second half with substitute Mercy Omokwo keeping the Ghanaian defence busy for the rest of the second half.

The Ghanaians swiftly Adopted a defensive style and it paid off as Delta Queens could not unlock the defence line despite pinning Ampem Darkoa to their vital area for the second half.

Ampem Darkoa will now represent WAFU B Zone in the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League which holds in November in Cote D’Ivoire.

Rivera Angel Football Club of Port Harcourt and Bayelsa Queens Football Club of Yenagoa had represented the zone in the first two editions of the championship with Ampem Darkoa will be the third team from the zone to fly the zones flag in the competition as well as breaking Nigeria’s stranglehold in the zonal qualifiers.

The Politician's Game: Exploiting and Abandoning Followers for Personal Gain.

The Politician's Game: Exploiting and Abandoning Followers for Personal Gain.

By: Mature Minds Community Media 

In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, politics has been marred by a pervasive practice: politicians using their followers as a means to an end, only to discard them once their objectives are fulfilled. This article explores the phenomenon of politicians in Nigeria, particularly in the southern region, using and subsequently abandoning their loyal supporters after achieving their goals. This pattern of behavior sheds light on the opportunistic nature of politics and its implications for governance, trust, and social development.

The relationship between politicians and their followers often follows a predictable cycle. During elections or when seeking political favor, politicians invest time, resources, and efforts in winning the loyalty of their followers. Promises of better living conditions, jobs, empowerment programs, and other incentives are doled out to create a sense of allegiance. These offerings, though often superficial, help to build a bond between the politician and their supporters.

Once the politician secures the coveted political position, the dynamics begin to change. Priorities shift from maintaining connections with the electorate to consolidating power and influence. The resources that were once generously allocated to followers and supporters are now redirected towards personal gains, bureaucratic machinery, and consolidating the politician's hold on power.

The most critical aspect of this exploitative relationship is the eventual abandonment of followers. The politician's once vibrant engagement with the community dwindles as they focus on other matters. Promised benefits, such as job opportunities, infrastructure development, and empowerment initiatives, often remain unfulfilled. Graduates among their media teams who were once hopeful for employment are left to struggle without the support they were promised.

While in power, politicians may resort to token gestures to maintain a semblance of support. These gestures, however, often fail to address the genuine needs of the people. During festive periods, for instance, politicians distribute food items and small amounts of money, portraying themselves as caring leaders. However, these acts are insufficient to uplift the community and are often perceived as mere attempts to pacify the masses.

The exploitation and subsequent abandonment of followers by politicians have far-reaching consequences for society. Trust in political leadership erodes, and disillusionment with the political process grows. The cycle perpetuates a culture of dependency, where citizens begin to lose agency and the motivation to engage in meaningful civic activities. This not only hinders social progress but also weakens the democratic fabric of the nation.

To break this harmful cycle, both systemic and attitudinal changes are necessary. Stronger regulatory mechanisms need to be established to hold politicians accountable for their promises and actions. Civil society organizations, media, and citizens' initiatives can play a vital role in monitoring political behavior and advocating for ethical governance.

Additionally, politicians must recognize the importance of genuine empowerment and sustainable development initiatives. Instead of providing temporary relief through token gestures, they should focus on creating opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship that can lead to long-term self-sufficiency.

In Conclusion, the exploitative practice of politicians using and dumping their followers after achieving their goals is a distressing reality in many regions, particularly in Nigeria's southern part. This phenomenon highlights the need for a more ethical, accountable, and people-centered approach to politics. For society to flourish and democracy to thrive, politicians must shift their focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainable development, and citizens must demand transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement from their elected representatives.

UCL DRAW: "GROUP OF DEATH."

UCL DRAW: "GROUP OF DEATH."

By: Olamide Akinwumi. 

The UEFA Champions League draw took place today, revealing the group stage matchups for the upcoming tournament. One of the most talked-about outcomes is the formation of what's being referred to as the "Group of Death." This term is used when a group consists of exceptionally strong and competitive teams, making it a challenging task for any of them to advance to the knockout stages. In this case, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Newcastle United have found themselves grouped together, creating an intense and exciting dynamic. The matches within this group are expected to be thrilling, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing some of Europe's top football clubs battle it out for a spot in the next round. The term "Group of Death" highlights the fierce competition and unpredictability that can arise in such groups, as any team could potentially advance despite the tough opposition. As the group stage matches unfold, football enthusiasts around the world will be closely following the progress of these teams in what promises to be a captivating UCL season. #UCLdraw