The South East House of Assembly caucus of the Labour Party has advocated for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that his release would help mitigate tensions in the region and distinguish genuine agitators from criminal elements involved in activities such as kidnapping.

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In a communique signed by 11 lawmakers and delivered by Hon. Jude Umennajiego, the leader of the LP caucus in the zone, the caucus emphasized the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu.

They believe this action will alleviate the pervasive insecurity plaguing the South East, which has severely impacted the region’s economy and resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

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“The release of Nnamdi Kanu will separate genuine agitators from criminals involved in kidnapping,” Hon. Umennajiego affirmed during the statement in Awka, Anambra State capital.

The caucus also called upon the Governors of the South East region and the federal government to prioritize granting full financial autonomy to State Houses of Assembly.

They argued that this autonomy is crucial for enhancing legislative effectiveness in lawmaking, oversight, and other legislative duties, thus fostering stronger democratic institutions.

The LP caucus further urged swift resolution of the ongoing minimum wage impasse, acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians amidst rising costs of living.

They emphasized the importance of heeding the calls of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to address these pressing concerns affecting the populace.

The caucus expressed optimism that Nnamdi Kanu’s release would not only contribute to regional stability but also promote national unity and cohesion across Nigeria.

Following Thursday’s Appeal Court decision in Abuja, which upheld the Tribunal’s validation of Ahmed Usman Ododo’s governorship victory in Kogi State, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, the Action Alliance (AA) candidate in the November 2023 election, has announced his intention to take the case to the Supreme Court.

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In a statement released on Friday, Braimoh expressed his disbelief at the Appeal Court’s judgment, emphasizing his belief that seeking justice from the Supreme Court is essential for upholding democracy and serving the people of Kogi State.

He criticized the Appeal Court for dismissing his petition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on technical grounds.

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Braimoh asserted that his team had presented evidence indicating that the election process was manipulated by the ruling party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He had hoped that the Appeal Court would overturn the Tribunal’s earlier verdict.

“Our decision to take this case to the Supreme Court demonstrates our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and fighting against electoral malpractice. We believe that the people of Kogi State deserve a fair and transparent election process, free from manipulation and interference. By pursuing this case at the highest court in the land, we are sending a clear message that we will not back down in our quest for justice and accountability,” Braimoh stated.

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He further highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process.

Despite setbacks in the lower courts, Braimoh remains confident that the truth will prevail and that the voices of the people of Kogi State will be heard.

“In taking this case to the Supreme Court, we are not only fighting for my own candidacy but also for the future of democracy in Kogi State. We are standing up against corruption and injustice, and we are determined to ensure that the will of the people is respected and upheld. My decision to pursue this legal battle to the highest level demonstrates courage, determination, and commitment to serving the people of Kogi State with integrity and honesty,” he added.

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Voters in Delta State eagerly gathered at polling stations on Saturday to participate in the local government elections.

Anticipation was high as residents awaited the arrival of election materials from the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).

In the Eku community of Ward 15, Ethiope East Local Government Area, voters congregated at the Town Hall, prepared to cast their ballots as soon as the materials arrived.

Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, announced that President Bola Tinubu will unveil a new cabinet in the next few weeks. Bwala’s comments came in response to recent statements made by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume.

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In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticized the federal government’s handling of security challenges and other issues, citing difficulties ministers face in meeting with President Tinubu.

Ndume remarked, “the major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly.”

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Ndume also told journalists at the National Assembly that the president had become disconnected from reality, allegedly due to certain forces isolating him at Aso Rock.

Bwala, in a piece titled ‘Ali Ndume, the Rant of an Expert in Grandstanding,’ argued that Ndume was unfit to criticize Tinubu.

He questioned Ndume’s achievements over his 21 years representing his constituency, suggesting that Ndume has benefited from a system that promotes mediocrity.

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“Senator Ali Ndume has shown a lack of leadership quality by any standard. He continues to represent people with little to show for it in his Senatorial District,” Bwala wrote.

He challenged Ndume to reflect on how many people he has mentored and helped succeed in life during his tenure in the National Assembly.

Bwala also defended President Tinubu, arguing that Ndume unfairly blames Tinubu for Nigeria’s current issues, which Bwala attributes to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.

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He stated that the Tinubu administration is working hard to rectify the problems inherited from Buhari’s leadership.

Bwala revealed that a recent assessment of the current ministers had been conducted and that President Tinubu plans to announce a cabinet reshuffle soon.

He criticized Ndume for his impatience and constant disparagement of the current administration.

Bwala noted that many current cabinet members were appointed through recommendations from influential figures like Ndume and party leaders across the states.

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In May, President Tinubu had pledged to remove any cabinet member who fails to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said, “I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians.”

Bwala concluded by emphasizing that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic and socio-political development, despite the challenges inherited from the previous government.

Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, has said that the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy can only be effective with a constitutional amendment.

He emphasized that, according to the constitution, local government elections must be conducted by the states, making local governments fall under state jurisdiction.

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Speaking at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, Duke expressed reservations about the Supreme Court’s decision.

“For the judgment to be effective, we need a constitutional amendment,” he stated.

He questioned whether local governments are truly federating units and argued that they should be governed by state laws, as they are creations of the states.

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Duke pointed out that the constitution defines the responsibilities of federal and state governments but does not clearly outline the role of local governments.

He stressed that local governments should exist but remain under state guidance.

“The problem they are trying to avoid is giving full autonomy to the states. The Federal Government is not necessarily more responsible than the states,” he added.

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He highlighted the need for a constitutional amendment to resolve these conflicts, noting that if governors are the chief executives and responsible for state security, local governments cannot have full autonomy.

Duke called for a clear delineation of powers and responsibilities, emphasizing that local governments must be accountable to state legislatures.

Duke also referenced historical conflicts, such as when President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld Lagos State’s resources after then-Governor Bola Tinubu created constitutionally unrecognized development areas.

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He pointed out that local government elections are conducted by state electoral commissions, further underscoring state control over local governments.

Duke argued that any effort to achieve local government autonomy must be carefully structured and constitutionally supported to avoid conflicts and ensure effective governance.