Former Accountant General of Nigeria, Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla, has died in the United Kingdom, according to reports from The Street Journal.

Otunla passed away shortly after celebrating his 70th birthday.

Born on June 12, 1955, Otunla was appointed as the Accountant General of the Federation by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on June 28, 2011.

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He held the position until 2015 when he was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Otunla was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with two major cases.

He was alleged to have diverted approximately N24 billion intended for the severance pay of disengaged staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Additionally, he was accused of receiving N2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for personal use.

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In a bid to avoid prosecution for these allegations, Otunla reportedly refunded N6.3 billion to the Federal Government.

Aside from his role as Accountant General, Otunla served as a board member of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He retired from the Civil Service on June 12, 2015, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Otunla’s death marks the end of a controversial chapter in Nigeria’s public service history, as he was embroiled in significant financial misconduct allegations up until his passing.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the establishment of a unified four-year tenure for elected local government officials nationwide. ALGON’s National President, Aminu Maifata, made this appeal during an interview with journalists on Monday in Lafia.

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Maifata argued that a standardized four-year term would enhance governance and ensure quality representation at the grassroots level.

He urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to reflect this change, emphasizing the need for consistency across all states.

“The tenure of local government officials should be standardized to four years to allow us to fulfill our campaign promises to the electorate,” Maifata stated.

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“It’s unfortunate that in some states, local government officials serve only one or two-year terms. Such short periods make it challenging to deliver effective governance.”

Regarding the proposed N62,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, Maifata called for an increase in the monthly allocations to the 774 local government areas.

He stressed that this adjustment is necessary for councils to afford the new minimum wage once it becomes law.

Maifata, who also serves as the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, praised Governor Abdullahi Sule for granting autonomy to the local councils.

He urged other governors to follow Sule’s example to promote development, particularly at the grassroots level.

Discussing security measures in Lafia, Maifata explained the partial curfew imposed to curb the rising incidents of kidnapping and other crimes in the state capital.

He noted that the movement of motorcycles is restricted between 6 PM and 6 AM, and tricycles between 8 PM and 6 AM, based on security reports indicating that criminal gangs use these vehicles to commit crimes during the restricted hours.

“The security situation in Lafia has improved significantly,” Maifata reported.

“We will continue to adopt better strategies to ensure the safety of lives and property.”

Maifata concluded by affirming ALGON’s commitment to advocating for policies that support good governance and development at the local government level.

Governor Similanayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the 23 local government areas of the State.

This follows expiration of the three-year tenure of the immediate past local government chairmen.

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However, the affected council chairmen have said they would not vacate office, citing the law proclaimed by the Pro-Wike lawmakers.

The Rivers House of Assembly faction led by Martins Amaehwule, had amended the Local Government Administration Act to extend the tenure of the chairmen for 6 months over the refusal of Fubara administration to conduct fresh elections.

Although the governor fail to assent to the bill when the lawmakers transmitted it to him, they overrode him and passed it into law.

Tension built up in some local government secretariats on Monday when some groups took over the place and warned the chairmen not to come close to the council.

Governor Fubara in a state wide broadcast on Tuesday commended the outgone chairmen for their dedicated service to their respective local government areas and wished them well in their future endeavors.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby
directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

“I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.

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“Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.

“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.”

Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of potentially creating a new wave of insurgency akin to Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria.

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Kwankwaso’s comments came in response to the ongoing situation in Kano, where security forces have shown support for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Speaking at the launch of an 82-kilometre rural road project in his hometown of Madobi, Kwankwaso emphasized that the people of Kano will resist any attempts to undermine their state’s authority.

“We have strong support from the people because they believe in us,” Kwankwaso stated.

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“The NNPP administration is dedicated to serving them wherever they have voted for us. We will not stand by while enemies of the state attempt to disrupt the peace. We will support the governor to ensure his success. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on his objectives.”

Kwankwaso further criticized certain individuals from Kano, whom he described as mentally unstable, for advising the Federal Government to impose a State of Emergency in Kano.

“This is the height of madness, and the peace-loving people of Kano will resist it,” he declared.

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He also addressed the political landscape leading up to 2027, warning that some politicians are already attempting to cause disruption.

“We would rather both sides lose than allow them to crush us. We are prepared to face any political victimization head-on. We are not afraid to be out of power; we remain politicians regardless of our position.”

Kwankwaso accused the Federal Government of heeding advice from unpatriotic Kano politicians, which he believes will lead to its failure.

He assured that the people of Kano will stand firm against any attempts to undermine the governor’s constitutional responsibilities.

“We are open to dialogue and reconciliation, but we will not tolerate intimidation or political harassment,” Kwankwaso warned.

“We know how to navigate the political landscape and will protect ourselves from any malicious actions.”

Muhajid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, has called on the outgoing chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State to accept the conclusion of their three-year tenure and vacate their positions.

Speaking during the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Port Harcourt on Monday, Dokubo emphasized that extending the tenures of the LG chairmen is unconstitutional.

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He highlighted that the chairmen’s terms ended on June 17th, and any attempt to prolong their stay in office would violate the oath they took.

Dokubo cautioned the former chairmen against provoking what he described as “people’s power,” warning that it could lead to serious consequences.

“The Local Government tenure has expired today (June 17, 2024). They should quietly go home. If they want to seek re-election according to the Constitution, they should pursue that route,” Dokubo stated.

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“There is no provision for tenure elongation in the Constitution. Their positions are tenure-bound, and that tenure has ended. They should not create unnecessary problems for the people of the state. I also advise young people not to allow themselves to be used.”

He urged the youth to understand their role in safeguarding the state’s interests against those who view their positions as personal estates. Dokubo asserted that Rivers State belongs to its people and cannot be dominated by any single individual.

“Only one person can be governor of Rivers State at a time. The people of Rivers State are greater than Muhajid Asari Dokubo, and Rivers State is greater than any individual. No one can take the people of Rivers State for granted,” he said.

Dokubo criticized those whose children are not actively involved in local issues, contrasting them with leaders like Nelson Mandela and others who have a personal stake in their communities.

“The people are demonstrating their power. They have taken over local government secretariats because it is about the people. No one can claim that we voted for a three-year tenure for a chairman and then expect the chairman to exceed that term by even one second,” he continued.

Dokubo assured that Rivers people are exercising their rights and will maintain control until new elections are conducted.