The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has remained silent on the Federal Government’s decision to take the 36 state governors to the Supreme Court over alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas (LGAs).

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When approached for a comment, the Director-General of the NGF, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but refrained from making any statements, citing the matter’s pending status in the court.

“The NGF Secretariat is aware that the Federal Government has instituted a legal action against the Governors of the 36 States of the Federation at the apex court over alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas. Since the matter is in Court, it will be subjudice to comment on it,” Dr. Shittu said.

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The Federal Government initiated the legal action against the state governors, accusing them of misconduct in LGA administration.

The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The Federal Government is seeking full autonomy for all LGAs, asserting their status as the third tier of government.

Specifically, the Federal Government is asking the Supreme Court to prohibit state governors from unilaterally and unlawfully dissolving democratically elected local government councils.

Additionally, the suit seeks an order for funds allocated to local governments to be directly disbursed from the Federation Account, bypassing the allegedly unlawful joint accounts managed by state governors.

The Benue State House of Assembly has repealed the controversial life pension law for former governors and their deputies.

This decision was made during a plenary session on Monday, reversing the law passed by the 9th Assembly in May 2023, just before their tenure ended.

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The current 10th Assembly argued that the law, which provided extensive benefits to ex-governors and deputies, was not in the state’s best interest and labeled it as anti-people.

Members of the House unanimously supported the repeal after extensive discussion.

Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, confirmed the repeal of the “Bill for a law to repeal provision for the maintenance of former elected governors of the state and their deputies and for other matters connected thereto 2024.”

The previous law, championed by the former Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Engr. Titus Uba, and presented by Hon. Geoffrey Agbatse, included provisions for monthly pensions equivalent to the current salaries of serving governors and deputies, funded by the state’s consolidated revenue.

Key benefits outlined in the repealed law included:
– Monthly stipends equivalent to the salaries of the incumbent governor and deputy governor for life.
– Maintenance allowances of N25,000,000 for former governors and N15,000,000 for former deputy governors every four years.
– Procurement of two SUVs for former governors and one official car for former deputy governors.
– Provision of personal staff, including personal assistants, drivers, cleaners, and a cook for former governors, and similar, though fewer, staff for former deputy governors.
– Security details, yearly medical expenses, and vehicle replacements every four years.

Kano state High Court on Monday issued an order restraining the recently dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, alongside four other former emirs, from parading themselves as monarchs in the state.

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The court’s decision came after hearing an ex parte motion, instructing all dethroned emirs to cease acting in their official capacities and to vacate their respective palaces immediately.

The court mandated the Nigeria Police Force to take control of the Emir of Kano’s palace, currently occupied by Ado Bayero, and ensure his prompt eviction.

The court’s ruling stated: “An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Defendants either by themselves, servants, privies, and or any other persons or officers serving under them or acting in connection with any other person from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the Applicants.

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“That an order is hereby granted directing the Commissioner of Police, Kano State, to immediately take over the palace of the Emir of Kano located at State Road, Kano, and evict the 1st Defendant/Respondent from the said palace pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 24th May, 2024.

“An order is hereby granted restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Defendants from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye in the interest of peace in Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“An order is hereby made that the 1st to 5th Defendants be served through the office of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State, who is to ensure immediate implementation of the order of the Hon. Court in the interest of justice.

“The motion on notice dated 24/05/2024 is adjourned to 11th June, 2024, for hearing.”

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had previously directed the Nigeria Police Force to arrest Aminu Ado Bayero.

The directive was issued in a statement by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.

The governor accused Ado Bayero of creating tension in the state and attempting to forcefully return to the palace after his dethronement.

Kano State Government has asserted that the reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, was executed in the best interest of the state.

Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, issued a statement on Monday, addressing media reports of “exaggerated violent protests” linked to the recent dissolution of four emirates and the reinstatement of Sanusi.

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Dantiye emphasized the state’s overall peace despite isolated incidents of public disturbances by miscreants.

He clarified that these incidents, involving small groups of individuals, do not represent the broader sentiment of Kano’s residents.

“In view of the current tense situation in the state, the need to allay the fears of the public following the reports, reassure them of government commitment in ensuring the protection of their lives and properties and set the record straight has become necessary to clarify the inaccuracies in the media reports and present the true situation on the ground,” the statement read.

Contrary to media portrayals, there have been no widespread violent protests.

The government acknowledged minor disturbances by “hired miscreants” but stressed that these did not reflect the overall situation. Dantiye accused these elements of attempting to destabilize the state for personal gain.

He reiterated that the decision to reinstate Sanusi and dissolve the emirates, made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was after careful consideration of the state’s best interests.

This move, he said, has been welcomed by a significant portion of the populace who see the long-term benefits of a unified emirate structure.

The statement also highlighted attempts by certain political actors to manipulate the situation and incite unrest, using media to spread false narratives.

“Their actions and those of their agents are not representative of the genuine feelings of the citizens of Kano State but are instead driven by selfish ulterior motives,” Dantiye noted.

The government assured that it remains committed to maintaining peace and stability, vowing to uphold law and order and protect citizens’ rights.

The public was urged to disregard sensationalized media reports and support government efforts to create a more unified state. The government also called on the media to practice responsible journalism by verifying facts before publishing potentially inflammatory content.

“Kano State government under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to the progress and development of the state and call on all citizens to join hands in this regard,” the statement concluded.