Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to implement comprehensive restructuring in Nigeria, following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Local Government autonomy.

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Praising the judiciary’s decision, George described the verdict as a landmark victory for democracy and a significant step forward for Nigeria’s political and economic progress.

He called on President Tinubu to capitalize on this momentum to overhaul the country’s governance structure.

In a statement released on Saturday, George said, “the Supreme Court’s judgment on Thursday, which prevents State Governments from withholding and using funds allocated to Local Governments, is a major triumph for democracy and a crucial advancement for Nigeria’s development. The court’s ruling was clear: allocations to Local Governments must be directly disbursed from the Federation Account to councils with democratically elected officials.”

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He lauded the judiciary for reaffirming its role as the protector of the common man and noted that the verdict would have extensive implications for the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.

Referring to President Tinubu’s support for the verdict and his advocacy for restructuring, George advised, “the President must go further. Nigerians are calling for a complete overhaul of the political system. That is the only way Nigeria can function effectively. Total restructuring is what the people want.”

George emphasized the necessity of decentralizing power to enhance democracy and ensure that its benefits are widely distributed.

He pointed out that many developed nations employ a Bottom-Up Approach to governance and encouraged Nigeria to adopt a similar model.

“In numerous developed countries, the central government does not control all airports, both international and local. For example, Jackson Airport in Atlanta, one of the world’s busiest and most profitable airports, is managed by the Atlanta City Council,” he explained.

“In Nigeria, over-centralization is a significant issue.”

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George also highlighted the disparity in the number of local governments across states, citing Lagos and Kano as examples.

He argued for allowing states to determine their local government structures instead of adhering to a uniform standard.

He concluded by calling for a new Nigeria, where development begins at the grassroots level, and advocated for a thorough revision of the Constitution.

“The Supreme Court has initiated the change. Now is the perfect time to completely revamp our Constitution,” he stated.

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The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Sokoto state on Monday nullified the election of Umar Yusuf Yabo Danmaje, member representing Yabo/Shagari federal constituency in the house of representatives.

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In a unanimous judgment, the three man tribunal whose members are; Justice Ashu A. Ewah, Justices Helen N. Hammanjoda and Ali T. Changbo, declared the election invalid due to irregularities in several polling units.

The original election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023, and a subsequent rerun on February 3, 2024, were deemed flawed.

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The tribunal ordered INEC to revoke Danmaje’s Certificate of Return and organize a new election in the affected polling units within 90 days.

The fresh election will cover four polling units, three in Shagari LGA and one in Yabo LGA.

The specific polling units identified for the rerun are Dagawa Maji Kira, Dagawa Mai Zane, Shiyar Magaji, Kesoji Shiyar Hakimi, Jaredi Maji Kira, and Mazoji in the Yabo and Shagari local government areas of Sokoto State.

The tribunal further awarded a cost of N500,000 in favor of the petitioners.

Two members of the Abia State House of Assembly, formerly of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), have officially joined the Labour Party (LP) as announced on Friday.

The lawmakers, Fyne Ahuama representing Osisioma Ngwa South and Iheanacho Nwogu representing Osisioma Ngwa North, were received by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, at a reception held at Ngwa High School in Aba.

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Governor Otti welcomed the lawmakers, emphasizing their longstanding collaboration with his administration based on shared principles rather than financial incentives.

He highlighted his government’s focus on fostering a conducive environment for business growth and economic empowerment, contrasting it with practices of cash distribution.

“Our government supports business and empowers individuals to be self-reliant. We do not distribute money but provide opportunities for people to thrive independently,” Governor Otti stated.

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He acknowledged the defection of Ahuama and Nwogu to the Labour Party, noting their early endorsement of his administration’s vision since its inception.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructural development, promising to expedite projects like the Ekeakpara Road and announcing plans for additional road construction and economic infrastructure in Osisioma Ngwa LGA and Aba.

In response, Labour Party Vice Chairman for the South East, Mr. Ceekey Igara, commended Governor Otti’s leadership and encouraged the new members to contribute to the party’s growth.

Addressing the gathering, Ahuama and Nwogu expressed their reasons for joining the Labour Party, citing Governor Otti’s achievements and their alignment with his policies.

They pledged to strengthen the party’s presence in their constituencies and enhance its membership base.

With this defection, the YPP no longer holds any seats in the Abia State House of Assembly. The Labour Party now holds a majority with 12 lawmakers, followed by the PDP with 11, and the APC with one representative.

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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