JUDICIARY
LG Autonomy: Kogi Group Lauds Supreme Court’s Judgment
The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has lauded the recent landmark judgment by Supreme Court, affirming the direct payment of allocations to local governments and upholding their financial autonomy.
Report says that KONGONET represents the numerous civil society network groups in Kogi.
KONGONET’s Chairperson, Amb.
Idris Muraina, commended the court in a statement in Lokoja on Saturday.Muraina said that the apex court’s decision marked a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, and promoting transparency and accountability in local administration.
“In light of this crucial ruling, KONGONET calls upon the Kogi State Government to embrace this moment of opportunity and swiftly initiate the necessary mechanisms to conduct local government council elections in the state.
“It is imperative that the current local government transition committee be dissolved immediately, to pave the way for democratically elected chairmen to take charge and serve the interests of the local communities.
“Several esteemed civil society organisations in Kogi, including Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Initiative for Grassroot Advance (INGRA), and others, have voiced their support for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
“KONGONET stands united with these organisations in advocating for the timely and transparent transition to elected local government leadership,” he said.
The chairman congratulated Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, on the recent affirmation of his mandate by the Appellate Court as the validly elected governor of the state.
“We acknowledge the significance of this legal victory and urge the governor to seize this moment of validation to demonstrate his commitment to good governance and grassroots democracy.
“The time is ripe for the Kogi government to demonstrate its dedication to the principles of democracy, transparency; and accountability; by expediting the process of conducting local government elections.
“By adhering to the Supreme Court judgment and heeding the calls of civil society organisations, the government can uphold the rule of law and empower local communities to participate actively in their own development.
“KONGONET remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, to advance the cause of good governance and sustainable development in Kogi State.
“We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively in fulfilling its obligations to the people of Kogi state,” he said. (NAN)
Justice Maryann Anenih o a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court on Tuesday struck out the bail application filed by former governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.Anenih struck out the application on the grounds that it was filed when the former governor was yet to be taken into custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The application was filed on Nov. 22, while the former governor was taken into custody of the anti-graft agency on Nov. 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.(NAN)Details later….
Five men, on Monday appeared before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, for allegedly stealing a truck load of Milo products worth N25 million.The defendants, Temidire Ramon, 35, Aminu Yusuf, 26; Olusola Opadare, 35; Oludayo Adeleye, 38, and Amodu Jimoh, 51, are standing tial on a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
The prosecutor, Insp E. O.Adaraloye, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Oct. 13, 2020, at Agbara in Ogun.Adaraloye, said that the defendants conspired and stole a truck load of Milo products valued at N25 million, belonging to Nestle Company.He said that the offences contravened Sections 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.The Magistrate, Mr O.A Onagoruwa, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.He ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.Onagoruwa also ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to Ogun State Government.He adjourned the case until Dec.12 for hearing. (NAN) A Grade 1 Area Court, Kubwa has granted Maryam Muhammad custody of two children from her former husband, Bashir.
The judge, Musa Sabo ordered Bashir to pay Muhammad N175,000 for a self contained apartment in arrears following the plaintiff’s claim of already paid rent.
Sabo added that Bashir should secure a self contained apartment or pay the plaintiff N250, 000 annually for accommodation.
He said that the children would spend first and third term holidays with their father and second term holidays with their mother.
The judge said the father could pick his children up every weekend for outings within 10a.m to 6.pm from the mother and notify her before hand.
He also ordered him to pay outstanding school fees if any and pay the plaintiff arrears for the fees she claimed to pay after verifying same as she failed to prove it.
Sabo ordered Bashir to pay N40,000 from October 2023 To February 2024 and subsequently pay N45,000 monthly for the children’s upkeep..
Regarding the children’s medication, he ordered Bashir to make an arrangement based on his financial capability.
Earlier, the plaintiff approached the court for custody of her children, maintenance, Islamiyya school fees, enrollment of one of the children in a special needs school and transportation.
She also sought for Bashir to refund N770, 000 which she paid for her house rent with the children and pay for the medicals of the children.
Bashir however said his ex-wife paid the rent without his consent adding that he is a civil servant and not financially capable.
“I do not earn up to N2 million annually and I am currently paying N600,000 rent annually. My children are already under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS),” he said.(NAN)
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