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Non Functional LGs Behind Collapse Of Nigeria’s Local Economy – Ex-IPAC Chairman
High Chief Peter Ameh, former Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, has sounded the alarm on the dire state of Nigeria’s local government system, which he attributes to the collapse of the country’s local economy.
In a passionate plea for urgent electoral reforms, Ameh highlights the detrimental effects of non-transparent elections on democracy, governance, and the overall well-being of local communities.
Ameh argues that the failure of the local government system can be traced back to the imposition and coronation of governors, rather than fair and democratic elections.
“This lack of local government elections has stifled the competitive growth and development of Nigeria’s local communities, hindering their economic potential and undermining the nation’s multi-party democracy,” Ameh said.
Drawing attention to the multiple negative consequences of non-transparent elections, Ameh emphasizes the urgent need for reform.
Firstly, he highlights how such elections erode trust in the democratic process, disenfranchise citizens, and undermine the very foundation of democracy.
“Moreover, non-transparent elections provide a breeding ground for corruption, enabling fraudulent practices and manipulation that sustain corrupt politicians in power,” Ameh said adding that the absence of transparent elections also results in a lack of accountability among officials, leading to poor governance and mismanagement.
He said vulnerable populations, including minorities, low-income communities, and women, bear the brunt of non-transparent elections, further marginalizing them and exacerbating social inequalities.
Ameh further warns of the potential for political instability, social unrest, and violence arising from disputes surrounding non-transparent elections.
He said there could be widespread mistrust in government institutions and leaders is another consequence, eroding public confidence and faith in the political system.
The former IPAC Chairman emphasizes that non-transparent elections also lead to inefficient resource allocation, as corrupt or unaccountable officials prioritize personal interests over public needs.
This stagnation in local development, Ameh said it hinders progress on pressing local issues and impedes the overall growth of the economy.
To address these pressing concerns, Ameh supports the call for major electoral reforms.
He endorses the idea of granting local governments financial and administrative autonomy, freeing them from the stronghold of state governors.
“These reforms would ensure transparent, free, and fair elections in the local government system, guaranteeing the integrity and accountability of the electoral process,” Ameh said while commending the decision of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to champion the emancipation of the local government system.
He proposes specific recommendations, including amending relevant sections of the Constitution to guarantee the existence, structure, and functions of local governments.
Additionally, he suggests incorporating State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a more streamlined and independent election management body.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
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Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…