News

It’s corruption for Soludo to use appointees to run Anambra LGs – Ozigbo

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

295 Views

Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP) and former governorship candidate, has criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for using appointed officials to run local government areas (LGAs), labeling the practice as corrupt and illegal. This criticism comes in response to a court order from Abuja, which restrained the Accountant General of the Federation and the Federal Minister of Finance from remitting funds to Anambra’s 21 LGAs.

Ozigbo expressed his views on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting the detrimental impact of using caretaker committees instead of elected officials. He pointed out that this practice has long been deemed illegal and accused Governor Soludo of perpetuating it despite initial promises to implement reforms.

“While this news is not entirely cheerful, given that it involves funds due to the local government areas of Anambra, it is a welcome development. The corruption-laden use of appointed caretaker committees to manage the affairs of local governments has been consistently deemed illegal,” Ozigbo stated.

He emphasized that approximately N175 billion might have accrued to the LGAs over the past two years, funds that could have significantly improved local infrastructure such as schools, healthcare institutions, and markets in various communities. Ozigbo also noted that this substantial sum is separate from the state government’s allocation and internally generated revenue.

Ozigbo argued that remitting these funds without having elected local government councils is counterproductive, especially given the heightened insecurity in Anambra since the current administration took office. He praised Chukwuebuka Mmeni Esq. for taking legal action against Governor Soludo and urged the state government to avoid wasting resources on legal fees to overturn the court order.

He called for the state government to conduct genuine local government elections instead of continuing with the caretaker committee system, which he described as indefensible. Ozigbo also encouraged his party, the Labour Party, to join the lawsuit to ensure proper governance and accountability in Anambra State.

“The illegality of the caretaker committees cannot be overstated, and no sophistry-cloaked legal argument can defend the indefensible. Our state would benefit more if the state government redirected funds towards conducting genuine local government elections,” Ozigbo concluded.

Related Topics:Anambra LGs Ozigbo Soludo

Up Next

BREAKING: Protest hits Villa, NASS over reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir

Don't Miss

Sack of Kano Emirs: Yusuf’s action capable of causing generational conflict – APC group

Click to comment

News

JUST IN: IGP Disu Assigns Portfolios to New DIGs

DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services, DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.

Published

12 minutes ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

10 Views

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has assigned the new Deputy Inspectors -General of Police (DIGs) their duties responsibilities.

Sources said that the DIGs were assigned departments based on their areas of competence.

DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services,

DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.

Similarly, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID);

DIG Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman to Finance and Accounts; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie will oversee the Force Intelligence Department (FID); DIG Fayoade Adegoke will head Information and Communication Technology, while DIG Umar Shehu Nadada has been posted to Operations departments.

News

Airport Access Gates: FG Approves Cash and FAAN Go Cashless Cards for Payment

The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.

In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available

Published

2 hours ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

17 Views

The Federal Government has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to accept both cash and electronic payments at airport access gates nationwide, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion.

The directive followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the FAAN, alongside senior officials of the ministry, on Tuesday.

The move comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of the full cashless payment system at airport access gates following complaints that it had caused traffic gridlocks.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the government has resolved to gradually transition to a fully automated payment system at airport access points.

As part of the interim measures, the ministry announced that a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and card payments will take effect at all airport access gates from March 13, 2026.

The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available

News

LASEMA Cautions Social Media Platforms Against Circulating False News

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, made the call today following his visit to a collapsed three-storey school building at Yemco Schools, Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11, Adu Street, Behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State.

Published

2 hours ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

16 Views

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has cautioned news platforms, especially social media against the circulation of misleading information.

He said : “In situations like this, inaccurate reports and exaggerated claims can create unnecessary panic within the public.

“We urge members of the public and media platforms to rely only on verified information released by official government agencies such as LASEMA and other authorized emergency management bodies.

Spreading unverified information during emergencies can hinder response operations and misinform the public.

” First and foremost, I want to reassure the public that this incident did not result in any loss of life.”

He emphasised:” After careful assessment and rescue operations, I can confirm that all individuals within the vicinity of the building were accounted for and no casualties were recorded. Because no lives were lost, we categorize this situation not as a disaster but as an emergency incident, which was quickly managed through coordinated response efforts.”

According to him, emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other first responders were immediately deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough search and safety assessment.

Our emergency teams promptly secured the environment, carried out safety checks, and ensured that there were no trapped victims within the structure.

The safety of residents, students, and staff remains our top priority.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives, ensuring rapid emergency response, and maintaining public safety across the state.

We will continue to work with relevant authorities to assess the structural integrity of buildings across Lagos and enforce safety regulations where necessary.

Once again, I want to reassure residents that the situation has been fully contained and there is no cause for alarm.”