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JUST IN: Adebutu Applauds President Tinubu, Judiciary on LGs Autonomy Matters

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The 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, has applauded President Bola Tinubu,  and the judiciary for their positions on financial autonomy of local governments.

Adebutu gave the kudos after he regained freedom from the Department of State Services (DSS), early morning today.

Adebutu was invited and detained on Monday in respect of his alleged involvement in some security breaches at Iperu, Ikenne local government area of the state, during last Saturday’s local government election in the state.

In a statement Hon. Adebutu personally signed, titled “My experience and release from the DSS,” the former lawmaker stated that his resolve to see an independent local government through financial autonomy remain sacrosanct.

He said: “At about 7am, Tuesday, 19th November, 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State.

“Very sadly, the allegations were so baseless that it became clear that their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition.

My contention that those elections were not free and fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought.

My thinking that the Local Government should have financial autonomy that can only be enforced by free and fair elections is germane to our development. Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, shares the same view as mine which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.

“However, because of the particular situation of Ogun State over the last five years, which I shall publish shortly, desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely; this is the struggle for our development.

” My thinking that the Local Government should have financial autonomy that can only be enforced by free and fair elections is germane to our development.

Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shares the same view as mine which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.

“However, because of the particular situation of Ogun State over the last five years, which I shall publish shortly, desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely; this is the struggle for our development.

“I seize this opportunity to appreciate our institutions as they gradually continue to grow.
I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and fairness the Department of State Services has treated this matter till date, particularly during my stay in their office.

I also  acknowledge the judiciary for the forthright judgment we were able to obtain from the Ogun State High Court on Friday, 15th November, 2024, in suit AB/784/2024, a suit filed for the purpose of excluding the Peoples Democratic Party from participating in the Local Government elections.

I thank all stakeholders, well wishers and for that matter non-well wishers, because together, we must move the narration forward and arrive at good governance,” he said.

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JUST IN: Lagos APC lawmakers deny defection rumours

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Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, has dismissed claims that 25 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress to an unnamed party.

According to Leadership, Olukayode described in a Tuesday statement that the report is “entirely false and without merit.”

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false and without merit.“

During the recent leadership dispute within the Assembly, a similar report surfaced, suggesting that twenty-seven (27) members were preparing to leave the APC for the Labour Party.

“That claim was also unequivocally refuted, with members affirming their commitment to the party and confidence in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms,” he stated.

He emphasized that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly was contemplating defection, reiterating that as progressives, any challenges faced are resolved through democratic and lawful means.

Olukayode further assured that the APC leadership is actively addressing all internal concerns and outstanding issues will be resolved amicably.

He urged those spreading the rumours to desist from misleading the public, stressing that the Lagos Assembly remains focused on its legislative duties of enacting laws and motions that drive the state’s development.

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Fire Alert update: Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Contains Tanker Fire on Otedola Bridge

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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has attending to a Fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola bridge, Omole, Lagos at about 20:00 hours yesterday.

The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on it way navigating the Lagos-Ibadan expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompany with Fire balls in front of a Reedem Church.

The resultant Fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles as it being mitigated from causing further damage.

According to Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, there has been no record of casualty with further update to follow.

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CSO, Reps seek gender-responsive legislative reforms

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A Civil Society Organisation, Gender Mobile Initiative and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive legislative reforms.

The call was made at the Women’s Policy Action Lab as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Abuja, according to a statement by the Communication Officer, Gender Mobile Initiative, Abubakar Abdullahi.

The meeting further reinforced the need for commitment by stakeholders to advance gender equality in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth, Olamujuwonlo Alao Akala, in his remark, assured that the House would activate recommendations made at the lab for necessary legislative action.

The lab, guided by legal experts and policymakers, analyzed and proposed amendments to key policies affecting women’s rights, including the VAPP Act, National Gender Policy, Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Labour Laws.

Stakeholders also emphasized accountability, inclusivity and effective implementation of government policies as they affect women.

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