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Ogun State PDP governorship candidate alleges governors divert local government funds
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, has accused governors across Nigeria of diverting local government allocations. Speaking at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council, Adebutu pledged to grant full financial autonomy to councils if elected in 2027. He stated that ensuring financial independence for local governments would be a defining policy of his administration, emphasizing that local governments should receive their own funds directly. Adebutu, who was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, and the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, alleged that governors, regardless of political affiliation, are misappropriating these funds. He argued that direct access to statutory allocations would enable local governments to deliver better development. Adebutu also promised to construct roads to strengthen connectivity between Ogun State and Lagos, moving away from dependence on borrowing for infrastructure. Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, lamented the collapse of the local government system due to lack of financial autonomy and expressed confidence in Adebutu's commitment. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as a trustworthy leader.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin retd., a former Chief of Defence Staff, has praised the Department of State Services DSS for its strategic role in the recent release of 46 teachers and pupils abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Petinrin stated that while other security agencies received public recognition, the DSS's intelligence efforts, which he described as crucial, largely went unnoticed. He explained that the abductees were released by their captors after the DSS identified and traced the kidnappers' relatives, whose videos were then sent to the kidnappers. Petinrin commended the DSS for maintaining professionalism and silence despite not being publicly acknowledged for its contribution. He emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering as the foundation of successful military operations. He also praised President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi for their restraint in handling the operation, noting that their decision to avoid immediate military action prevented potential casualties. Suspected members of Jama鈥檃tu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, killing a teacher and abducting pupils and teachers. The victims were released after several weeks in captivity.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented over N3.1 billion in compensation to more than 300 property owners whose land was acquired for infrastructure projects. Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu stated that the compensation reflects his administration's commitment to fairness, transparency, and protecting citizens' rights under the Land Use Act. He emphasized that the payment is not charity but justice, representing the rightful entitlement of those whose property was acquired for public purposes. The governor noted that all claims underwent due process, including enumeration, professional valuation, and title verification. He added that the acquired lands would be used for roads, schools, and other public infrastructure to improve residents' quality of life, acknowledging the sacrifices of the affected owners. Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commended the residents for their patience. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago, described the exercise as a demonstration of the government's commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in land administration, following a previous compensation exercise on December 12, 2024.
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, announced that over 80,000 volunteers have registered for the Iru Ekun Security Network across the South-West, surpassing the initial projection of 50,000. Igboho, the founder of the security outfit, stated that this reflects the commitment of people in the region to local initiatives aimed at combating terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. He noted a significant reduction in kidnapping cases since the network's launch, particularly in areas previously affected by criminal elements. Background checks are conducted on members to prevent individuals with questionable character from joining. The security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states, with plans for a launch in Kwara State, where Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is reportedly partnering with them. Igboho attributed the reduction in abductions to local intelligence gathering and operational support from federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Defence, the military, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services. He specifically mentioned support from Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the DSS Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Igboho also commended South-West governors for their support and urged all Nigerians to view security as a collecti