🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele addresses claims on lawmakers' allowances and vehicle spending
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has refuted claims that federal lawmakers determine their own allowances, stating that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC sets salaries and official vehicle entitlements for members of the National Assembly. Bamidele's comments follow a court ruling that declared the National Assembly's N110 billion spending on SUVs and allowances unlawful. The Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for new members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust. The court also mandated the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to ensure future procurements comply with due process. Bamidele defended the allowances, explaining that lawmakers do not set their own remuneration and that public misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding of how these are structured. He added that resources for vehicles and other allowances are primarily for constituency and legislative duties, not personal benefits, and called for greater transparency in public office holders' remunerations to improve public understanding.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks by political thugs in various parts of the state, including Ile-Ife, Ede, and Osogbo. In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke called the violence unacceptable, emphasizing that no political ambition justifies the suffering of innocent citizens. He urged President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to intervene and restore order. The Governor also called on state political leaders, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, to restrain their supporters, warning that continued provocations could destabilize the state. Governor Adeleke stated that he personally visited affected communities and victims receiving treatment at Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and Cottage Hospital, Ede, including the Osogbo Accord Party chairman who survived a gunshot attack. He assured residents that his administration would support victims and directed security agencies to conduct a full investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation. Governor Adeleke stressed that political differences should not lead to violence and urged residents to remain calm, noting that additional security measures have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Residents of Ile Oluji in Ondo State have invested over N1.3 billion in community development projects without government assistance, according to High Chief Johnson Fagbamiye, the Lisa of Ile Oluji Kingdom. These projects, funded entirely by communal efforts and contributions, include the installation of a 10MVA transformer to enhance electricity supply, which cost approximately N750 million including installation, despite the transformer itself being a N200 million donation. Other initiatives to be inaugurated during the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Olufadero Adetimehin include two blocks of two-story student hostels with 40 self-contained rooms for the Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, and eight blocks of modern agricultural and livestock market stalls. The community also supports ongoing road projects and an annual scholarship scheme for brilliant and indigent students from 14 public schools. The anniversary celebration will feature various events, including a carnival, youth empowerment programs, cultural exhibitions, and the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council have exchanged accusations following outbreaks of violence in several communities that left approximately three people injured. The unrest reportedly began in Ile-Ife during an APC rally for governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, where campaign posters were torn, leading to clashes between alleged hoodlums associated with the APC and Accord party. Eyewitnesses reported the use of dangerous weapons and gunshots, causing panic and injuries. Subsequent shootings were reported in Aisu, Owode-Ede, Aregbesola Area of Osogbo, Olaiya, Old Garage, and Oke Fia. One elderly man was injured in Owode-Ede and a driver was shot in Aregbesola Area. Governor Adeleke visited victims and condemned what he described as "coordinated attacks" by "pro-Ambo political thugs," accusing Marine Minister Gboyega Oyetola and Osun APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji of destabilizing the state. Conversely, the Osun APC Campaign Council, through Remi Omowaiye, accused "hoodlums working for Adeleke" of attacking their supporters and vandalizing campaign buses. The African Democratic Congress Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, also blamed suspected APC thugs for the violence, calling for an investigation by the State Commissioner of Police. The police have confirmed they are investigating the incidents.