By Abiodun AWOSANYA In August, 2024, aspirants contesting at the grassroots were equipped on the importance of self-assessment prior to their power-seeking action to avoid toiling with the emotions of the electorates. In the article, a powerful message was also sent to the gladiators – the ruling minority, on why the possession of economic resources should be secondary to “competence” in the process of determining the party flag bearers. This is said to go a long way in shaping the perception, as well as actions of flag bearers when they…
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Between the Rule of Law and Self-Help
By Rotimi Ogunleye Unfolding events in the Nigerian landscape have seemingly blurred the sharp boundary hkl0pbetween adherence to the rule of law and embrace of self-help. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (hereinafter referred to as the Constitution) states in Section 1(2) that: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.” In subsequent provisions, the Constitution states…
Read MorePerspectives on Local Government Autonomy: Constitutional Provisions and Case Law
By Rotimi Ogunleye The ongoing face-off between the Edo State Government and the State’s 18 Local Government Councils has brought to the fore again the issue of autonomy and the relationship between the three tiers of government comprising the Federal, State and Local Governments. That was the issue before the Supreme Court in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and 35 ors. (2024) 7 S.C. (Part 1) page 1 of which judgement was delivered on the 11th day of July 2024 issue. The Attorney General…
Read MoreTribute to The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, on its 120th Anniversary
By Prince Oluwaseyi Adelabu Today, December 11, 2024, marks a monumental occasion as The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, celebrates 120 years of God’s unwavering faithfulness and grace. It is with immense joy and gratitude that I pen this tribute as a former Cathedral Secretary (2017 to 2023). Serving in this role for over 6 consecutive years remains one of the greatest privileges of my life, allowing me to contribute to the legacy of this iconic institution of faith. The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, is not just a building—it…
Read MoreOPINION: Commentary on the Proposed Lagos State Local Government (Amendment) Bill
By S. O. K. Shillings Esq Following the Supreme Court judgment declaring Local Governments as financially autonomous, there is need for adjustments. And Lagos State that started the ‘Local Council Development Area’ idea is blazing the trail once again. Let us refresh our minds on the status quo. Lagos State started the process of creating new Local Governments during the tenure of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Governor. At the critical stage of adoption by the National Assembly, the exercise failed as it should. If Lagos was allowed to create…
Read MoreAsiwaju Basorun: A Blessed Blessing
By Dr Nurudeen Oshinlaja I honour our dearest father, leader, his eminence, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun on his 86th birthday celebration. His special day today is an opportunity to praise God for the incredible life Baba leads and for being divinely blessed. God’s blessing on Baba is not only to him but to all who have benefitted from baba’s blessing. Baba’s fountain of love and grace lift many a ‘hicthhiker’. Baba is the topmost leader that I know, bar none. I therefore join millions of well-wishers to celebrate Baba’s exemplary life,…
Read MoreWhen is Independence Day?
By S. O. K. Shillings On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green of independent Nigeria was hoisted. So, Nigeria joined some other countries as an independent nation and we have celebrated the anniversary the 64th. But how has it faired and are we truly an independent country? The Berlin Conference in 1885 it was whence the territory of Africa was demarcated and shared among European superpowers, to wit: Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal and Germany, for exploitation denoted by one-sided trade, slavery and imposition of culture…
Read MoreOPINION: A Formula for an Economy 13: The Science, Administration and Politics of Money
By S.O.K. Shillings Since the advent of money as a means and measure of exchange of goods and services transitioning the barter epoch, money in its denominations, exchange rate, quantity and quality and other properties is a big factor in the economy of nations and individuals. It is complex and cumbersome in its science and administration; and, is a big tool of political economy in the hands of the superpowers. Money is not needed for its extrinsic value but for what it gets. Its value is not just what is…
Read MoreTribute To Alhaji Kolawole Saheed Akinsanya: An Incorruptible Officer, Foremost Grassroots Developer, Safety Ambassador, THE IMPACT Greatest Promoter
By Kunle Adelabu It was indeed a sunset and a great passage that could best be described as the fallen of an ‘Ajanaku’ (a giant figure whose death has attracted huge attention) with great effects on lkorodu and Lagos State, as a retired senior police officer, foremost grassroots developer, safety ambassador and a community and human developer per excellence, Alhaji (Chief) Kolawole Saheed Akinsanya, Otunba Atuluse of Magbon – Alade, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Lagos State, was called to eternity by the Olodumare. The ever-ebullient but no-nonsense sport administrator, principled figure…
Read MoreOPINION: The Current Hunger Cry in Nigeria: A Tale of Faults and Failure
By ‘Dayo Hassan In recent times, the cry of hunger has become a chorus in Nigeria, echoing from urban centers to the most rural of areas. Citizens across the nation lament the soaring cost of living, the scarcity of basic necessities, and the inability to afford food. It is easy to point fingers at the government, after all, they are responsible for policies that shape the economy, ensure food security, and provide social safety nets. However, a closer examination reveals that the problem runs deeper, involving not just the government…
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