Oyo people expecting us to massively develop the LGs, Makinde tells chairmen - Southwest-Frontier

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Thursday told the 33 Caretaker Chairmen of local governments and 35 chairmen of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) that the people of the state expect massive development of the councils under his watch.

The Governor, who spoke at the Executive Council chambers of his office told the chairmen that residents of the state expect the council helmsmen to remain focused and diligent as according to him, the people expect great improvements under their tenure.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also confirmed that the meeting reviewed the ongoing crisis rocking the local government system in the state.

According to the Governor, the new chairmen should see their appointments as opportunities to serve, noting that despite the distractions of parts of the councils by the sacked illegal chairmen, the caretaker chairmen must remain strong, steadfast and dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

He also disclosed that the state government had secured an interim injunction, which restrained the Attorney General of Federation, Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State as well as their agents, from disturbing activities at the local governments.

The Governor added that the court remained the final arbiter in any dispute  and that his government would respect the decision of the court in respect of the pending cases on the local government matter.

Governor Makinde stated: "This is about service to our people. Wherever you are, make sure you serve diligently and let them know what you are doing in that place. I have not had the time to meet with you face to face to tell you about the vision of this administration. 

"Whatever happened in the past remains in the past. We have looked for the best hands we can join hands together to move this state forward and that exactly is what this Government is all about. They can peddle half-truths and outright lies but we should not be distracted. We need to be focused on the task at hand and. 

"We had an injunction against the Attorney General of Federation, Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State and all their agents to allow us to run the local government administration according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

“But as far as I am concerned, when we came in, in the eyes of the law, we did not meet any elected local government officials. We met pretenders and we have asked them to leave. And that is also the position of the law until the court says otherwise. So, I want you to be focused, single-minded and move away from business as usual.”

The Governor also told the gathering that in the last eight months, his Government had been able to accumulate some money that could be channeled to instant development and transformation of the grassroots.

He said that his administration would work together with the chairmen to decide on projects for each of the local councils and how to go about executing them.

He added: "We have been able to accumulate some money for the local governments because since we came in and owing to the crisis too, we have not been able to judiciously utilize the money meant for that tier of government. But now that you are on the seat, we will all pull together, decide on the project for each of our local government and local council development areas. And once we have agreed, go ahead and execute these projects because the people are waiting for us. They want to see developments at the grassroots and you are all the ones to make it happen.

"I want to once again congratulate you and let you know that there are several people that are qualified to sit in that position. So, you have to demonstrate the capacity to hold that position. On that note, remain strong, steadfast and dedicated and deliver dividends of democracy to our people."

Signed

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

January 30, 2020.

Court orders reinstatement of Nigerian lecturer after 18 years of termination of appointment - Southwest-Frontier

Court orders reinstatement of Nigerian lecturer after 18 years of termination of appointment - Southwest-Frontiers

January 30, 2020

The National Industrial Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, ordered the University of Uyo to reinstate a lecturer, Inih Ebong, unjustly sacked from the university in 2002.

Mr Ebong was an associate professor in the department of theatre arts when his appointment was unlawfully terminated. Akpan Ekpo and Peter Effiong were the vice-chancellor and registrar respectively at that time.

Mr Ebong, before his sack, had a running battle with Messrs Ekpo and Effiong who saw him as a thorn in their side for speaking up regularly against alleged maladministration in the school.

The lecturer once rejected the university almanac and sent it back to the school with a note that the faces on it were not deserving of his sitting-room since, as he claimed, they were the very persons who were victimising him.

For about 18 years, Mr Ebong went through several courtrooms in Nigeria, hired several lawyers and appeared before different judges, seeking justice against Messrs Ekpo and Effiong, and the University of Uyo.

“The stoppage of the Claimant’s salary, the indefinite suspension of him from duties, and the purported termination of his appointment by the Defendants without due process were malicious, ultra vires, and unlawful, and therefore null, void and of no effect whatsoever,” Justice M. A. Namtari declared in his judgment in the case instituted by Mr Ebong in 2017 at the industrial court.

The court, accordingly, ordered the University of Uyo to withdraw the termination letter, reinstate Mr Ebong, and pay all his salaries, allowances, and entitlements that would have accrued to him since August 1, 2001, when his salary was stopped, and from March 28, 2002, when his appointment was wrongfully and unlawfully terminated.

The court also ordered the university to pay Mr Ebong the equivalent of his full annual salaries and allowances for the 2001/2002, 2007/2008, and 2014/2015 academic years the lecturer should have gone on sabbatical leave in accordance with the terms and conditions of his employment if his appointment had not been unlawfully suspended and later terminated.

The university, in addition, is to pay Mr Ebong N10 million as damages, the court ordered.

All the orders, the court said, must be complied with within 30 days.

“Justice has been done at long last, the lesson to be learnt from here is that wickedness does not pay. The wicked only builds up a fortune for his victim,” Mr Ebong told PREMIUM TIMES when the newspaper sought his reaction to the judgment.

It is unclear for now if the university is going to appeal the court judgment or not.

“I will get back to you,” the university spokesperson, Blossom Okorie, said when PREMIUM TIMES contacted her on Wednesday.

Mr Ebong’s legal victory is coming about two years after another University of Uyo lecturer, Edet Akpan, won a similar battle and was reinstated 14 years after he was also unjustly sacked from the school.

Mr Akpan was the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the school before the then vice-chancellor, Mr Ekpo, terminated his teaching appointment for criticising his (Ekpo) leadership style.

Mr Akpan, an associate professor of mathematics, was sacked from the school in 2004.

The travails of the union leader coincided with the period in which the National Universities Commission (NUC) withdrew accreditation for several courses in Uniuyo, including courses in the faculty of social sciences where the then vice-chancellor, Mr. Ekpo, came from; a development that the federal court took notice of while delivering judgment in the suit challenging the termination of Mr. Akpan’s appointment.

“Let me further observe here and hold that what the defendants termed insubordination and misconduct are constructive criticism of an inept administration that finished last in the accreditation exercise in all the universities in Nigeria,” Justice E.S Chukwu of the federal high court, Uyo, said in his judgment in 2013.

While ordering the university to reinstate Mr Akpan, Justice Chukwu noted that the university had become “a place where the truth will always be punished senselessly”.

The judge continued: “If there is any person that his appointment should be terminated, it is the Vice-Chancellor; and his kangaroo panel (that) should be shown their way out.

“If they had honour, they ought to have resigned and not witch-hunt innocent citizens like the plaintiff whose association (ASUU) cried foul or complained of gross incompetence in the university administration.”

The court also ordered the university to pay Mr Akpan his emoluments for all the years he was kicked out of his job and N500, 000 to cover the cost of litigation.

After his tenure as vice-chancellor, Mr Ekpo moved on to become the director-general, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, Lagos.

Source: Premium Times

Southwest Frontier: Makinde visits Inspector General of Police, says we don’t want chaos in Oyo

Makinde visits Inspector General of Police, says we don’t want chaos in Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, visited the Inspector General of Police, IGP Adamu Mohammed in Abuja on Wednesday, declaring that his administration would not condone violence in Oyo.

The Governor, who spoke to newsmen at the premises of the Force Headquarters, stated that he had briefed the IGP on the security situation in the state.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, noted that Governor Makinde declared that his administration “does not want chaos in Oyo State.” 

He added that he would obey the judgment of the court once the pending appeals on the local government dissolution in the state are decided.

The Governor, who stated that as a law-abiding individual, he was ready to work with others to build a new country where the rule of law is supreme, urged everyone to be law-abiding and to ensure that they don’t do anything that would create lawlessness.

According to the Governor, he was in Abuja to meet Abubakar to discuss the issue of local government dissolution crisis in Oyo State and the Western Nigerian Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

Governor Makinde maintained that the security network was work in progress and that the South-West governors were already operationalizing it, adding that the governors would further meet with the IG to review the situation on the intervention.

The Governor said: “We are here basically to discuss two things. You all must have heard about the issue of local government administration in Oyo State. "There is a court order yesterday restraining the IG, the CP, the AIG from giving unilateral order regarding the issue of local government administration in Oyo State. 

“I came to brief the Inspector General that this is the situation. We do not want chaos in Oyo State. I personally, am law-abiding; if there is a court judgement, I would obey it and he has given me the assurance that once he gets the copy of the court order, he would do the needful. 

“Secondly, everybody is aware of the issue with Amotekun; we deliberated on it and we had an agreement in principle to have the governors of the South-West meet with him to review the situation. Amotekun is work in progress, we are trying to operationalise it and in doing that, all the relevant stakeholders would have to align.

“We are trying to build a new country where the rule of law is supreme, so everybody should be law-abiding, ensure that they don’t do anything that would create lawlessness.”

Signed

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

January 29, 2020.

SOUTHWEST-FRONTIER: WE WILL USE OYO IGR TO OFFSET ALL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BEFORE 2023—MAKINDE

SOUTHWEST-FRONTIER: WE WILL USE OYO IGR TO OFFSET ALL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BEFORE 2023—MAKINDE

January 28, 2020

Says sacked desperate LG chairmen targeting LGs funds

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, declared that his administration would ensure that the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is able to offset its recurrent expenditure before the end of his current tenure.

Governor Makinde, who made the declaration while giving a keynote address at the one-day Tax Stakeholders ‘Poverty to Prosperity’ Summit held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, stated that his commitment to take the State from poverty to prosperity remained on course.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, equally quoted the Governor as telling the dignitaries at the event that the sacked local government chairmen who have been struggling to return to the councils were targeting the funds of the councils.

Makinde urged the people of the state to think of new and innovative ideas to expand the State’s IGR.

According to him, the desperation by the sacked 68 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) chairmen to return to the offices was informed by the greet to take over the accumulated resources of the councils.

He, however, stated that the era of spending government’s money reckless had gone and the sacked illegal chairmen had gone with it, adding that though many of the sacked chairmen have shown that they were stone-hearted, one could only hope that those who fail to toe the path of peace will be judged accordingly.  

Governor Makinde who also spoke at the foundation laying ceremony of the Mini-Mapo Hall at the Headquarters of Ibadan South-West Local Government said that his government would ensure prudent management of public funds. 

While laying the foundation stone of the Traditional Council’s building (Mini-Mapo), which was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and his High Chiefs as well as other top Government functionaries, Governor Makinde reiterated the importance of the traditional institution in ensuring peace and order in the society, noting that despite the country operating democracy, the traditional councils could not be overlooked.

The Governor added that the traditional rulers as the closest to the people, who also understand their culture and tradition, remained relevant in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts.

While delivering his keynote address at the tax summit, Governor Makinde noted that growing the State’s IGR has become imperative to the Government’s mandate to move Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.

According to him, strategies have been put in place by his Government to boost the IGR of the State and that the strategies have started yielding fruits.

He stated that Oyo State was able to raise the IGR from  about N2 billion to N2.7 billion in November 2019.

He said: “We are here today to talk about the Oyo State IGR Roadmap that will facilitate economic prosperity. The issue of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is very important as it is tied to how much development the state will experience, all things being equal. 

“Without adequate revenue, there will be no resources to fund the budget; the state will have to resort to borrowing for recurrent expenditure or owing for overheads, which is never ideal. 

“Trends also show Oyo State’s IGR fluctuates; in 2014 it was N16.30bn, but dropped to N15.66bn in 2015, later increasing to N18.88bn in 2016. For 2017, the IGR figures grew to N22.45bn. While in 2018 it grew to N24.67bn. This put our IGR per capita in 2018 at below N3,000 per person. We can definitely do better.

“The current trend across states in Nigeria is to see IGR as being synonymous with revenue generated from taxes, partly because other sources of revenue, especially natural resources are on the exclusive list.

“Revenue generated from these natural resources goes to the Federation Account and is then shared between the Federal Government and states. A lot has been said about how this has served as a hindrance to development, and how it has made states unwilling to invest in the management of these resources. But that is only half of the story.

“The other half is that it is possible to raise the IGR of the state without raising taxes. And this is the promise that we made to the people of Oyo State while we were on the campaign trail. We are determined to continue keeping that promise. 

“Indeed, as clearly stated in our Roadmap for Accelerated Development in Oyo State 2019-2023, our plans to increase the revenue generated in Oyo State without an increase in taxes, stand on four legs: A thorough review of the current IGR process and management in the state; expanding the tax net; looking for new sources of revenue and being aggressive and innovative in the mode of revenue collection by having the State Board of the Internal Revenue Service working in collaboration with seasoned professionals.

“So far, and I am sure we will have this expounded by various speakers today, Oyo State has embarked on a comprehensive review of the IGR process and management. We have been able to plug some holes in the system and this is yielding results. We have also employed new managers of the revenue collection process. Their mandate is to come up with innovative and aggressive ways of getting the untaxed to contribute to the development of the state.”

“The commencement of the new strategies put in place to increase IGR produced the positive result recorded in December 2019, as we raised the IGR to 2.7 billion Naira from about 2 billion Naira in November.

“Also, we are putting in place a land administration solution that will ensure wider and more effective enumeration of all business and household properties, ensure ease of obtaining land titles and other documents and faster approval of building plans. The land use charge has been fine-tuned and will be responsibly applied. 

“Furthermore, we have taken a second look at our vehicle registration and renewal system and by the end of this month, the public can expect a wider, better and faster platform which will be available in all our 34 tax stations. We will continually apply fair and harmonised billings to other rates and levies.

“It is generally agreed in economic circles that the citizens are more inclined to respond positively and even volunteer to pay their taxes when they see how these payments are being put in use. I am happy to report that the taxes paid by the good people of Oyo State are currently being ploughed back into the development of the state. You may be aware of the work being done by the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA); we are rehabilitating roads in Ibadan and will move outside Ibadan to other cities before the end of this quarter. 

“The work being done in the education sector is also taxpayers’ money in action. Schools are being built and renovated; we are concentrating on our final year secondary school students. We want them to return better results in their WAEC exams this year. We are also able to increase the education budget by 700 per cent compared to last year’s budget.

“Because we believe that health is wealth, we are taking steps to ensure that the people of Oyo State remain healthy. Soon, we will roll out a health intervention programme across all Local Government Areas in the state. The renovation and equipping of hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres in the state remain on course.

“In a few months, we are looking to start running a mass transit system in the state. The modalities are being set up and we will communicate the process with you. 

“Of course, what this means is that we will have to find a way of increasing our IGR especially by looking inwards and exploring areas of competitive advantage. We have to, as a matter of urgency, attract investments into Oyo State. 

“Attracting direct investments will take a collective effort. Our administration will continue to invest in security and take other measures to ensure that we create an enabling environment for the growth of investments. On your part, you should be ready to extend the traditional hospitality to strangers, making them feel welcome in our midst.

“We also plead that you file your annual returns early in the year and within the stipulated time. 

“As we explore the theme of this Stakeholder’s summit, I enjoin us all to keep our minds open to new ideas and think creatively and innovatively about how to expand our tax net. If, as research has shown, an increase in IGR is a strong determinant of economic development, then those of us in this room should understand how important this mandate is.”

In his speech, the Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinola Ojo, maintained that the summit presented “an opportunity for all stakeholders to interact, obtain first-hand information on the benefits of paying taxes and perhaps most importantly, understand the plans and appreciate the strides by the Government regarding generating the revenue with which it intends to provide requisite services and infrastructure for the benefit of every citizen of Oyo State as well as enhance development in the State.”

Signed 

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

January 28, 2020.@ Ibadan, Nigeria

Southwest-frontier: You Are After Local Government Money Makinde Tells Sacked Lg Bosses

January 28, 2020

Engr Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has declared that the local government chairmen who were sacked last year, are after the money of the local government areas in the state

Makinde made this declaration while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of traditional council building, “Mini Mapo” in Ibadan South West Local Government and initiated by the former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.

At the event were Ladoja and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso.

It was gathered that Makinde had last year dissolved the council bosses who were elected at an election conducted in May 12th 2018 local government elections during the tenure of Mr. Abiola Ajimobi as Governor.

The sacked LG bosses, who had been waiting at home after almost 8 months of legal battle, resumed their various offices yesterday.

But, Makinde while reacting, insisted that the sacked chairmen are only after the money of the various councils.

Makinde said, “Those who are fighting that they want to come back and take over the councils are all after the money of the local government areas.

“They are gone forever. They are after the money of the local government areas. You know that some local government areas have money that is why they said that they wanted to come back.

“It is my belief that God will change them. It is my belief that they will change their minds”.

BREAKING: Court Restrains Sacked Oyo LG Chairmen, AGF, IGP From Forceful Takeover Of LG Councils

BREAKING: Court Restrains Sacked Oyo LG Chairmen, AGF, IGP From Forceful Takeover Of LG Councils

January 28, 2020

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, the State capital, on Tuesday restrained the 68 sacked council chairmen and chairmen of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the forceful and illegal takeover of the council offices across the State

The Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Moshud A.A. Abass, granted the four reliefs sought by the lead counsel to the Oyo State Government, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, including an order of interim injunction restraining the sacked chairmen from forcefully taking over the Local Government Councils or taking steps capable of causing breach of peace in the State.

The orders of interim injunction, which were granted by the Oyo State High Court followed an ex-parte motion filed by the State Government in Suit No: I/78/2020.

Also restrained were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Shina Olukolu, and the Oyo State APC chairman, Mr. Akin Oke.

The parties and their agents were restrained from taking any step that could tamper with the pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

According to the Court, the sacked chairmen, as well as the four other defendants, their officers, agents, privies or otherwise, were restrained from taking steps that would cause a breach of peace by embarking on self-help to give effect to a letter dated 14th January 2020 with reference number HAGF/OYO/2020/VOL.I/1 issued by the Attorney General of the Federation to the sacked chairmen and the Inspector General of Police pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Southwest Frontier: Implement youth Developmental Needs, Pass OYDC Establishment Bill into Law, OYA Urges Osun Govt

Implement youth Developmental Needs, Pass OYDC Establishment Bill into Law, OYA Urges Osun Govt

January 28, 2020

Osun Youth Agenda (OYA) has called on the Osun State Government to ensure the full implementation of the Youth Development Needs contained in the 2020 appropriation law and also work on the passage of the Osun Youth Developmental Commission (OYDC) establishment bill into law.

This call was made by Bukola Idowu, the Project Coordinator, Osun Youth Agenda in a statement made available to AMILOADED by OYA on Monday.

Idowu also highlighted in clear terms, the successes recorded so far in the first phase of the Osun Youth Agenda Campaign and appreciated the support OYA had received hitherto from relevant stakeholders.

Here is the full text of the statement:

With great pleasure, we welcome you to this press conference organized by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) the coordinating hub of the Osun Youth Agenda Campaign as regards the developmental needs of youth in Osun State.

The objective of this press conference is to highlight in clear terms, the successes recorded so far in the first phase of the Osun Youth Agenda Campaign, appreciate the support OYA had received hitherto from relevant stakeholders and call for the implementation of the youth developmental needs in the 2020 appropriation law and passage of the Osun Youth Development Commission (OYDC) Establishment Bill into law.

ABOUT OSUN YOUTH AGENDA

OYA is a multi-faceted approach that aggregated voices of Osun Youth on their developmental priorities and needs, to ensure they are not perpetrators and victims of violence, restiveness, civil despondency, anti-social behaviours and replacing violence with gainful social opportunities.

The Osun Youth Agenda on the developmental priority needs was arrived at using qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments such as Youth Priority Need Survey (YPNS) of six hundred (600) Osun youth across the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, Key Informant Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions. These research instruments were used to gather, analyse and aggregate the opinions of young people in Osun on their developmental needs. Osun Youth Agenda is a product of various consultative processes and expert scrutiny.

OYA presents to elected officials most especially the state government the priority developmental issues of Osun Youth on Education, Employment, Health Care Delivery, Agriculture and Wealth Creation.

SUCCESSES RECORDED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF OYA ADVOCACY

OYA journey started far back as 2018 with the deployment of the Youth Priority Need Questionnaires (YPNQ). After which the data collected were analyzed to get to the top developmental priorities of Osun Youths.

Recommendations from these data were subjected to expert scrutiny in Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews.

These processes were all to smartened the recommendations of the OSUN YOUTH AGENDA.

Engaging with this advocacy tool (Osun Youth Agenda) started in May 2019 with series of activities and publications such as the High Profile Stakeholders Policy Dialogues, Release of Policy Briefs on youth-related issues in Osun State, One-on-one Advocacy Meeting with decision-makers to get their buy-in for the Osun Youth Agenda, Press Conferences, OYA Radio Programmes, Social Media Engagement and also Grassroots mobilization and awareness.

8 months down the line, Osun Youth Agenda has recorded some notable achievements:

A dedicated Ministry for Matters Relating to Osun Youth and Sports

As a response to the signed communique at the August 28, 2019 policy dialogue for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry, Commission or Agency for youth development and engagement in Osun State.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola separated the youth ministry from being an appendage of the Ministry of Commerce, all youth-related matters has been designated to be handled by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Mr. Olayemi Azeez Lawal, a 37-year-old has been appointed as as the commissioner of Youth and Sports in the state.

This huge feat cannot be disassociated from the intensity and consistency of the OYA campaign and the promised made by the Deputy Governor during the advocacy meeting to him and also the governor open commitment during the policy dialogue.

2. Inclusion of some of the OYA recommendations in the 2020 appropriation bill submitted to the Osun State House of Assembly (OSHA).

The OYA recommendations in the 2020 budget as signed by Governor Gboyega Oyetola include:

Provisions of Agricultural input

Establishment of an agricultural produce market

Rehabilitation of Farm Settlements Offices

Establishment and irrigation of 9 new farm settlements

Upgrading of the infrastructure of 9 old farm settlements

Rehabilitation / stocking of government/ secretariat period

Establishment of Food Mart

Holding promotional programs for Osun produced goods

Establishment of a well-equipped youth innovation hub and skill training center

Osun Drug Abuse response unit has been set up at the Ministry of Health

Establishment of Youth Friendly Centers

Family Life and HIV education and sex education curriculum to be used in government and private schools

Establishment of an ICT hub and computer market

3. Governor Oyetola, in his speech at the Osun Youth Agenda Policy Dialogue on the 23rd of January, 2020, stated that “a bill for the establishment of Youth Development Commission has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly as a response to the OYA request presented at the 1st Osun Youth Agenda Policy Dialogue for the establishment of a Youth Development Commission to Enhance Youth Centered Policies and Development Plan; Youth Focused Intervention; Gainful Youth Employment and Fully Tapped Youth Potential” and the speaker of the OSHA at the Legislative Townhall meeting held on the 22nd of January, 2020 also made commitment and stated the readiness of the 7th Assembly to pass the bill in record time as soon as the house reconvene after the recess.

4. As confirmed in the Governor’s speech that was presented at the 2nd Osun Youth Agenda Policy Dialogue on the 23rd of January, 2020.

Mr Governor stated that his administration has “reviewed the educational system to make it functional by introducing vocational and technical education to take care of middle-level manpower and promote entrepreneurship.

He also added that his administration has provided instructional and learning materials as well as training and re-training to make Osun children get best education”.

Governor Oyetola also added that the Osun Youth Policy is also in progress and, very soon,the subvention to cater for the various needs of the youth would be provided by the State Government.

All these successes recorded cannot be disassociated from the intensity and consistency of the OYA campaign and most importantly the importance Governor Oyetola led administration attached to the youth needs. On behalf of the 2.5 million Osun Youths, Osun Youth Agenda appreciate Governor Oyetola for seeing youth development as a priority on his integral action plan. Achieving this great feat, we are sure that under your great leadership, wisdom, and guidance, Osun Youth are striving to much greater heights and achievements.

Call to Action

We call on His Excellency, Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Commissioners of relevant MDAs to put in place modalities for implementation of the Osun Youth Agenda recommendations that are in the 2020 appropriation law.

We wish to remind the Rt. Hon Speaker fo OSHA, Hon. Timothy Owoeye of his commitment that the 7th Assembly under his leadership will see that Osun Youth Development Commission Establishment Bill as forwarded by Mr. Governor is passed into law

We also call on the Osun state House of Assembly and its leadership to look into the key issues as regards Youth development in line with the Osun Youth Agenda and provide necessary legislative support towards the actualization of the same.

We call on Osun Youth to continuously get involved in the decision making process and to be ready to engage in governance, they should start engaging their elected officials at the grassroots level toward the implementation of their needs in the 2020 budget.

The second phase of the Osun Youth Agenda advocacy will start soon, when the coordinating hub with the Technical Committee will be monitoring the implementation of the recommendations from procurement to completion level.

We use this opportunity to call all stakeholders to work together with the Osun Youth Agenda campaign team as this is just to ensure effective implementation of Youth needs in the 2020 budget.

We cannot but thank the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the United States for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom Agency for International Development (UKAID) for their support on the implementation of the first phase of Osun Youth Agenda advocacy. We acknowledged your unwavering support.

Thank you for attention and cooperation

Bukola Idowu

Project Coordinator

Osun Youth Agenda

Source: Amiloaded

Southwest Frontier: Oyo Police Condemn ALGON’s Directive, Ask Them To Explore Proper Legal Means

Oyo Police Condemn ALGON’s Directive, Ask Them To Explore Proper Legal Means

January 27, 2020

Oyo State Police Command on Monday decried the call by the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) , Hon. Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, on sacked council chairmen to resume duty in their respective offices.

It described the call as an invitation to anarchy and lawlessness in the state.

Commissioner of Police , Mr Shina Olukolu condemned the call by ALGON, saying the action is a recipe for chaos, lawlessness and unwittingly encouraging disturbance of public peace, which he said will not be allowed by the Command.

In a statement by the Police spokesman, Olugbenga Fadeyi, a Superintendent of Police in Ibadan on Monday, the state Police boss admitted all the executive chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors and political appointees have been dissolved by the current Oyo state government.

The statement entitled: ”Re- Oyo ALGON directs members to resume duties on 27th January , 2020: An appeal for reason as against emotions“, came on the heels of heavy security beef up around local government councils across the state.

In some of the local government council headquarters visited, all the entrance gates were securely locked while workers stayed away in fear of security breach.

The Commissioner of Police, however, appealed to members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation.

To the aggrieved parties, the police boss urged them to explore legal means and allow peace to reign in the state and pursue their grievances to its logical conclusion in the law courts.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Commissioner of Police Oyo State Police Command, Shina T. Olukolu has been drawn to a purported special announcement allegedly signed by the Chairman Oyo State ALGON, Hon. Abass Aleshinloye directing all the Executive chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Councilors, and Political appointees dissolved by the current Oyo State Government to resume duties in their respective offices in the Local Government councils today 27th January, 2020.

”The Commissioner of Police wishes to state that it is a legal maxim that results to self help in any circumstances is a receipt for chaos, lawlessness and unwittingly encouraging disturbance of public peace. Consequently, the Police wishes to reiterate that the Command will not fold its arms or stand by while any group of persons engage in acts that will lead to breach of peace or threat to peace and tranquility in the State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is the responsibility of the Police to protect lives and property, enforce law and order, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders. Therefore, any persons or group of persons that takes any action that will lead to infraction must be ready to face the consequences of their actions. To the criminally minded individuals or social miscreants who may want to seize the opportunity to cause mayhem, they are warned to stay clear or face the wrath of the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, therefore, wishes to seize this opportunity to advice the parties concerned to allow peace to reign in Oyo State and pursue their grievances to its logical conclusion in the law courts. Consequently, all the peace and law abiding citizens of Oyo State are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of molestation or threat from any individuals or groups.

”As adequate security measures have been placed to protect lives and property and also to respond promptly to any security threats from any individuals or groups who may be bent on disturbing the relative peace and tranquillity being enjoyed by the peace loving people of Oyo State.”

Southwest Frontier: Ibadan East Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Babalola Sues for peace: As party faithfuls passively resist opposition warring parties.

Ibadan East Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Babalola Sues for peace: As party faithfuls passively resist opposition warring parties.

January 27, 2020

Today at Ibadan East Local Council Development Area, a group of people suspected to be members of the opposition party APC attempted to cause chaos and crisis by seeking to forcefully gain entrance into the local government secretariat for sinister motives.

It is not clear why the unruly crowd attempted to create chaos in the otherwise peaceful local government area as all matters regarding the constitution of caretaker chairmen are currently being addressed in court.

Earlier, the Governor His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde had issued a warning to the warring opposition to maintain decorum and desist from creating crisis in the State in pursuant of the matter being a subject under appeal.

It is pertinent to note that the opposition party the APC had threatened to forcefully take over the local government area councils' administration even though it will be illegal to do so. 

In spite of the provocative and incitement of the unruly crowd, the Caretaker Chairman Honorable Abiodun Babalola(Integrity), enjoined members of the party to remain calm and not to give in to any form of provocation which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the Secretariat and possibly the State.

Honorable Abiodun noted that party members and sympathisers must tow the line of the Governor who is a gentleman and only interested in peace and stability of the State. 

In response to his admonitions, party members rather than allow themselves to be drawn into unnecessary altercations as a catalyst to chaos stood in calm solidarity with the chairman.

The gesture effectively doused any tension that may have erupted and further cements the humility with which Hon. Abiodun started and has continued his duties since his appointment.

LG crisis: We will insist on full observance of tenets of 1999 Constitution—Oyo Govt

LG crisis: We will insist on full observance of tenets of 1999 Constitution—Oyo Govt 

January 26, 2020

The Oyo State Government, on Sunday, declared that it would insist on the full observance of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the dissolution of the 68 illegal local council chairmen in the State.

This was as it warned individuals threatening to derail the peace of the State to desist from such ruinous path or face the full wrath of the law.

The Government, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, maintained that the Government’s position became imperative following the threats of violence by the sacked illegal chairmen and the stay-at-home order issued to all local government workers in the State by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

The statement maintained that though Government would not begrudge the NULGE for directing its members to stay away from work in response to persistent threats emanating from the sacked chairmen of local councils and LCDA, it urged all workers in the state to reject any act of brigandage by persons or groups seeking to derail the peace and progressive governance in the State.

The statement read: “The attention of the Government of Oyo State has been drawn to a sit-at-home order announced by the State Chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

“The Government understands that the sit-at-home order was a response to persistent threats emanating from the sacked chairmen of local councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). 

“Whereas the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde will not begrudge NULGE for seeking to preserve its members from a perceived Armageddon as promised by the sacked council chairmen, the Government would like to put it on record that it will continue to stand by the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“As earlier stated in a position by the State's Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, issues concerning the tussle over local government administration in Oyo State are before the Court of Appeal and that the two cases are scheduled for hearing on February 19, 2020.

“Any lover of peace, progress and democracy would have no problems waiting to hear from the Court on the day stated.

“We, however, urge all workers in the state to reject any act of brigandage by any persons or groups who are merely seeking to derail the peace and progressive governance that have been the lot of the State since May 29, 2019. 

“We call on the workers and the teeming people of Oyo State to please ignore the threat of violence and brigandage from the sacked chairmen and rest assured that the train of unmatched groundbreaking good governance in Oyo State started by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, cannot be stopped.

Signed:

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor.

SOUTHWEST FRONTIER: BABY FOUND IN REFUSE DUMP GROWS UP TO BE TECH CEO WORTH $62M.

BABY FOUND IN REFUSE DUMP GROWS UP TO BE TECH CEO WORTH $62M.

By Ikenna Emewu -  January 25, 2020. 

 

Only a few days old, Freddie Figgers was left next to a dumpster in rural Florida. A passerby noticed him in distress and called the police. Freddie was checked into a hospital where he stayed for 2 days to recover from his minor injuries. 

Once stable, Freddie was placed into the foster care system. He was taken in by Nathan and Betty Figgers who lived in nearby Quincy, Florida and already had a daughter of their own.

The Figgers, regular foster parents, quickly decided to adopt Freddie.

Growing up, Freddie was bullied by other kids in elementary being called the “dumpster baby.”

“It’s a rural area, so after it happened, everybody heard about it,” said Figgers, now 30. “My parents told me the truth about what happened as I grew older. I thought about it a lot as a kid, and I’d have to say it was embarrassing when I was younger.”

However, it was also during his elementary school years that Freddie found his passion for computers. His dad, Nathan, bought Freddie an old 1989 Macintosh at a thrift store for $25 to tinker with.

“He thought that a computer might help to keep me out of trouble,” said Figgers.

It worked. At just 9-years-old, Freddie disassembled and reassembled the computer multiple times. Next, he figured out how to use some old radio parts to fix the Macintosh so it would power up.

“I still have it,” Figgers said about that first computer. “It’s what sparked my interest in technology.”

By 13, Freddie was so good at tinkering with computers the city of Quincy started hiring him to fix their computers. By 15, he started his first company out of his parents’ living room called Figgers Computers. He specialized in fixing computers and helping clients store data on servers he created.

“I wouldn’t recommend my path to everyone,” said Figgers referring to dropping out of college. “But it worked for me. When I was 17, I had 150 clients that needed websites and storage for their files. I just kept building from there.”

By Freddie’s early 20’s, Nathan Figgers developed Alzheimer’s. Before Nathan passed in 2014, Freddie had invented a GPS tracking, two-way communication device to help find and keep track of his dad when he would wander off confused.

“I created a device that I could insert in his shoe that would allow me to track him, plus talk to him through his shoe,” said Figgers. “It was difficult to watch him decline—it’s something you never forget. I’ve always been so grateful to him and my mom. They taught me not to let my circumstances define who I was.”

In spite of this difficult circumstance, Freddie was able to sell his GPS tracking invention to an undisclosed company for $2.2 million in 2012 at age 23.

His privately-owned company, Figgers Wireless which sells smartphones and data plans, was appraised in 2017 at more than $62 million. Figgers is proud of his business, but he says that he is still passionate about combining technology with health care and safety.

“The best thing any human being can do is influence another one,” said Figgers.

He sells a wireless blood glucose meter for people with diabetes that allows patients to download and share glucose levels through Bluetooth technology. And he is working on a project similar to his “smart shoe” technology to help families stay in touch with loved ones experiencing homelessness.

“That could be me on the streets—I could have been homeless or dead if I hadn’t been found by the dumpster after I was born,” he said.

Freddie learned when he had grown up that his birth mother was a prostitute with a drug addiction. He has not met her and says he has no interest in doing so.

“My parents adopted me and gave me love and a future,” he said. “They did their best to make the world a better place, and now that’s all I want to do, too.”

Bottomline: Do not allow your circumstance define who you are.

SOUTHWEST FRONTIER: LEAH SHERIBU GAVE BIRTH TO BABY BOY FOR BOKO HARAM COMMANDER AFTER BEING FORCED TO CONVERT TO ISLAM

Leah Sheribu Gave Birth To Baby Boy For Boko Haram Commander After Being Forced To Convert To Islam

January 26, 2020

Leah Sheribu, a Christian girl kidnapped and held in Boko Haram captivity for over one year, has given birth to a baby boy. 

Leah was delivered of the baby a few weeks ago following her forceful marriage to a top Boko Haram commander, according to a reliable source close to the terror group. 

The source said Leah, who refused to renounce her Christian faith, was forced to accept Islam before being married to a top commander of the terror group.

Leah was among dozens of girls seized from a school in Adamawa State by Boko Haram fighters two years ago.

Real Estate: Property for Sale in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Property For Sale:

3 Flats of 2 bedroom bungalow

Price: 7.5million

Location: Bako, Apata, Along Ibadan-Abeokuta Express way, Ibadan.

Documents: Red Copy Survey and Approved Building Plan

Contact Seller for inspection: +2347036745140 @ Ibadan, Nigeria

Southwest Frontier: OYRTMA GETS AMBULANCE TO ENHANCE SPECIAL NIGHT RESCUE & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

OYRTMA GETS AMBULANCE TO ENHANCE SPECIAL NIGHT RESCUE & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

25th January, 2020.

Mogaji Akin Fagbemi expressed immense appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his continuous support towards the Authority while inspecting the Ambulance.

“This will not only help to save more lives and enhance our night rescue operations, it will further assist in the actualization of the four cardinal agenda of the State Government in the specific areas of Health, Security of lives, Economy and Education. We are indeed blessed to have a people-loving Governor”, Dr. Fagbemi said.

CLEANUP OMI-APATA: Adeojo leads other principal officers on environmental sanitation

CLEANUP OMI-APATA: Adeojo leads other principal officers on environmental sanitation

January,  25, 2020

The Chairman of Omi-Apata Local Coucil Development Area, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo earlier today commenced the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

The Cleanup exercise kicked off at the Council secretariat. According to the Chairman, Hon. Adeojo in a statement released by his SA Media and Communication, Afolabi Akinfenwa the LCDA Administration commenced the Environmental Sanitation in line with the directives of the Oyo State Government, through the office of the Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, which directed all the Chairmen of the 33 LGA's and LCDA's to clean up their environs.

Adeojo went further to supervised the cleanup exercise at Omi-Adio market

He also used the golden opportunity to visit the Council NYCS lodge behind Adifase grammar school, Apata where he relate closely with the Youth corps

Members of  the youths

corps where given an opportunity to stressed their challenges and needs, and the honorable Chairman assured them their needs and challenges will be attended to as soon as possible

With the  Chairman in the exercise is his Personal Assistance, Head of Information Unit, Environmental Officers, Political Associates and other officers of the council.

OPINION: FEELING WORRIED OVER GRUESOME MURDER OF CEO OKO OLOYUN WORLDWIDE|By Rahaman Onike - Southwest Frontier

FEELING WORRIED OVER GRUESOME MURDER OF CEO OKO OLOYUN WORLDWIDE

By: Onike Rahaman

January 25, 2020

The gruesome murder of Alhaji Fatai Yusuf a.k.a. Oko Oloyun, the popular Lagos based traditional therapist  on Thursday,23rd  of January 2020, along Igbo Ora-Eruwa road in Oyo State,is not just a shocking news,it  calls for worry.

By the circumstance of his death, this seems to be more than armed robbery incident.It  may also not be  wrong,if one looks at the dastardly act as direct indictment that the  government at various levels lack the will and capacity to provide adequate security.

What this simply means is that government have not succeeded in the performance of  its core mandate of providing security of lives and property for  the citizens.

This is to also serve as a  further reminder that government needs to improve in the area of security architecture,intelligence gathering and  digitalization of security operations throughout the country.

 

For those of us that ply Maya-Eruwa-Igboora road  weekly,we know the area is unsafe and more or less a den of people of underworld.

The brutal assassination of this silent  philanthropist   is a further testimony that insecurity of lives and property is now a major challenge in the country.

 I am privileged to come across Oko Oloyun in the course of traveling around and meeting like minds to advance frontier of knowledge in the area of  phytochemistry and uses of medicinal plants.Without any reservation,I can say that Oko Oloyun is a genius and guru when it comes to knowledge of nature cure and herbal medicine.

His death will definitely create a vacuum in the field of alternative medicine.

I pray this time around,the killers and their sponsors are fixed out.

The whole world is waiting eagerly to see how far the police will go in its investigation of the heinous crime committed by unknown gunmen.

The Oyo State police command spokesman, SP Gbenga Fadeyi, said that the state's police commissioner, Shina Olukolu, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.It is my prayer that his assassination doesn't end as one of  other unresolved murder cases in the country.

Oko-Oloyun, who until his death was the President of the Physiotherapists’ Association of Nigeria, was also  the manufacturer of popular  Fijk Flusher among other popular herbal products.

Those close to him say he was a lovable personality and cheer giver who never discriminated against any tribe or faith before his gruesome murder by yet to be identified gunmen.

May God Almighty repose his soul and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Southwest Frontier: Oyo First Lady attends Southern Governors Wives' Forum

Oyo First Lady attends Southern Governors Wives' Forum 

January 25, 2020

Mrs. Makinde is among 21 wives of the State Governors from South East, South South and South West presently attending the Forum tagged " "Sister Beyond Boundaries" hosted by the Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Rachel Umahi. 

The brainstorming is organized to avail the congregation of the wives of the governors the opportunities to harvest ideas on the harmonization of pet projects towards the advancement of the people in their respective regions. 

Mrs. Makinde, who is the Chairperson of Oyo State Agency for Control of AIDS (OYSACA), impressed the gathering with the sterling scorecard of the present administration in the state. 

She leveraged on the soaring popularity and acceptance of the Seyi Makinde's responsive government by the people of the state and beyond.  

The regional parley of the First Ladies of Southern Governors, which ends on Saturday, will have wives of the President and Vice President, Mrs. Aishat Buhari and Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo in attendance.

Drama: Investors lay siege on Oko Oloyun’s office, demand for their money

Drama: Investors lay siege on Oko Oloyun’s office, demand for their money

January 24, 2020

There was drama on Friday as investors storm the office of late Alhaji Fatai Yusuf, popularly known as Oko Oloyun, to demand for the money they invested in his Ponzi scheme.

Oko Oloyun, a popular Lagos-based trado-medical expert, was murdered on Thursday around 4:30pm on the road while travelling to Iseyin, Oyo State. He was reportedly attacked by some hoodlums at Igboora. His corpse was deposited at the mortuary of Igbo-Ora General Hospital.

Following his demise, investors, who invested money in his Ponzi scheme, known as “Option C” stormed the Head office of his company to know their fate.

The investors were the more confused as his two offices at Egba Idowu along Igando road in Lagos were shutdown with no one to provide information to the investors.

The investors, however, vowed to take drastic measures if a statement was not issued by the organization as soon as possible.

Just like the day MMM folded up, the investors of “Option C” programme narrated how much they had invested and insisted they could not afford to lose their hard-earned money.

An investor, who chose to be called Emmanuel explained that Option C is a money-making programme that promised a 10% return in two months.

Emmanuel, who was trembling while speaking, added that he invested in the scheme in July 2019 and had only received returns once, contrary to the agreement of two months which was stated.

 

Mrs Bunmi (first name withheld), a retired teacher, who was clearly in shock, stated that she had invested millions having joined the programme in December 2018. She said she had only received N500,000 from her investment and that she was not sure of her fate with the death of Oko Oloyun.

While expressing fear with her documents at hand, she added that she filed to pull out after inconsistency in payment but rescinded her decision when she was told that she could not get her investment back in full.

Mr Azeez, another investor, said he invested N1 million in September 2019 and had decided to pull out after he was not paid in November. He, however, vowed to pursue his profit with all his ability.

Mrs Bisola (second name withheld) said she invested the money sent to her by her military husband who is fighting insurgents in North East. She said she could not afford to lose the money. She urged the management to speak up and address the investment programme issue quickly.

Mrs. Sulaimon, an investor, said she aborted her trip to travel down from Badagry to Igando when she had about the assassination of Oko Oloyun.

She noted with tears that she had invested a lot and could not afford to lose her investment. She was however optimistic that the returns would be paid after meeting her co-investors who cheered her up.

However, in the midst of the lamentation, some investors who had visited the house of the late Oko Oloyun in Lagos alleged that they were denied access by the security men, which says “Alhaja said we should not allow anybody come in, they are all in Ibadan.”

After the outcry, the investors agreed among themselves to visit the house of the deceased in Lagos during the Fidau prayers on the eighth day to demand their returns.

However, a security man at Oko Oloyun’s Egan Idowu office alleged that one of the rooms in the head office was intentionally burnt by unknown men prior to Oko Oloyun’s death.

He said the workers who were on duty had been arrested.

Real Estate: Adron Homes unveiled its Valentine Landlords promo, aimed at making every Nigerian a landlord

Adron Homes and Properties unveiled its Valentine Landlords promo, aimed at making every Nigerian a landlord or home owner with N50.000.

By: Afolabi Akinfenwa

January 24, 2020

The promo which will run for a period of two months was designed to ease the accommodation burden of artisans, market women and low-income earners in Nigeria

Speaking during the official unveiling of the promo, the Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King lamented that it was unfortunate that many low-income earners in Nigeria are homeless, while many are struggling to pay their rents.

Aare Adetola said: Over the years, we have observed that a lot of people are still not being able to own at least a plot of land and housing project has been very difficult in Nigeria unlike the developed countries where people can access mortgage facility with ease.

“We are taking advantage of the promo to create opportunities for Nigerians and our people in diaspora to own property in the country. We have our Estates in major south west state such as Lagos, Ibadan, Ogun, Abuja and we will expand our scope to other states”, Aare Adetola said.

On how it works, he explained that: “With the introduction of the promo, individuals stand a chance of buying plots of land in a serene environment with initial deposit of N50,000 upward.6

Recalling their success in the last seven years, he said: “I never thought we would get to this point where we will be boosting of over 1000 staff and numerous consultants. We have over 30 estates, few have been fully sold while the other ones are currently running. We have been able to leverage on our integrity of whom we are to be able to help provide accommodation for many Nigerians in Nigeria and diaspora, Our client base is about 25,000:”

Speaking, the Exexutive director of the firm, Chief Mrs. Aderonke Adetola, urged Nigerians to invest in real estate as it is a long term investment they will never regret.

“Our mission is to be the leading Pan Africa real estate development company to provide accessible, affordable while achieving housing global standard

We provide residential and commercial land and property for both the high and low-income earners in Nigeria with the consciousness of growing absolute reputation for integrity and total satisfaction,” she stated.

For further inquiry or site inspection

Please contact office line: +2347036745140, +2348081526240

Kola Balogun: Vigilante Bill By The Oyo South Senator, Sen. Kola Balogun Scheduled for Second Reading

South-West Frontier

01/24/ 2020

A  BILL FOR AN ACT TO DEVELOP A DECENTRALIZED SYSTEM OF VIGILANTISM PECULIAR TO EVERY LOCAL COMMUNITY IN NIGERA, FACILITATE COMMUNITY POLICING, NEIGHBOUR HOOD WATCH, LOCAL INTELLIGENCE GATHERING, AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

SPONSOR: SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN
(OYO SOUTH)

CO - SPONSORS:  
SENATOR ABBA PATRICK MORO (BENUE SOUTH)
SEN. FOLARIN TESLIM KOLAWOLE (OYO CENTRAL)
SEN. BUHARI ABDULFATAI (OYO NORTH)
SEN. FADAHUNSI, FRANCIS ADENIGBA (OSUN EAST)
SEN. EKWUNIFE, UCHE LILIAN (ANAMBRA CENTRAL)
SEN. OMO-AGEGE, OVIE AUGUSTIN (DELTA CENTRAL)
SEN. EYAKENYI AKON. E (AKWA IBOM SOUTH)
SEN. KALU, ORJI UZOR (ABIA NORTH)
SEN. MANDIYA BELLO (KATSINA SOUTH)
SEN. MUSA MOHAMMED SANI (NIGER EAST)
SEN. DAHIRU, AISHATU AHMED (ADAMAWA CENTRAL)
SEN. YAROE, BINOS DAUDA (ADAMAWA CENTRAL)
SEN. EKPEYONG, CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN (AKWA IBOM NORTH WEST)
SEN. UBAH IFEANYI PATRICK (ANAMBRA SOUTH)
SEN. EWRUDJAKPO LAWRENCE 0. (BAYELSA WEST)
SEN. SUSWAN GABRIEL TORWUA (BENUE NORTH EAST)
SEN.  ONOR, SANDY OJANG (CROSS RIVER CENTRAL)
SEN.  NWAOBOSHI, PETER ONYELUKA (DELTA NORTH)
SEN.  BAMIDELE, MICHEAL OPEYEMI (EKITI CENTRAL)
SEN. ADETUNMBI OLUBUNMI AYODEJI (EKITI NORTH)
SEN. ADEYEYE, CLEMENT ADEDAYO ( EKITI SOUTH)
SEN. NNAMANI CHIMAROKE OGBONNIA (ENUGU EAST)
SEN. ADAMU, MOHAMMED ALIERO (KEBBI CENTRAL)
SEN.  OLORIEGBE, YAHAYA IBRAHIM (KWARA CENTRAL)
SEN. UMAR, SADIQ SULEIMAN (KWARA NORTH)
SEN.  ASHIRU, OYELOLA YISA (KWARA SOUTH)
SEN.   TINUBU, OLUREMI SHADE (LAGOS CENTRAL)
SEN.   OSINOWO, SIKIRU ADEBAYO (LAGOS EAST)
SEN.   ADEOLA, SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN (LAGOS WEST)
SEN.  AMOSUN, IBIKUNLE OYELAJA (OGUN CENTRAL)
SEN. ODEBIYI, TOLULOPE AKINREMI (OGUN WEST)
SEN. AKINYELURE, PATRICK AYO (ONDO CENTRAL)
SEN. BOROFFICE, ROBERT AJAYI (ONDO NORTH)
SEN. TOFOWOMO, NICHOLAS OLUBUKOLA (ONDO SOUTH)
SEN. BASIRU, SURAJUDEEN AJIBOLA (OSUN CENTRAL)
SEN. GYANG, DUNG ISTIFANUS (PLATEAU NORTH)
SEN. APIAFI, BATTY JOCELYN (RIVERS WEST)
SEN. GAYA, KABIRU IBRAHIM (KANO NORTH)

ENACTED By The National Assembly of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria
This Bill may be cited as the Vigilante Group Bill, 2019.
In this Bill, unless the context otherwise requires ...
Vigilante means persons who tries to prevent crime, catch  offenders who have committed crime and have them prosecuted.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS.
Requirement of the law.
Objects of the Act.
Establishment, Power and functions of vigilante group.
Constitution of the Council.
Tenure of Council Members.
Object of the Council.
Appointment of chairman, secretary/manager of the council.
Enlistment and recruitment procedure of the vigilante group
Positions.
Staff regulation.
Supplementary position.
Requirement and prerequisite for employment.
SCOPE OF THE ACT
1.   The requirements of this Act are in addition to the requirements imposed by any other law in force.
2. The objects of this Act are:
       a. To review and harmonize all vigilante and related groups in Nigeria for effective community policing in Nigeria.
        b. To develop a robust remuneration, logistics and trainings for effective intelligence gathering and crime prevention
        c. To develop a detailed, exhaustive and unified code of conduct and modus operandi for effective community policing in Nigeria.

PART III - ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE VIGILANTE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA(VCN)
  3. (1) There is hereby established a body to be known as the Vigilante Council of Nigeria,
       (2) The Council shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and shall in its corporate name be capable of;
       (a) Suing and being sued,
      (b) Taking, purchasing, or otherwise acquiring, holding, charging or disposing of movable and immovable property.
       (c) Entering into contracts and
        (d) Doing or performing all other things or acts necessary for the proper performance of its functions under this Act, which may be lawfully done or performed by a body corporate.
4.   (1) The Council shall consist of:
         (a) A Chairman and a secretary/manager
         (b) One representative each of the following:
     (i) a representative of the Council of Traditional Rulers of the local Government.
      (ii) a representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON)
      (iii) a representative of Community Intelligence Volunteers
         (iv) a representative of the Ministry of Interior.
5    (1) The members of the Council appointed under section 6 (a), (b) of this Act shall hold office for a period of 2 years and no more.
6    (1) Object and Purpose of the Council
       (a)To exercise general supervision and control over the activities of Community Policing in Nigeria.
       (b) To provide strategic oversights that will help achieve the corporate objectives of the Council
       (d) To review and report the impact of the Vigilante Personnel  across Nigeria in prevention of crime and security of lives and properties.
          (e)        To develop a reporting model and mode of operandi for the Vigilante Personnel in Nigeria.
7  (a) There shall be appointed for the Council a chairman, manager/secretary  who shall be appointed by the local Government Chairman of each Local Government.
         (b) The manager/secretary shall be responsible for the implementation of the decisions of the Council and the day to day administration of the affairs of the Council.
          (c) The Council Chairman shall hold office for two (2) years and may be eligible for re-appointment (Based on performance)for a further period of two (2) years and no more.
8.     ENLISTMENT AND RECRUITMENT OF VIGILANTE PERSONNELS
9.          CADRES:( OFFICERS, RANKS AND FILES): Subject to the provisions of this Act,
(1)         The Council shall through management office announce vacancies, and set up ad hoc Committees for screening of both officers and resident in the Community where the vacancies are announced.
(10)    Subject to the recommendation of the Council Chairman, the requirements and the prerequisite for the employment and enlistment of officers and men, shall be set by the Ad hoc Committees (pursuant to Section (1) of this Act.
11.          Subject to the provisions of this Act, and any other law in force for this purpose, the ranks and positions to be occupied by officers are set out in the following order:
              (a) 1 Council Commandant
               (b) 3 Deputy Commandants
12.   (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Council shall make staff regulations relating generally to the conditions of service of the Vigilante Personnel and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing such regulations may provide for:
             (a)   The appointment, promotion and disciplinary control (including dismissal) of the Vigilante Personnel,
             (b) Appeals by such Personnel against dismissal or other disciplinary measures and until such regulations are made, any instrument relating to the conditions of service of Officers in the Ministry of Interior shall be applicable, with such modifications as may be necessary to the personals of the Councils.
       (2)     Staff regulations made under sub section (1) of this section shall not have effect until approved by the chairman of the Local Government.
13.        SUPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
      (1)   Where abuse or miss -use of power occurs on the part of the Vigilante Personnel in the course of discharging their duties, the victim shall seek redress through the office of the Council Chairman’s Monitoring Team, resident in the Community abuse occurred and such a personnel shall be personally liable for damages arising from any abuse and miss-use of power.
   14.  The requirements and prerequisites for the employment and enlistment of officers and men shall be set by the council Committees.

THE VIGILANTE BILL BY SEN. KOLA BALOGUN, SCHEDULED FOR SECOND READING:

A  BILL FOR AN ACT TO DEVELOP A DECENTRALIZED SYSTEM OF VIGILANTISM PECULIAR TO EVERY LOCAL COMMUNITY IN NIGERA, FACILITATE COMMUNITY POLICING, NEIGHBOUR HOOD WATCH, LOCAL INTELLIGENCE GATHERING, AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

SPONSOR: SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN
(OYO SOUTH)
  CO - SPONSORS:  
SENATOR ABBA PATRICK MORO (BENUE SOUTH)
SEN. FOLARIN TESLIM KOLAWOLE (OYO CENTRAL)
SEN. BUHARI ABDULFATAI (OYO NORTH)
SEN. FADAHUNSI, FRANCIS ADENIGBA (OSUN EAST)
SEN. EKWUNIFE, UCHE LILIAN (ANAMBRA CENTRAL)
SEN. OMO-AGEGE, OVIE AUGUSTIN (DELTA CENTRAL)
SEN. EYAKENYI AKON. E (AKWA IBOM SOUTH)
SEN. KALU, ORJI UZOR (ABIA NORTH)
SEN. MANDIYA BELLO (KATSINA SOUTH)
SEN. MUSA MOHAMMED SANI (NIGER EAST)
SEN. DAHIRU, AISHATU AHMED (ADAMAWA CENTRAL)
SEN. YAROE, BINOS DAUDA (ADAMAWA CENTRAL)
SEN. EKPEYONG, CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN (AKWA IBOM NORTH WEST)
SEN. UBAH IFEANYI PATRICK (ANAMBRA SOUTH)
SEN. EWRUDJAKPO LAWRENCE 0. (BAYELSA WEST)
SEN. SUSWAN GABRIEL TORWUA (BENUE NORTH EAST)
SEN.  ONOR, SANDY OJANG (CROSS RIVER CENTRAL)
SEN.  NWAOBOSHI, PETER ONYELUKA (DELTA NORTH)
SEN.  BAMIDELE, MICHEAL OPEYEMI (EKITI CENTRAL)
SEN. ADETUNMBI OLUBUNMI AYODEJI (EKITI NORTH)
SEN. ADEYEYE, CLEMENT ADEDAYO ( EKITI SOUTH)
SEN. NNAMANI CHIMAROKE OGBONNIA (ENUGU EAST)
SEN. ADAMU, MOHAMMED ALIERO (KEBBI CENTRAL)
SEN.  OLORIEGBE,  YAHAYA IBRAHIM (KWARA CENTRAL)
SEN. UMAR, SADIQ SULEIMAN (KWARA NORTH)
SEN.  ASHIRU, OYELOLA YISA (KWARA SOUTH)
SEN.   TINUBU, OLUREMI SHADE (LAGOS CENTRAL)
SEN.   OSINOWO, SIKIRU ADEBAYO (LAGOS EAST)
SEN.   ADEOLA, SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN (LAGOS WEST)
SEN.  AMOSUN, IBIKUNLE OYELAJA (OGUN CENTRAL)
SEN. ODEBIYI, TOLULOPE AKINREMI (OGUN WEST)
SEN. AKINYELURE, PATRICK AYO (ONDO CENTRAL)
SEN. BOROFFICE, ROBERT AJAYI (ONDO NORTH)
SEN. TOFOWOMO, NICHOLAS OLUBUKOLA (ONDO SOUTH)
SEN. BASIRU, SURAJUDEEN AJIBOLA (OSUN CENTRAL)
SEN. GYANG, DUNG ISTIFANUS (PLATEAU NORTH)
SEN. APIAFI, BATTY JOCELYN (RIVERS WEST)
SEN. GAYA, KABIRU IBRAHIM (KANO NORTH)