News

Governor Eno, raises concerns over Supreme Court’s ruling on LG autonomy

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed approval of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to grant financial autonomy to local governments, while also voicing concerns about its practical application.

Upon returning from an official engagement and addressing correspondents at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on Monday, Governor Eno commended the Supreme Court’s ruling as a significant advancement for local governance across the country.

He characterized the decision as a major relief for state governments, noting its importance in allowing local authorities to manage their finances independently.

“This Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy is a historic and binding ruling. It’s a welcome development, especially considering the substantial support our state provides to local governments,” Governor Eno stated.

Despite his praise, Governor Eno also highlighted potential challenges in implementing the ruling. He emphasized the need for local governments to effectively manage their financial responsibilities, particularly regarding timely salary payments and clearing arrears owed to teachers, health workers, and other local government employees.

“Our current concern is ensuring that local government workers, especially teachers and health workers, receive their salaries on time, without accumulating arrears that could strain future administrations,” Governor Eno remarked. “Since I took office, we have ensured that local governments receive their allocations without interference. Now, the focus shifts to their ability to manage under this new autonomy.”

Governor Eno expressed optimism about finding effective solutions to the challenges posed by the autonomy ruling and called for cooperative efforts to ensure its successful implementation in Akwa Ibom State.

“The Supreme Court has made its decision, and now we must develop strategies to honor this ruling while ensuring the prosperity of our local governments,” he added.

Local governments, unlike independent nation-states, are subordinate entities deriving their powers from laws enacted by superior governments. The nature of interactions between the three tiers of government defines the degree of autonomy. In Nigeria, the concept of local government autonomy is rooted in a historical context of reforms.

News

EFCC to Arrest EezeeTee over Mercy Chinwo’s $340,000 Royalties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Ezekiel Thankgod, known as EezeeTee, must appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to answer allegations concerning Mercy Chinwo’s royalties.
The EFCC accuses Thankgod of laundering and dishonestly converting $340,000 in royalties meant for the gospel artiste.

According to the EFCC’s statement, Justice A. O. Owoeye ruled on Monday, February 17, 2025, that the defendant must appear in court to take his plea, setting March 6, 2025, as the next hearing date.

“The defendant, Ezekiel Thankgod, has consistently evaded arraignment despite multiple attempts by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate to serve him. This prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.

The EFCC detailed that the former manager of Mercy Chinwo and the CEO of Eezee Global Concepts Limited are facing a three-count charge involving money laundering and dishonest royalties conversion.

One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod retained $260,494 in an EEZEE Global Ministry account with Zenith Bank, an amount allegedly linked to unlawful activity.

The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, noted that the agency had been unable to serve the charges directly to Thankgod, as he remained unreachable.

However, on January 24, 2025, his defense counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, SAN, accepted service on his behalf but filed a preliminary objection to challenge the charges.

Justice Owoeye had previously adjourned the case for arraignment, but Thankgod failed to appear, opting to be represented by his counsel.

With the bench warrant still active, the EFCC insists that the accused must personally appear in court on March 6 to defend himself.

News

AfDB President Hints At Possible Run For Nigerian Presidency

The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stating he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank concludes.

In an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni, Adesina, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, affirmed his commitment to national service, saying he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”

When asked directly about his political ambitions, Adesina reflected on his deep attachment to Nigeria, recalling a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.

“I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said. “God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”

Expressing his passion for public service, Adesina noted that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.

Drawing a parallel with Nigerian pop artist Davido’s hit song, ‘Unavailable,’ Adesina playfully remarked, “I would ask Davido to change that song—‘I am available, they will see me.’”

Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020. His tenure at the continental financial institution has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation across Africa.

While he did not declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential race, his remarks have fueled speculation about his political future.

His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for Nigeria’s highest office.

As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the next general elections, Adesina’s latest remarks may signal a move towards a more defined political role.

Whether he formally declares his ambition remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he is ready to serve in any capacity that aligns with his vision for change

Celebs

Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga Passes On

Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga, popularly known for his role as a native doctor is dead.

His death was announced on Instagram on Thursday by fellow movie star, Hilda Dokubo.

Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”

Beyond acting, he was a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt.

His most notable film roles include Issakaba (2003) and 7 Kilometre (2015).

Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).