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Tag: ALGON

  • Autonomy: Court adjourns ALGON’s suit against Federal, State Govts

    Autonomy: Court adjourns ALGON’s suit against Federal, State Govts

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) against the Federal and State Governments until May 29.

    The fresh suit, which was scheduled for mention before Justice Inyang Ekwo, could not proceed because the court did not sit.

    The matter was, however, fixed for May 29 for mention.

    NAN reports that the plaintiff, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/353/2025, is the Registered Trustees of ALGON.

    The Supreme Court had, in a judgment on July 11, 2024, granted financial autonomy to local governments in the country.

    However, ALGON filed the suit following alleged failure by the state governments to comply with the decision of the apex court.

    The association sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and 23 others.

    Others include the Minister of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), state’s Commissioners for Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    It also joined the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, various commercial banks, and one Bello Lawal as defendants in the suit.

    ALGON, in the case, demands that the 774 local councils be granted representation at Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings where allocations are discussed.

    The trustees, prayed the court to declare that “given the Supreme Court decision on July 11, 2024, the 1st to 8th defendants cannot disburse monies to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, through the 9th to 23rd defendants without the plaintiff authorising, approving such.

    They also sought a declaration that  the 1st to 7th defendants cannot discuss, approve, disburse or in any other way whatsoever deal with the monies accruing to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria without the representation of the local government councils.

    The group contended that while the Supreme Court’s judgment intends to liberate the local government administration, the AGF, Ministry of Finance, state’s Commissioners of Finance and CBN had taken “precipitate action to frustrate the implementation of the decision.”

    ALGON, through its counsel, Okechukwu Uju-Azorji, alleged that the 9th to 23rd defendants, which are the commercial banks, are already taking steps “to be the conduit pipe or warehouse from which any money or allocation meant for the local government councils will be collected.”

    The CBN, in its preliminary objection filed by Sam Ologunorisa, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

    The apex bank contends that ALGON is not a legal entity recognised by the constitution or any statute, and was not a party or beneficiary in the Supreme Court case upon which it now relies.

    Similarly, counsel for FAAC, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, argued that ALGON lacked the legal standing to bring the case, thereby robbing the court of jurisdiction.

    Also, the state Commissioners of Finance, through their lawyer, argued that members of FAAC, as stipulated by law, does not include representatives of the 774 LGAs, as being canvassed for.

    They cited Section 6(1) of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 1982, which outlines the FAAC’s statutory membership—excluding local government representation.

    In response, however, ALGON filed a counter-affidavit, asserting its legal status.

    It argued that it was incorporated as an association on May 10, 2002, with the principal objective of promoting and defending the autonomy and interests of local governments in Nigeria.

  • ALGON denies El-Rufai’s fund diversion claims

    ALGON denies El-Rufai’s fund diversion claims

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has refuted allegations by a former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding the diversion of local government funds.

    At a news conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, ALGON spokesperson, Alh. Muhammad Shehu, rejected the claims.

    He stated that Gov. Uba Sani’s administration upheld transparency, accountability, and financial autonomy.

    Shehu described El-Rufai’s allegations as false and misleading, aimed at undermining the credibility of Governor Sani’s people-centred and inclusive governance.

    He noted the accusations were intended to misinform the public, provoke discontent, and tarnish the image of the current administration’s developmental efforts.

    El-Rufai had alleged that the governor misappropriated local government funds to acquire properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

    “The Uba Sani administration strictly follows due process and the rule of law. It supports local government initiatives and does not interfere with their finances,” Shehu stated.

    He said local governments now receive significantly higher monthly allocations compared to what was disbursed during El-Rufai’s tenure.

    “Many of us served under El-Rufai. Under Sani, our allocations have doubled. We now operate without fear or intimidation,” Shehu remarked.

    He further accused El-Rufai of pursuing divisive policies, especially the ‘Riot Damage Deductions’, which allegedly targeted Southern Kaduna, fuelling ethnic tensions.

    Shehu praised the Sani-led administration for reversing such policies, promoting unity and fostering inclusivity across Kaduna State.

    Citing rural development, Shehu highlighted the Rural Transformation Programme, which has improved agriculture, created jobs, boosted rural economies, and enhanced local security.

    He urged the public to dismiss El-Rufai’s claims, calling them baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence.

    Shehu assured that local government chairmen are focused on development, with no complaints about the state government’s handling of funds.

  • Delta Unity Group lauds Malik Ikpokpo’s appointment as Director General of ALGON

    Delta Unity Group lauds Malik Ikpokpo’s appointment as Director General of ALGON

     

    Delta Unity Group (DUG), the main political and leadership think tank in Delta State, has lauded the appointment of Sir Itiako Ikpokpo as the Director-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

    Ikpokpo was Friday confirmed as the Director-General of ALGON following his earlier nomination by Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, National President of ALGON.

    In a congratulatory message to Ikpokpo, also known as Malik by friends and political associates, the National Publicity Secretary of DUG, Sir Sunny Areh, said Ikpokpo takes over the affairs of ALGON with an impressive pedigree in management and administration.

    “Malik, a two-term Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council in Delta State, and was also a Deputy National President of ALGON,
    Ikpokpo is man of remarkable experience, practical know-how and active involvement in local government governance.

    And as the third tier of government gears up for increased autonomy, the DUG urges him to evolve crucial managerial strategies that will make Council chairmen more astute, responsive and innovative in bringing development to their jurisdictions.

    “We are confident that Malik appreciates the enormity of expectations from local government governance as it holds genuine hope for development of the people. The limitations of the Federal Government and even that of the States in terms of impacting on the quality of life and living of the people are well documented. As the devolution of powers from Abuja to the other tiers gains more ground, Nigerians look forward to a more vibrant third tier that fills the huge void in the development indices of our people,” Sir Areh said.

    Ikpokpo replaces Hajiya Binta Bello whose tenure ended November, 2023.

  • Rivers ALGON supports Fubara’s impeachment process

    Rivers ALGON supports Fubara’s impeachment process

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), River Chapter, says the call for the impeachment of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara is a step in the right direction.

    The Chairman, Mr Allwell Ihunda said at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that 21 local government chairmen in the state were in support of the call to impeach the governor

    Te Rivers Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently called on the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

    Ihunda, also the Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, said that the call for Fubara’s impeachment was to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.

    The ALGON chairman alleged that the governor did not release statutory allocations to the local government councils in April.

    ”We did not receive allocations in April, this development is a show of executive rascality on the part of the governor,” he said

    He said that Fubara had refused to convene the Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting, which is the prerequisite for the release and disbursement of funds to the councils.

    ”The governor’s action is illegal. The state is at the verge of being plunged into totalitarianism,” he said.

    Ihunda further said that Fubara had directed Heads of Local Government Administrations in the councils to present salary vouchers to his office directly.

    ”He wants salary vouchers and overheads of civil servants, excluding chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and political appointees sent to his office,” he said.

    ”This action is unconstitutional. It is in contravention of Sections 3(6), 7 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution,” he said

    “The chairman urged the state House of Assembly to take appropriate steps towards checking the excesses of the governor to safeguard democracy in the state.

  • Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON),Oyo State Chapter, has described  the  late Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Lekan Balogun, as a peace-maker ,saying he died when he was most needed in Ibadan and Nigeria,in general.

    The State AlGON Chairman, Mr Sikiru Sanda ,said this during the 8-day fidau prayer for the late traditional ruler on Friday in Ibadan.

    Sanda, who is the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council of the state, said that the late Olubadan was  a very pleasant man ,loved  by everyone in his domain.

    “His death came to us as a rude shock, we felt bad about, it is a great loss to the nation and we have accepted God decision.

    “We are going to miss him owing  to his contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria, in general.”,he said.

    In his sermon, Prof. Kamil Oloso, former lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, called on everyone to always do good and remember the  Judgment Day.

    Oloso said that there was no doubt that everyone would be resurrected to account for his or her deeds while on earth.

    Quoting chapter 75 vs 1 :5 of the Holy Quran ,the  Islamic scholar said those that do good while earth would surely  reap bountifully on  the Day of Judgment.

    He called on  citizens ,especially those with means , to always  assist those in need.

    The 8-day fidau prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland,Shelkh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere.

    Christian clerics and traditional religion worshippers also prayed for the repose of the late traditional ruler’s soul.

    Present at the occasion were members of immediate and extended families of the late Olubadan; the  Olubadan-In-Council,Magajis,Baales, and  chairmen of local government councils in Ibadan.

    Other were President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaimon Ajewole, Ibadan traditional title holders, among others.

    Balogun, who ascended the throne on March 11,2022, died on March 14,2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after  a brief illness.

  • FCT ALGON Cup: 10 teams confirmed as tournaments kicks off Sept. 29

    FCT ALGON Cup: 10 teams confirmed as tournaments kicks off Sept. 29

    The first edition of the FCT ALGON Cup will kick start on September 29, the organizers have confirmed.
    The opening ceremony will take place at the Area 3 Playing Ground in Abuja and it will see AMAC  trade tackles with Soccer Excel in the tournament opener, the second match of the day will see Kwali Fc slug it out with Gwalgwalada football club on same ground.
    The competition will start on September 29th and runs till October 10th 2023.
    Ambassador Moses Ebahor, the principal Organizer of the tournament,  told reporters in Abuja that the tournament will feature only 10 teams and they have been divided into two group of five each.
    According to him, the tournament is basically for the six Area Council in the FCT, with invitation extended to four other team to come and showcase their talents and is strictly meant for U-16 to 23 years.
    “The essence of the tournament is to discover new talents. Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League and even Amateur League are not eligible to participate in the ALCON Cup. We’re looking for players that we can inject to the Golden Eaglets”
    “We have zero tolerance for cheating” he said.
    Speaking also at the occasion, Engnr.Solomon Baniola who represented the Kwali Area Council chairman, Hon.Danladi Chiya Kwali disclosed that the organizers have gotten endorsements from the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), the FCT FA and all the other necessary body before embarking on the tournament.
    “We want Gbaygi people in the national team. We are not timid. We are brilliant people and ready to take our rightful place in the country. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike is aware and backing up this tournament.
    Group A consists of Amac, Bwari, Kuje, Soccer Excel and Restoration Academy while Group B has Kwali, Gwagwalada, Abaji, Boknoh Academy and Mamba Pros Fc.
  • Strike: No hope in sight for primary school pupils in Abuja

    Strike: No hope in sight for primary school pupils in Abuja

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the demands of the striking primary school teachers in the FCT are not feasible.

    Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, the National Chairman of the association and Chairman, Abaji Area Council, FCT, stated this in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Recall the FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in a communique had directed all primary school teachers in the FCT to begin an indefinite strike.

    The strike action, according to the communique, followed the failure of the six Area Councils’ Chairmen to pay the teachers’ 40 per cent peculiar and other outstanding allowances.

    The communique was jointly signed by Mr Stephen Knabayi, Ms Margaret Jethro and Mr Haruna Samson, Chairman, Secretary and Publicity Secretary, respectively.

    The teachers claimed that they had earlier given the six Area councils’ chairmen a seven-day ultimatum to pay the 40 per cent peculiar and other allowances owed them.

    They alleged that throughout the period of the ultimatum, the area council chairmen neither acknowledged receipt of the letters nor invited the union for dialogue nor attended to any of their concerns.

    The concerns of the teachers include; non-payment of 25 months arrears of the 2019 approved national minimum wage, non release of some promotion letters to beneficiaries and non implementation of released promotion letters.

    Other issues are; non payment of promotion arrears, non-upgrading of concerned teachers, non implementation of salaries for upgraded teachers and non implementation of annual salary increments in some councils.

    There is also the issue of non compliance with the agreement on payments of the backlog of teachers’ entitlement amongst others.

    They explained that the strike was their last option having exhausted all available avenues to get their demands met.

    Reacting to the development, Abdullahi told NAN that what the teachers requests were not feasible, adding that contrary to their claims, he had met with the NUT leadership on Saturday and Sunday.

    “I met with the NUT leadership twice. I met with the Chairman on Saturday evening and asked him to arrange a meeting with his members of the Executives which I attended in their Head Office at Gwagwalada.

    “I pleaded with them, and we are still pleading with them to reconsider their action.  What they are requesting is not feasible,” he said.

    The chairman stressed the need to join hands with the leadership of the NUT to approach the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike for help.

    “He just resumed office. We appealed to them to give him at least three months to settle down so that we can approach him with their complaints, but they insisted they have to go on with the strike.

    “So, we have no option than to wait for the minister to call on us so we can explain things to him,” Abdullahi said.

    When contacted on the matter, Dr Hassan Sule, Director, FCT Universal Basic Education Board, said that the board had not been officially communicated by the NUT that they would embark on an indefinite strike.

    Sule, who described education as “fundamental” said: “I have not received any official communication from NUT that they are going to embark on strike.

    “When I heard that the primary section did not resume on Monday, I had to call the Chairman of the ALGON and the NUT chairman.

    “I think they have a little misunderstanding. Normally if there is going to be a strike, there must be grievances, and there must be communication.

    “I cannot say it is a strike because they didn’t write to us that they are going to commence a strike. I have not seen any circular. It is just a communication between NUT and ALGON chairman.”

    The director, however, said that he had met with the NUT leadership and the ALGON chairman over the issue and they assured him that the difference would be resolved.

    He reiterated the board’s commitment to ensure that the issues were resolved, stressing, “keeping the children at home is more dangerous.”

  • Fuel Subsidy Removal: Delta ALGON approves palliatives for LG workers

    Fuel Subsidy Removal: Delta ALGON approves palliatives for LG workers

    Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter, Barr. Victor Ebonka, on Tuesday, said workers in the 25 local government councils in the state would receive the same palliative packages approved for workers in the state public service by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Barr. Ebonka who doubles as the Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council of the state, disclosed this in an interview with Journalists in Asaba.

    He said arrangements had been put in place to start implementing the palliative for local government council workers in the state with effect from this month (August) in line with the directive of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

    According to him, local government workers are to receive additional N10,000 per month for a period of three months to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, adding that, like their counterparts at the state level, workers in various local government councils would also, run shifts.

    The ALGON boss stated that workers at the council level including the Local Education Authority (LEA) workers and the primary school teachers as well as their support staff, would all benefit from the palliative packages.

    “We have held the necessary stakeholders meeting and His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oboriwori has directed that ALGON, as a body, should ensure that the local government council chairmen implement the same palliative measures in their respective local government areas.

    “The workers salaries at the council level including the Local Education Authority (LEA) workers and the primary school teachers will all get N10,000 each for a period of three months.

    “The workers will also be placed under a work schedule (shifting) similar to that of the state workers to help reduce their burden of the fuel subsidy removal on them.

    “For the loan facility sort by ALGON for payment of local government pensioners, we have perfected all that is necessary. So, we are expecting that by this month (August) end, we will be able to access the funds and hopefully, by next month payment will commence,” he said.

    On teachers and non-teaching staff recruitment in primary schools in the state, Barr. Ebonka said the recruitment exercise was already on, adding that those qualified would soon be invited for interviews.

    “The teachers recruitment exercise is already on going and soon those qualified will be invited for interviews. I also need to let you know that the number of teachers to be recruited in each local government area is based on a need assessment,” he stated.

  • Oborevwori approves teachers’ recruitment in 22 LGAs in Delta – ALGON

    Oborevwori approves teachers’ recruitment in 22 LGAs in Delta – ALGON

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has approved the recruitment of primary school teachers, clerical officers and watchmen in 22 local government council areas in the state.

    The state Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr Victor Ebonka disclosed this on Friday in Asaba.

    Ebonka, who spoke in an interview with  at the end of the state Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) Meeting, said that the governor gave the approval during the meeting, adding that the recruitment would be based on individual LGA’s needs assessment.

    “At today’s JAAC meeting, His Excellency, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori gave approval for 22 LGAs out of the 25 LGAs in the state to immediately employ the services of primary school teachers in their respective council area.

    “This employment will not have a uniform number because each council will be considering those that have retired from their councils. So the number to employ will vary from council to council.

    “We are also employing watchmen, clerical officers and all other support staff for the Local Government Education Authority.

    ” This will go a long way in solving the problem of lack of teachers in our primary schools,” Ebonka said.

    The ALGON boss also debunked insinuations of heavy windfall for the councils, saying the allocation they got for the month of July was not unusual.

    “We heard from the rumour mill that about N1.9 trillion will be disbursed for the month of July. I want to let you know that we just rose from the JAAC meeting.

    “What you heard was just a rumour. There is nothing unusual about the allocation distributed for the month of July. Although it is higher than what we had several years ago,” he said.

    On the N40 billion loan facility for pension payments, Ebonka said they had met all the conditions necessary for the loan.

    He said that they were optimistic of paying the pensioners from August.

    “About the N40 billion facility, all the necessary steps and processes have been completed and even the one percent management fee has been paid.

    “We strongly believe that we will be able to access the money in the next one month.

    “Like we said before, we are going to be paying all of the funds that we will access directly to the pensioners.

    ” The forensic experts that we have engaged are presently auditing the accounts to ensure that the actual accruals are paid to the pensioners,” Ebonka  said.

  • N40bn borrowed by Delta LGAs to pay retirees – ALGON Chairman

    N40bn borrowed by Delta LGAs to pay retirees – ALGON Chairman

    The Delta Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Victor Ebonka has said that local councils in the state have secured a N40 billion loan to settle pension arrears owed retirees from 2016 to date.

    Ebonka explained that contrary to insinuations, the loan was secured by the LGCs, not the State Government.

    The ALGON chairman made the clarification while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Asaba after a meeting of the state government and LGAs Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).

    “The state government did not borrow N40 billion as reported in some quarters.

    “The only role played by the state government was to give approval and forward same to the State Assembly for ratification.

    “So, it is exclusively the Local Government Councils that are borrowing this money,” he added.

    According to him, the LGCs are by law expected to get the approval of the State Government and the ratification of the State Assembly before securing  any loan.

    “So, any moment from now, the pensioners will smile home. We also want to state that no penny from the N40 billion is going to the coffers of the Local Governments.

    “We are going to cover about ninety percent of the accrued rights from this money, all of the monies will be paid directly to the pensioners,” Ebonka said.

    He said that the pensioners include primary school teachers and other retired local government workers.

    According to him, the retirees were not paid their entitlements over the years due to error in their enrollment into the state contributory pension scheme.

    “This problem was inherited from the two previous administrations and it has to do with an error in the enrollment into the contributory pension scheme.

    “And for this shortcoming, we have found ourselves owing their accrued rights from 2016 to date.

    “The past administration set a machinery in motion and has tried to ensure that the debt is liquidated by giving several grants totaling about N5 billion and increased statutory contribution from N200 million a month to N500 million.”

    Ebonka however said in spite of the interventions by the state government, it had been difficult to clear the outstanding arrears.

    “This made the immediate past administration to set up a committee comprising of myself the ALGON chairman, the Head of Service and other stakeholders.

    “The committee went to the bond market to get a facility but was not successful because the cost of funds was quite expensive.

    “So, we approached the commercial bank to get the facility and we can say that Zenith Bank has agreed to offer us N40 billion out of the N51 billion we are indebted to the pensioners,” Ebonka said.