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Lagos Assembly Set To Replace LCDAs With Administrative Areas

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…Gives Governor Power To Suspend Erring Chairmen, Vice Chairmen

The Lagos State House of Assembly is set to replace the current 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state with Administrative Areas.

This is contained in a Bill for a Law to provide for Local Government’s System, Establishment And Administration And to Consolidate All Laws On Local Government Administration And Connected Purposes, which went through public hearing on Thursday.

The bill specifies that the system of Local Government will be by democratically elected Local Governments.

According to the Bill, there shall be twenty (20) Local Government Areas in the State as specified in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The bill is coming on the heels of the financial autonomy recently granted the 774 local governments in the country by the Supreme Court, which specified that money would not be released to any local government, which has no democratically elected executive members.

“As from the commencement of this Law, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) shall conduct elections into the twenty (20) Local Government Councils in the state as recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“The twenty (20) Local Government Councils shall have designated Area Administrative Offices as listed in the 1st Schedule to this Law for effective and efficient local government administration in the State.

“Each Local Government Area will have its headquarters in the place names in the third column of Schedule 1 to this Law.

“There shall be thirty-seven (37) Area Administrative Councils in the State with the names specified in Schedule 11 of the Creation of Local Government Areas (Amendment) Law of 2004,” the Bill stated.

It was added that each Local Government’s Administrative Council shall be headed by Area Administrative Secretary, who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation of the House.

The Bill stated further that each Area Administrative Council shall be funded by the Local Government Area under which it falls.

Moreso, it was stated that each Local Government Area has the power to delegate any of its functions to the Area Administrative Council falling within the territory of the Local Government Area.

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law, each Area Administrative Council will retain all the rights, interests, obligations and liabilities, which became vested in or attached to it under any contract or instrument, or on law or equity, all the time it was operating as a Local Government Area.

“Subject to the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act, the State Electoral Commission, LASIEC, shall divide each Local Government Area into such number of wards, not being less than twelve (12) or more than forty (40) as the circumstances of each Local Government Area may require,” the bill read.

The proposed law, in Section 30, stated that the Governor shall have the right to suspend any Chairman or Vice Chairman or any elected official/political appointee, which it said shall at the expiration of such suspension resume office and shall notify the House upon resumption of office.

The law however, repealed the Local Government Administration Law Ch L89 Laws of the Lagos State 2015 and the Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2016.

Stakeholders at the event, including His Royal Majesty, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Chairman of Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Rasak Ajala, a former commissioner in the state, Hon Oyinlomo Danmole and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, faulted some aspects of the bill.

Specifically, Hon. Ajala faulted the law, saying that it would lead to underdevelopment in the grassroots.

The Chairman stated that the financial autonomy granted local governments should not change anything in the arrangements in Lagos State, which he said was fought to the Supreme Court then.

According to him, “even with LCDAs, the money meant for a particular area would be shared by the main local government and the LCDAs, so changing them to development areas would have no effect.

“The Assembly should leverage on the powers conferred on them by Section 7 sub-section 1 of the Nigerian Constitution and allow the LCDAs to be,” he said.

This was also the position of HRM, Oba Shotobi, who insisted that the LCDAs are aiding developments in the grassroots.

In his comments, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro faulted the Assembly for not giving the public hearing proper publicity, saying that the problems in the local governments are deep and profound.

“The public hearing is being done without due consultations. In a democratic setting, the people are more important. I can’t even see any leader of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), here. What we enjoyed as local governments chairmen are no longer there,” he said.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, said earlier in his speech delivered by his Deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda, that “we are gathered here to consider and reflect on a bill that seeks to further enhance how our third tier of Government should be administered.”

Obasa recalled that just about two weeks back, people were also gathered to deliberate on the electoral bill for the Local government elections which he said is the first right step before the House could go into how the local government should function.

“This Bill has passed the preliminary stages and the House is hereby subjecting it to public appraisal in our transparent convention.

“At this stage, we subject the bill to public assessment, gathering public observations and thoughts to reflect on them in the next stage of the bill.

“The bill is seeking to consolidate all laws on Local Government administration. The law, when passed, will allow the local government function optimally with strict adherence to the rule of law and separation of powers within the Local Government.

“The bill clearly states the functions of the Chairman, Vice chairman, Legislative council and other local government functionaries.

“The Bill also makes emphasis on creation of thirty–seven Area administrative councils, in addition to the original twenty Local Government listed in the bill, the councils would be headed by Area administrative secretaries to be appointed subject to the approval of the House,” he said.

The Speaker stressed that the bill also made mention of four years tenure for the elective offices in the local government, which he said has finally removed the ambiguity of the past as regards tenure of these elective officers.

The bill, he said, has elaborated upon all that needs to be done for an effective administration of the Local government be it, declaration of assets, nomination of a chairman, removal of a chairman or vice chairman, discharge of functions of the chairman, local government area supervisors appointees, Executive powers of the local government, street naming and many more.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon Sanni Family Okanlawon, said that the purpose of the public hearing was to allow the people make meaningful contributions to the bill before it is passed into law by the assembly.

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Politics

2027: Owerri West APC Ward 10 Political Leader, Hon.Duru Dumps Uzodimma, Joins ADC

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By Dan Opara

In a bold political move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Imo State, a prominent grassroots mobilizer and strong advocate of good governance, Hon. Duru Obinna Benjamin, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Hon. Duru, a former Councillor in Owerri West Local Government Area, served as APC Ward Chairman for Irete/Orogwe Ward 10 and held several key positions within the party’s structure, including serving as the Camp Hope Coordinator and Interim Management Council (IMC) Councilor.

Known for his grassroots engagement and unwavering passion for people-centered leadership, Hon. Duru’s defection marks a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an official resignation letter dated July 4, 2025, and obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, Hon. Duru addressed the APC Ward Chairman and party members, formally notifying them of his decision to withdraw his membership from the party.

The letter, now circulating widely across social media platforms, highlighted his reasons for quitting and declared his new political direction.

“After careful reflection, I have concluded that my values and vision for our nation no longer align with the current direction of the APC, which, in my opinion, is no longer committed to the principles of good governance and inclusive leadership,” the letter read in part.

He further appreciated all those who supported him during his time in the APC, expressing gratitude for their trust, partnership, and shared efforts in advancing the party’s goals over the years.

Hon. Duru emphasized that his move to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is driven by a renewed desire to contribute to a political platform that promotes people-oriented policies, national development, and sustainable economic recovery.

“I am proud to announce that I have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party I believe is better positioned to serve the interests of Nigerians and drive national transformation,” he stated.

In a follow-up interview with ThePressman, Hon. Duru confirmed that his decision was not only deliberate but deeply inspired by the need to embrace a progressive party capable of tackling the challenges facing Nigeria today.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma and the APC have failed to fulfill the hopes of many. The economic hardship and leadership gaps persist, and I can no longer continue to align with a party that has lost direction. The ADC is now the beacon of hope for Nigerians,” he said confidently.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, political observers in Imo State and beyond will be keenly watching how this defection and others like it will shape the fortunes of major parties in the region.

Hon. Duru’s move to ADC is a signal that the opposition is strengthening, and that political dynamics in Owerri West and Imo State at large may take a new turn in the coming months.

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Unity in Transition: Success Opara Call for Brotherhood in David Mark’s ADC

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As ADC Transitions Through David Mark, Success Opara Calls on Imo ADC to be Their Brother’s Keeper”

In a bid to strengthen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Success Opara, a prominent figure in the party, has called on ADC members in Imo State to stand together in support of one another.

As the party transitions under the leadership of David Mark, Opara emphasized the importance of being their “brother’s keeper,” recognizing that the challenges ahead are uncertain and require collective strength.

With the party’s growing influence and potential for success, members are being encouraged to stand together in support of one another.

The call for unity comes as the ADC continues to attract prominent figures and gain momentum across the country.

Under David Mark’s leadership, the ADC is poised to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections, and Opara’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within the party.

 

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE — Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE

— Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

— Says Right of Way Must Be Cleared to Protect Reconstructed Roads

The Imo State Government has begun a sweeping evacuation of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government verges across the state, reiterating that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government verge for private use.

This decisive action comes after investigations revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership. A prime example is the document currently circulating and attached herein, which was illegally issued and fraudulently backdated in favor of one Hon. Clinton Amadi, allegedly allocating a plot at Aladinma Garden Estate.

Government officials have confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge — which is public land reserved for utility easements and road buffer — cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance noted:

“The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for stormwater flow, leading to flooding and accelerated deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads.”

The statement emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. The public is hereby warned not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.

A Stern Warning to All Illegal Occupants:

All individuals or businesses currently occupying government verges are hereby directed to vacate such areas immediately. Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.

Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of state policy but an assault on public interest.

The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and development efforts.

Residents are urged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government verges to the Office of the SA on Monitoring and Compliance or the Imo State Ministry of Lands for immediate investigation.

Signed:
Office of the SA to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance
Government of Imo State,
Owerri, Nigeria.

05/07/2025

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