FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL – LAGOS STATE
October 23, 2024
The Honourable Speaker,
RT Hon. Mudashiru Obasa
Lagos State House of Assembly,
Alausa,
Ikeja,
Lagos.
Dear Sir,
RE: FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL
We write on behalf of the Youth Party regarding the proposed Local Government Administration Bill currently under consideration by the House. While we commend the Legislature’s efforts to strengthen local governance, we have identified several provisions that warrant careful reconsideration to ensure the bill achieves its intended objectives while maintaining democratic principles.
We are hopeful that these amendments, if considered, could further enhance the bill’s potential to strengthen local governance and uphold democratic principles.Of particular concern is Section 30(1), which addresses the removal and suspension of local government officials. Our detailed analysis reveals potential implications for local government autonomy and democratic accountability that merit thoughtful deliberation.
We contend that nothing in this draft provides fair hearing or the opportunity for a defence before this conclusion is arrived at. We suggest an additional section to provide for an independent panel, set up and chaired by the Chief Judge of Lagos state that will review the defence of the accused chairman and make recommendations to the House of Assembly.
Since elected local government chairmen hold executive office like Governors and the President, we believe the same process that holds for the impeachment of a governor should hold for the Local Government Chairman.
The process for impeaching a Governor of a State in Nigeria is contained in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. We reproduce the steps below which we recommend for adoption.
Step 1
A notice of any allegation in writing alleging gross misconduct on the part of the Governor. This notice must be signed by not less than one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly is presented to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Step 2
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly must within 7 days, serve the Governor of the State and each member of the State House of Assembly with a copy of the
Step 3
The Governor has a right of reply (he/she does not have to reply however), and any such statement in reply to the allegation must be served on each member of the State House of Assembly.
Step 4
Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the State House of Assembly shall resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated. This motion needs to be passed by at least two-thirds majority of all members of the State House of Assembly.
Step 5
If the motion fails to reach the required majority, the process immediately stops, and no further action will be taken. However, if the required majority is obtained and the motion is passed, then the Speaker of the State House of Assembly will within 7 days of the passing of the motion, request the Chief Judge of the State to appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity to investigate the allegations. The members of the Panel cannot be members of any public service, legislative house or political party.
Step 6
The Panel is to report its findings within thee months of being appointed. The findings will be reported to the State House of Assembly. During the proceedings of the Panel, the Governor shall have a right to defend himself, and shall also have the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of his/her choice.
Step 7
Where the Panel reports that the allegation has not been proven, there will be no further action. However, if the report is that the allegation against the Governor has been proven, then the State House of Assembly will consider the report, and a resolution for the adoption of the report shall be moved.
Step 8
For the resolution to be adopted, it must be supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all the member the State House of Assembly. Once adopted the Governor shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.Section 30 (4) reads “Nothing in this section shall prevent the Governor from suspending any Chairman, Vice-Chairman or any elected official! political appointee of any Local Government Area in the interest of peace, order and good governance of the State.” We believe this provision should be expunged given that local government chairmen are duly elected with a term limit and should not be subject to dismissal by the Governor. The Supreme Court has also decided that Governors lack the powers to suspend or remove elected local government chairmen.
The Supreme Court, in faulting the law purportedly relied on by Fayemi to dissolve the local government administration, held that Section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the governor to dissolve local government councils, whose tenure was yet to expire, violated section 7(1) of the Constitution from which the state House of Assembly derived the power to enact the local government law.
Justice Centus Nweze, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the tenure of the local government councils could not be abridged without violating the supreme constitutional provisions.
Section 4(1-8) reads that “There shall be thirty-seven (37) Area Administrative Councils in the State with the names specified in Schedule Il of the Creation of Local Government Areas (Amendment) Law of 2004. Each Local Government’s Area Administrative Councils shall be headed by Area Administrative Secretaries who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation of the House. Each Area Administrative Council shall be funded by the Local Government Area under which it falls. 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.
4(5) The functions of an Area Administrative Council shall include-
(a) every duty of a Local Government in its area of delincation;
(b) any duty assigned to it by any law of the House; or
(c) executive directives of the Governor of Lagos State.
4(6) Each Area Administrative Council may employ such staff as it may consider necessary for the optimal execution of its development programme.
4(8) 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 in law or equity, at the time it was operating as a Local Government Area;We contend that Area Administrative Councils are not recognized by the federal constitution and cannot befit from funding that should accrue to Local Governments. Furthermore, that the Area Admirative Secretaries will be appointed already show they do not have the mandate of the people and should not be entrusted with the people’s resources as they are not accountable to the electorate.
Section 5(2) reads “The Local Government Councils shall have the power to create more wards in addition to the existing wards in the State and there shall be appointed more councillors to oversee such wards.
We contend that local government councils do not have the powers to create additional wards should not be entrusted with that responsibility. Additionally, councillors are elected to represent wards and not appointed. Hence the creation of new wards, and the appointment of councillors are an anomaly.
Thank you and God bless you.
Signed
Ayodele Adio Dr Umar Muhammad
National Publicity Secretary National Chair
MEMORANDUM TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY – 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2024
- State Financial Grant Towards Administrative and Policy Development Costs of Political Parties
Currently, political parties in Nigeria does not get any sort of financial support from the Federal Government towards any of their activities. It is our humble submission that administrative and policy development cost should be entitled to a financial grant but not campaign expenses. In essence, we submit that it is in the public interest for the Electoral Act 2022 to be amended to provide for financial grant towards administrative and policy development costs.
The following are part of the rationale for public funding of parties:
- It limits the impact of private money on democracy, ensuring that public interest guides political behavior. It protects the parties from moneybags or limits their influence. And, also prevent the capture the government by moneybags.
- State funding promotes justice, equal opportunity, and political competitiveness, especially benefiting smaller parties.
- Thirdly, it reduces private influence, curbing corruption through regulated contributions and spending.
- Party politics’ costs rise, public funding becomes essential for democratic progress, allowing parties to focus on their campaigns effectively.
- It is in line with global best practices. 60% of democratic countries support political parties financially including Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Israel, Canada, Australia, Austria, Spain, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland and many others.
There are two categories of public funding: direct and indirect. In a sample of over 180 nations, 25% provide no public funding, 58% provide direct funding, and 60% provide indirect funding. 1 Direct funding of grant towards administrative and policy development expenses. And, indirect grant by allowing the political parties a regulated slot and access to state broadcasting institutions.
In conclusion, we submit that it is in the public interest to provide financial grant to political parties so they can adhere to principles that keep them free from the influence of moneybags who, by hook or by crook, seeks to acquire political power or influence.
- Admissibility of Electronic Versions of Voters Register
The election petition rules should allow for the admissibility of electronic versions of voters register in the form of protected hard drives that are usually issued to all political parties by INEC before the commencement of any election. The current procedure that requires obtaining certified true copies of the voters register from INEC is frustrating, cumbersome and outdated. Even the sheer volume of the documents will discourage the judges from going through them.
PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN KANO, OGUN & OSUN.
We are set to conduct Primary Elections in preparation for the Local Government Elections in Kano and Osun in line with the Electoral Act (2022) (as amended) and the Kano and Osun State Independent Electoral Commission guidelines.
Our National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued primary election guidelines for Kano State, and Osun State and timetable for conduct of the Party’s primaries as follows:
Kano State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th August – 25th September, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 26th September, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 27th September, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 29th September, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 30th September, 2024 |
Osun State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th – 20th August, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 21st August, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 22nd August, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 23rd August, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 24th August, 2024 |
We have made Expression of Interest and nomination Forms available on the our website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/ .
Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:
S/N | Position | Expression of Interest Form | Nomination Form |
1. | Chairmanship | N15,000 | N150,000 |
2. | Councillorship | N7,500 | N75,000 |
- Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee. l
- Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.
All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.
Account Name: Youth Party Primaries
Bank: Zenith
Account No: 1015846526
Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.
Our Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.
Helen Adoh
Ag. National Secretary
Youth Party urges NASS to pass autonomous Electoral Offences Commission Act.
The Youth Party has asked the National Assembly to pass an autonomous Electoral Offences Commission Act that will empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the capacity to investigate and coordinate enforcement and prosecution of all electoral offences.
The Youth Party in a memorandum to National Assembly – Joint Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Electoral Matters jointly signed by its National Chair, Dr. Umar Muhammad, National Secretary, Helen Adoh, and the National Policy & Strategy, Ayiba Amadu also urged the National Assembly to ensure the independence of the proposed electoral Offences Commission by giving them financial autonomy and removing them from the operational control of the Executive and the Attorney General of the Federation and of the States.
The Party also urged the National Assembly to create specialised electoral offences court with divisions in various states across the federation and are guided by special rules and guidelines that regulate the conduct and timeline of trials.
Besides, the Youth Party seek the following “Employments of new technologies particularly the use of surveillance drones to monitor elections in various polling centres to facilitate real time incident reporting.
“Organize periodic specialized training for security forces to combat electoral violence and clearly delineate their roles during election.
“Disqualifications of Persons facing: Criminal Charges from contesting Election”
The party stated that political offices are public trusts and persons elected into these offices become public trustees, stressing that it is critical that a trustee must be a person of character and integrity to be able to manage whatever the settlor is trusting on to him for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
” It is therefore our belief that for the advancement of common good and to ensure that only persons of integrity and unquestionable character are elected into public offices, there is need to amend the Constitution to disqualify persons who have pending criminal cases against them from vying for public offices.
While the Party conceded that there are many arguments against this, it submitted that the dangers of allowing such persons to run for office are considerable.
The statement argued “For instance, a person under trial for murder of 10 (ten) Nigerians may contest and win election even from the prison as we have witnessed in this country. Upon being elected, he becomes immune from criminal trials by virtue of section 308 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He is also almost sure of serving a second term. Thus, for eight years, he will not return to the courts to face trial. In addition, a governor is in charge of the Ministry of Justice, which is the prosecutorial authority.
“The Ministry of Justice through the Director of Public Prosecution is expected to prosecute him or her (the governor or president) after his or her tenure of office.
“The danger of tampering with evidence and witnesses is real than imagined. For instance, he is the person that appoints and removes at his own wish the Attorney General that is supposed to prosecute him. The person upon election takes charge of the Police and other Prosecutorial agencies and appoints their heads.
“For instance, a person who is under trial for corruption becomes directly in charge of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, if he is elected President. Furthermore, all the witnesses especially those that are civil servants also comes under his power to hire and fire. With all these considerations, it is apparent that such a person may utilize state powers to frustrate his trial. This is not healthy as it results in persons who are not trust worthy occupying positions of public trust.
” Many may argue that this proposal will constitute a violation of the right to fair hearing and innocence until proven guilty, but the greater and common good of all Nigerians demands that such a persons should not be allowed to vie for public office until they are cleared. The right of such candidates begins and ends where the right of Nigerians to good governance starts.”
Besides, the party added that
Pre-election matters relating to eligibility of candidates should be given the same expeditious hearing and status as election petitions. It should be resolved at the high court and at the Court of Appeal being the final Court before the Election.
It argued that Section 66, 107, 131 and 177 of the Constitution should be amended to allow the Court, upon application by INEC or any other person.
Presenting the Party’s position, a representative of the Youth Party, Amador Iba Sunday, said “Our only issue we wank to raise is the disqualification of persons facing criminal charges From the arresting.
“We are recommending that such persons cases needs to be done and dealt with before election. We understand that public offices are of public trust and we are applying and we are suggesting that section 308 of the constitution is looked into so issues of people with questionable character can be trashed out in the court of law if possible”.
Youth Party also advocated for government financial grant for political parties to cover administrative and policy development costs to reduce the influence of money bags in politics in line with global best practices. State funding of political parties exist in about 60 percent of democratic countries in the world including Germany, UK, Spain, Israel, Denmark and many others.
PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN ANAMBRA, JIGAWA, KANO, OGUN & OSUN.
We are set to conduct Primary Elections in preparation for the Local Government Elections in Anambra, Ogun, Jigawa, Kano and Osun in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Anambra, Ogun, Jigawa, Kano and Osun State Independent Electoral Commission guidelines.
Our National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued primary election guidelines for Anambra State, Jigawa State, Kano State, Ogun State and Osun State and timetable for conduct of the Party’s primaries as follows:
Anambra State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th – 24th August, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 25th August, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 26th August, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 27th August, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 28th August, 2024 |
Kano State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th August – 25th September, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 26th September, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 27th September, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 29th September, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 30th September, 2024 |
Jigawa and Osun State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th – 20th August, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 21st August, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 22nd August, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 23rd August, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 24th August, 2024 |
Ogun State:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th August – 20th September 2024 |
2. | Screening | 5th September 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 6th September 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 8th September 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 9th September 2024 |
We have made Expression of Interest and nomination Forms available on the our website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/ .
Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:
S/N | Position | Expression of Interest Form | Nomination Form |
1. | Chairmanship | N15,000 | N150,000 |
2. | Councillorship | N7,500 | N75,000 |
- Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee. l
- Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.
All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.
Account Name: Youth Party Primaries
Bank: Zenith
Account No: 1015846526
Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.
Our Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.
Helen Adoh
Ag. National Secretary
RIVERS STATE 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the Local Government elections in Rivers State in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission guideline.
Here is to announce that the Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the Local Government elections in Rivers State scheduled to be held on 5th October, 2024 in conformity with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .
Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Primary Elections in Rivers State is as follows:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th – 29th July, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 30th July, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 31st July, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 2nd August, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 3rd August, 2024 |
The Party has made Expression of Interest and nomination Forms available on the Party’s website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/ .
Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:
S/N | Position | Expression of Interest Form | Nomination Form |
1. | Chairmanship | N15,000 | N150,000 |
2. | Councillorship | N7,500 | N75,000 |
- Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) ofthe prescribed nomination fee. l
- Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.
All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.
Account Name: Youth Party Primaries
Bank: Zenith
Account No: 1015846526
The Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s websitehttps: Click to read guidelines
Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.
The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.
Helen Adoh
Ag. National Secretary
BAUCHI STATE 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the Local Government elections in Bauchi State in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission guideline.
Here is to announce that the Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the Local Government elections in Bauchi State scheduled to be held on 17th August, 2024 in conformity with the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .
Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Primary Elections in Bauchi State is as follows:
S/N |
ACTIVITIES |
TIMELINE |
1. | Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms | 12th – 19th July, 2024 |
2. | Screening | 20th July, 2024 |
3. | Screening Appeal | 21st July, 2024 |
4. | Primaries | 24th July, 2024 |
5. | Appeal from Primaries | 27th July, 2024 |
The Party has made Expression of Interest and nomination Forms available on the Party’s website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/ .
Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:
S/N | Position | Expression of Interest Form | Nomination Form |
1. | Chairmanship | N15,000 | N150,000 |
2. | Councillorship | N7,500 | N75,000 |
- Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.
- Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.
All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.
Account Name: Youth Party Primaries
Bank: Zenith
Account No: 1015846526
The Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website: Click to read guidelines
Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.
The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.
Helen Adoh
Ag. National Secretary
Sallah Celebrations: Youth Party charges FG to prioritize Affordable Public Transport
Youth Party has urged the Federal Government to prioritize the needs of Nigerians amidst high cost of living in the country.
The Party in a statement signed by it’s National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, accused the Federal Government of lack of seriousness in its dialogue with Nigerians.
The statement added that Nigerians, including the Muslim faithful, are struggling with record-high inflation, which has driven up the costs of rams, tomatoes, bags of rice and other food items.
According to the Party, it is mandatory on the government to optimally discharge its responsibilities to the people, adding that it is only when this is done that there can be love between the government and the governed.
The statement urged Federal government to prioritise the needs of Nigerians, stating that democracy can only thrive when the basic needs of the people are met.
Youth Party added that combination of higher costs and decreased customer spending is creating a challenging environment for both buyers and sellers as the festive season approaches.
“Until something is done about the issue of affordable public transport, the issue of high cost of food production, would continue to eat deep into the pocket of anyone, whether you’re celebrating Sallah or not”, the Party added.
Youth Party congratulated Muslims across the country and prayed that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.
Democracy Day: Be Serious on Democratic Goods, Youth Party tasks FG
Calls for credible Nigerians to dialogue with NLC
The Youth Party has called on President Bola Tinubu to be serious on addressing the issue of the rising cost of living and the minimum wage as part of democratic goods with the same speed the old National Anthem was reintroduced and passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
The Party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, accused the Federal Government of lack of seriousness in its dialogue with labour on the minimum wage issue.
The Party stated that “If the National Assembly can pass the national anthem into law within a short period of time, they should be able to pass the minimum wage act into law without further delay.
The Party urged the Federal Government to appoint credible Nigerians such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Bishop of Sokoto Mathew Hassan Kukah, former President General Yakubu Gowon, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku,
among others to dialogue with labour as people no longer have confidence in the seriousness of the Federal Government delegation.
The Party also faulted the payment of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage by the Federal Government.
The statement reads “Federal Government should not only be concerned about spending N344.85 bn on the National Assembly of less than 500 Nigerian legislators with N180m worth of Jeep for each legislator or N90 billion to subsidize hajj or N15 billion to repair Vice President’s office or recommissioning already commissioned projects like Third Mainland Bride and the Abuja Light Rail but be serious about reducing the burden on Nigerian masses.
The Party stated that it was shocking and disheartening that Federal Government could spend N15 billion to repair Vice President’s office, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.
To cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, the Youth Party urged the FG and State governments to provide affordable transport by purchasing at least 100 CNG buses in each of the states to enable the people enjoy the dividend of democracy .
The Party urged the President to feel the pulse of Nigerians, and be in touch with their feelings.
“We are celebrating democracy day but, how have we fared as a nation democratically ? Some states have not conducted Local Government elections in over 10 years. Cost of living is beyond the reach of the poor. Minimum wage is not a living wage and the govt is not serious in addressing all these challenges.
“Democracy is government of the people and for the people but is that the case? With a budget of N344.85 bn for the National Assembly ? N19 billion to renovate the residence of the Vice President? Are we serious about democracy at all?
The Party also advised President Tinubu to provide good governance and economically empower the middle class, adding that the challenges facing the country required immediate rebuilding of Nigeria’s economic and socio-political institutions through good governance.
The Party paid tribute to heroes of democracy who lost their lives in the struggle to restore democracy in the country.
“We should also acknowledge the sacrifices of our heroes past particularly the ones that fought for the current democracy: Chief MKO Abiola, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Comrade Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu, Wole Soyinka, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ayo Obe, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Kunle Ajibade, Col. Abubakar Umar, Senator Olaniyi Durojaiye, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, Chief Ralph Obioha, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Dr.(Senator) Wahab Dosunmu, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeoke, Gov. Uba Sani and many others. Whilst, democracy has not delivered the democratic goods, we are comforted that the era of changing government by military method and “fellow Nigerians” broadcast with the attendant loss of lives is gone for good”, the party added.
