House of Assembly Crisis: Why CBN, Accountant General Must Stop Monthly Allocations To Benue, Zamfara — Group

The Concerned Citizens Network for Democracy (CCND) has given the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly a 72-hour ultimatum to recall all suspended lawmakers or face legal action seeking to halt statutory monthly allocations to the two states.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Moses Adamu, the group’s Secretary-General, CCND accused the state governments of supervising an ongoing constitutional breach, stressing that both Houses of Assembly currently lack the legal quorum required to function and pass appropriation laws. 

The group threatened to file a suit at the Federal High Court to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold monthly FAAC disbursements until constitutional order is restored.

“This is not just an internal matter within the legislature of two states. It is a clear case of abuse of democratic institutions, where state governors, in collaboration with the speakers, are running their states without the minimum legislative legitimacy required by law. It is a rape of democracy,” Adamu said.

According to CCND, both Benue and Zamfara Assemblies have unlawfully suspended nearly half of their members, leaving behind insufficient numbers to meet the constitutionally stipulated two-thirds quorum. Yet, these minority legislators continue to sit, deliberate, and pass critical motions — including budget-related matters.

“No House of Assembly can validly function, debate, or legislate without a legal quorum. When the majority of duly elected lawmakers are suspended under questionable circumstances, the assembly ceases to be legitimate. This undermines every law, appropriation, and oversight action carried out by the remaining minority members.”

He added that the direct consequence of this illegality is that both governors — Hyacinth Alia of Benue and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara — are currently running governments that no longer have the endorsement of their state assemblies as constituted by law.

“Without a legally constituted assembly, any action taken by the executive lacks the moral and legal seal of the people. These governors are not kings. They are elected heads of government, expected to govern with legislative oversight and institutional balance,” he added.

CCND argued that the only peaceful and constitutional means to correct the ongoing abuse is to apply financial pressure by halting monthly allocations until the crisis is resolved.

“Public funds are being released to state executives who are acting outside of constitutional provisions. The CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation must not continue to fund illegality. By continuing to disburse FAAC allocations to Benue and Zamfara states, federal institutions are aiding and abetting constitutional violations,” the statement added. 

The group likened the current situation to a private company operating without a functioning board of directors, stating that no legitimate financial institution would continue to release money in such circumstances. 

“The state Houses of Assembly are the people’s boardrooms. You cannot suspend half the directors and claim to be conducting lawful business.”

Beyond the technical breach, the group raised concerns over the pattern of political intimidation behind the suspensions. In both states, suspended lawmakers are known critics of the executive arm, and many were removed after raising concerns about security, budget implementation and constituency project transparency.

“This is not about disorderly conduct or gross misconduct as the speakers claim. This is about silencing opposition, clearing the path for unchecked control, and removing voices that demand transparency. It is dictatorship in democratic clothing,” the group said.

Adamu said the CCND had credible information that some of the suspended lawmakers in Benue were denied access to the assembly complex and had their benefits frozen without due process.

The group warned that the failure of civil society, federal institutions, and the judiciary to respond firmly to the situation could set a dangerous precedent where governors, in collaboration with pliant speakers, cripple state assemblies and rule without accountability.

“If this pattern continues unchecked, governors across the country will see it as a playbook: suspend dissenters, shrink the assembly, rule without scrutiny, and get paid for it. Nigeria’s democracy is too fragile to permit such a loophole,” the statement read.

The CCND said it is giving the governments of Benue and Zamfara three days to recall all suspended members and reinstate the constitutional balance of their assemblies.

“If by the end of 72 hours there is no concrete step to resolve this, our lawyers will file a suit asking the Federal High Court to declare the current assemblies illegal and compel the federal government to freeze statutory allocations until due process is restored,” Adamu concluded.

VIDEO -Oyo CPS on Monday; Makinde Came Prepared for Governance, Says Ex-Minister Onikepo Akande

 

A two-time Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, has attributed the successes being recorded by Governor 'Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to his level of preparedness before assuming office.

Akande, who is the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, said this in an interview with The People’s Verdict.

Recall that Makinde’s 2019 governorship campaign was hinged on a document, the Oyo State Roadmap to Accelerated Development 2019-2023, while the 2023 governorship campaign was based on the Oyo State Roadmap to Sustainable Development 2023-2027.

The two documents formed the fulcrum of his administration. 
According to the former President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, “Makinde is a performing governor who came prepared and continues to serve the people with humility, integrity and transparency.”
Akande, while describing Makinde as a leader who runs an inclusive government, said: “How Governor Makinde has spread physical and public works across all the zones of the state is absolutely laudable. He carries every stakeholder along, including traditional rulers, women and other interest groups, especially people living with disabilities.”

She added, “He is the people’s governor. He is running an inclusive government. I am particularly impressed by the way he has stood out in terms of workers' and pensioners’ welfare, which has in turn boosted the people’s purchasing power. He is a highly performing governor and a people-oriented governor.”

While commenting on the performance of the economy on Makinde’s watch, she said, “The economy has grown tremendously. Recently, Nairametrics rated Oyo State second only to Lagos in Value Added Tax (VAT) contribution to the federal coffers.

The Makinde administration has also boosted the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N1.8bn in 2019 to N6bn in 2024. This is incredible and laudable.

The governor has also transformed Fasola Farm Estate into an industrial hub.

"As a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, I know that industrialisation is the key to economic development, employment generation and poverty alleviation.”
She counselled Makinde to remain true to the cause to the end, adding that his legacy is assured.

According to her, “Governor Seyi Makinde is a transformational achiever whose life has been that of service and honour. He has touched many lives, including mine, in many positive ways. I congratulate him.”

The Olori of Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, who reeled out the achievements of Governor Makinde in different sectors, gave her verdict: “Governor 'Seyi Makinde is doing extremely well.”

Watch the video.

Oyo HOS Celebrates Chief Adebisi Adesola @ 80

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni has described Chief Adebisi Adesola as a natural leader with unquestionable leadership and administrative prowess as he turns 80 years old.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital said Chief Adebisi Adesola’s remarkable legacy and his unparalleled commitment and leadership in the Oyo State Civil Service is worthy of emulation.

The statement pointed out that his career trajectory marked numerous important positions such as Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Director General in key Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Head of Service.

The Head of Service said Chief Adesola is an esteemed member of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, hinting that, his influence transcends the public service it extends to community development, governance, public policy and institutional development.

The statement noted further that the Asiwaju of Ayetoro - Oke dedicated himself to the service of God and humanity, noting that, he is an embodiment of God's Grace, wisdom and peace.

She said "I extend the warmest congratulations to our highly esteemed elder statesman, former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Head of Service, Chief Adebisi Adesola, mni as he graciously marks his 80th birthday on may, 10, 2025. It is indeed a glowing celebration of a life of excellence". 

She continued "On behalf of the entire Civil and Public Servants of Oyo State, we celebrate and wish him a joyful birthday and more glorious future.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

May, 10, 2025.

 

 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

     

ONLINE APPLICATION INTO NIGERIAN ARMY RECRUITMENT 89 REGULAR RECRUITS INTAKE FOR TRADES/NON TRADESMEN AND WOMEN

This is to inform the general Public that online application into Nigerian Army Recruitment Exercise for 89 regular Recruits intake for Trades and Non Tradesmen and women has commenced  from 31 March and it will close on the 17th May. 2025.

The application form is free and will be available online at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng from 31st, March to 17th May, 2025.

All applications will be screened online and qualified applicants will be shortlisted to attend the physical screening exercise at the State Recruitment Center, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Interested Male and Female indigenes of Oyo State who wish to apply are here by advised to obtain Oyo State Indigeneship Certificate at room 53, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Liason Offices at Abuja and Lagos to confirm that they are bonafide candidates of Oyo State origin.

Listeners are enjoined to please circulate this information to eligible indigenes of Oyo State as the opportunities lapses on Saturday 17th, May, 2025.

Thank you.

                       ANNOUNCER
           Professor Olanike Adeyemo
Secretary to the Oyo State Government

Video; Oyo CPS on Monday - Oyo workers, pensioners’ll stone anyone who denigrates Makinde, says Ayorinde, Baale Ekotedo

 

The Baale of Ekotedo, Elder (Dr) Taiye Ayorinde, has said that Oyo State workers and pensioners will not hesitate to stone anyone who denigrates the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde.

While speaking in an interview with The People’s Verdict, the nonagenarian community leader said, “While the opposition members may see Makinde as a burden, to the people of Oyo State, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is a blessing. Go and ask the teachers, go and ask the pensioners.

 They will tell you, ‘Don’t say nonsense in our presence.’ They can stone you if you say Makinde is not a blessing. The teachers will club you if you say Makinde is not a blessing.”

Elder Ayorinde, who described Makinde as a willing performer, premised his submission on the governor’s performance in the areas of infrastructure, tourism, agribusiness and health, noting that Makinde has surpassed many people’s expectations.

While underscoring the governor’s ability for original thinking, Elder Ayorinde said, 

“During the time of COVID-19 when people were dying, the governor set up a committee to look into COVID-19 with a view to getting an alternative remedy in Oyo State. I happen to be one of the committee members. And we were able to come up with genuine working medicines. How many governors did that?” 

He added, “When it comes to infrastructure development, he knows his onions. Look also at what he is doing with tourism and the health sectors.”

The revered community leader applauded Governor Makinde for his intervention in agriculture and agribusiness, saying that the governor must have been doing the right things for President Julius Waada Bio of Sierra Leone to have visited Fasola Industrial Hub.

He stated further, “In the area of security, he has bought cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc for Amotekun Corps and the police. I rate Governor ‘Seyi Makinde highly. Do I give percentage or do I just say he is doing well, he could do better? I think Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has gone beyond 75 per cent.”

The Baale added, “Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is a workaholic, he is an independent thinker. He knows his onions, he knows what he wants to do. If you want to deviate him from what he wants to do, he will run away from you.”      

  

Video, Oyo CPS on Monday - Makinde connects well with people, says Okebukola, Retired HoS

A former Head of Service in Oyo State, Overseer (Dr) Ebenezer Okebukola, has said that one of the secrets of Governor Seyi Makinde’s success is his ability to connect well with the people of the state, adding that this has entrenched peace in the state.

Okebukola, who served as Permanent Secretary in eight different ministries before becoming the Head of Service, disclosed this in an interview with The People’s Verdict.   

Buttressing his point, Okebukola said, “Look at the case of Aleshinloye Market that caught fire a while ago. Some of the traders were agitating when they learnt that they (local government authorities) were going to bring a developer that might not even allocate the shops to them later. I think a few days later, the governor went to them, spoke with them and assuaged them and gave them some succor and they were happy. So, there was peace. The governor has a way of connecting with the people to assuage them and to make sure that things are going normally.” 

The former Head of Service lauded Governor Makinde for taking the matter of regular payment of salaries and promotion of civil servants seriously, noting that this would encourage them to give their best to the state.  

Underscoring the importance of regular payment of salaries to workers, Okebukola said “Civil servants are the instruments of policy implementation. If your instruments are not properly sharpened, you can’t get the best from them. By paying them as and when due, you are actually preparing them to do their work optimally.” 

He added that the government should also ensure that civil servants are trained and retrained to enhance their knowledge of the job, noting that this would bring out the best in them. 

“By paying salaries regularly, His Excellency is enhancing the economy of the state; the civil servants will get their salaries and go to the market to buy foodstuffs and do so many other things. By so doing, they redistribute the wealth of the state.”   

Okebukola lauded Governor Makinde for his humility, saying: “He gives respect to his predecessors and does not abandon projects embarked upon by his predecessors. Look at the Ibadan Circular Road as an example. He met the project and has continued with the project which will go a long way to enhance the economy of Ibadan. Look at the Technical University, which was started during the tenure of Gov Abiola Ajimobi, he is nurturing the university. He has even renamed it after the former governor. This is showing us that government is a continuum.”

The retired Head of Service also praised Makinde for the transformation of Fasola Farm Estate into an industrial hub.

He said, “When I started job as a young officer, I was posted to Fasola Farm Estate from the Ministry of Agric. That time, we had Poultry Investigation Centre, Mechanisation Centre and others. But over the years, the place became moribund. Now, the governor has revived the place and has turned it into an industrial hub with diverse projects that would enhance food security even within the region. That is very remarkable.”

While praising the governor for his infrastructure development, Okebukola said: “Look at the Ladoke Akintola Airport that he is upgrading now, that is going to enhance the economy of Oyo State in the immediate and distant future. You can also talk about the roads he is constructing. Look at the road between Ogbomoso and Iseyin, that road will link the Sokoto-Badagry highway. Look also at the township roads he is doing, he is fast-tracking the economy directly or indirectly.”

Watch the interview.     

Oyo HOS Commends Professor Afolabi for Building Ultra Modern Chapel Auditorium Church for Iyana-offa community

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni has commended the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, CFR for the construction of an ultra modern chapel auditorium at Iyana -offa.

She said the newly constructed church auditorium symbolizes a beacon of hope, sanctuary for spiritual growth and a hub for community service, hinting that, faith will be strengthened and love would be shared. 

She stated these at the official naming and dedication ceremony of the ultra-modern church auditorium "Chapel of Grace" constructed by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, CFR with the Theme: "Be Relevant in your Generation" held at Iyana Offa, Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State. 

The Head of Service said every generation faces unique challenges and opportunities, saying that, God called people to be instruments of positive and impactful change in their generation.

Mrs Olubunmi Oni then congratulated Professor Oladapo Afolabi for writing his name in the hearts of the people and putting smiles on the faces of the people of his community, leaving a legacy that will speak for generations to come.

She pointed out that the present administration in the State under the leadership Engr. Seyi Makinde consistently ensured that the welfare of staff of both serving and retired was not tampered with, adding that, the Governor has actually impacted several lives through regular and prompt payment of salaries and allowances, capacity building at both local and international levels, saying that, the Governor commitment to improving the economic landscape of the State is undeniable.

She posited that Governor Makinde has ensured rapid development of infrastructural facilities of the State and all zones have been linked with durable roads, leaving a great impact on the citizenry and improving the economic development of the State.

The Vicar in charge of the church, Venerable Isaac Olalere said professor Oladapo Afolabi, CFR has built institutions, mentored the next generation and contributed to the growth of the church, hinting that, he has left a lasting legacy.

In his remarks, the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi said the ultra modern Church Auditorium stands as a symbol of purpose, service and divine relevance .

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

26. April, 2025