Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured all stakeholders of non-interference in the forthcoming local government election slated for February 22nd, 2025, promising non-interference from the state government.

The governor who hailed the peaceful campaigns by various political parties ahead of the elections urged candidates across the parties to sell their agenda to the voting public instead of resorting to violence or arm twisting.

“As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have followed the preparatory activities of the state electoral commission and we assure the public that we respect the independence of the commission to conduct credible elections.

“We are highly educated in Osun state. Our literacy level is at an all time high. This is not a state where residents can be lied to. They read and digest court rulings and political subjects without being hoodwinked. I urge our people to get prepared for February 22. It is an opportunity to vote for your preferred council chairmen and councilors.

“We are a nation governed by law. The judiciary, like it has been said recently, is the harbinger of hope. We must avoid misrepresentation and misinformation about court processes. We have a sacred duty to avoid fake news. It is an offence punishable under the law.

“We have credible reports of plots by elements within the opposition to foment crisis in Osun state. I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into a baseless conflict.

“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlass. Go to the poll on the 22nd. Make your preference known in peaceful manners. Osun is a bastion of democracy. We are ready as we have the capacity to defend our democratic heritage,” the Governor noted in the statement.

The Lagos State Government has announced the termination of remote working for public servants.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, made the announcement through a statement shared on Tuesday.

Agoro said the decision aligns with the implementation of the new minimum wage in the public service.

The work-from-home initiative was introduced in February 2024 to mitigate the impact of the sudden removal of subsidies.

According to Agoro, its cancellation aims to enhance service delivery.

Agoro stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced various measures to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants.

“It is hereby notified for general information that the governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos State Public Service.

“The cancellation of the work-from-home initiative, which has been in place since February 2024, will take effect on March 31.

“Public servants are urged to rededicate themselves to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“Accounting Officers are instructed to give this circular the service-wide publicity it deserves,” Agoro added.

The Sanwo-Olu-led administration approved an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State on October 17, 2024.

NAN

The Rivers State Government has clarified that the withdrawal of Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s appeal at the Supreme Court regarding the 2024 budget does not affect the legitimacy of Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The appeal, which challenged lower court rulings to represent the 2024 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, was deemed unnecessary and withdrawn by the governor.

In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, explained that the appeal had become an academic exercise since the 2024 budget cycle had already concluded.

Johnson stated: “The 2024 budget became spent on the 31st December of 2024 fiscal year. The appeal is of no useful purpose. The only reasonable thing left to do is to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed.”

He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision does not invalidate the legality of the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, affirming that Oko-Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker. “The Supreme Court is a very busy court. It will be most unwise to belabour the Honourable Court with academic appeals without any practical or utilitarian value,” Johnson added.

He further dismissed claims by political opponents, stating: “That is the appeal that the urchins are celebrating. There is no Supreme Court judgment against Gov. Fubara, ignore the outdated political propaganda by some desperate politicians.”

Johnson reiterated: “Supreme Court ruled on the Appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov. Fubara because 2024 budget cycle have ended and no need wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented. Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo is still authentic speaker and nothing can change that.”

The clarification comes amid political tensions in the state, with the government reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the stability of the legislative process under Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo’s leadership.