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ALGON NATIONAL PRESIDENT FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-FITR, ACKNOWLEDGES ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. In a statement, the National President of ALGON, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, acknowledged the spiritual renewal of the period while highlighting the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Lawal, in the statement released on Monday, noted that the celebration, which corresponds to March 30, 2025, and 1st Shawwal, 1446 AH, symbolizes rejuvenation but also coincides with “empty stomachs” and “unimaginable hardships” for many citizens. He emphasized the struggles of rural communities, including poor farmers, jobless individuals, and those facing insecurity such as banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. “ALGON cannot ignore the economic hardships and challenges that many Nigerians, including our Muslim brothers and sisters, face,” Lawal stated. He described the difficulties as “a stark reality” requiring collective action, adding that local governments and area councils bear the brunt of these crises. The ALGON National President pledged the association’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), federal agencies, and development partners to strengthen rural economies and governance. “We will work assiduously to promote rural governance, service delivery, and innovative strategies to improve livelihoods,” he said. Lawal also prayed for divine intervention, urging Allah (SWT) to “bring comfort, relief, and prosperity to millions of homes” while expressing hope for a new chapter of peace and abundance. He reiterated ALGON’s resolve to advocate for sustainable development and prioritize the needs of grassroots communities. “Eid Mubarak! May Allah’s blessings be upon you now and forever,” the statement concluded.

EDO STATE GOVERNOR RECEIVES REPORT ON N96BN LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAUD, VOWS TO PROSECUTE INDICTED OFFICIALS

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will prosecute some of the recently impeached Edo State Local Government chairmen indicted for looting the Local Government treasuries, running into over N95 billion. The Governor received the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry set up to investigate the financial dealings of the impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen in Edo State from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, stated that the report indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others. Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the committee for the professionalism with which it carried out its duty, saying, “Nigerians need to start demanding accountability from elected public office holders.” He stressed that “it was the only way to fight corruption and ensure development.” The Governor vowed to petition the EFCC on the findings of the report for immediate prosecution, saying, “I want to thank you for a job well done. I carefully listened to the submission of the report. The truth is that the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They took everything belonging to Edo people and channeled it for their personal gains.” Fred Itua stated that the panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 Local Governments Councils. The report indicted former ALGON chairman, Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe, who used his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan to loot Local Government funds. The panel reported that N95 billion (N95,080,676,687.86) was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen for the period investigated. However, the funds were not judiciously utilized, as no meaningful projects were on the ground to justify the amount received. Fred Itua stated that the Governor would personally take the document to the EFCC to ensure that justice is done for the wrong done to Edo people.