Connect with us

News

Kano Auditor General Hosts Maiden Local Government Audit Forum to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability

Published

on

 

 

In his efforts to ensure accountability, transparency, and open government policy, the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government Councils in Kano State held the maiden edition of the Audit Forum on the 44 Local Government consolidated financial report for the year ended 31st December, 2024.

Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi, the Auditor General for Local Government in Kano State, said the forum marked a significant step in their collective commitment to strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency, and improving the financial management systems that guide service delivery at the grassroots level in the state.

“Local government remains the closest tier of government to our people, and their ability to plan, manage, and report on public resources has a direct impact on development outcomes in our communities. As such, the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of their financial statements are not mere administrative requirements; they are essential tools for informed decision-making, public trust, and sustainable development,” said Ahmed Tijjani.

He commended the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Kano State House of Assembly led by Speaker Jibrin Ismail Fargore, as well as the Public Accounts Committee, for their cordial relationship and support at all times.

Advert

In a remark, the Kano State Auditor General, Alhaji Rabi’u Yusuf, said the program was organized to analyze the audited 2024 financial statements of the 44 Local Governments, which had already been sent to the Kano State House of Assembly.

According to him, the program, which had in attendance all state and local government financial managers, civil society organizations, and journalists, thoroughly discussed all the nitty-gritty of public fund management.

“For six years, the Kano State Government has been holding the State Audit Forum. Now, with the commitment of the Executive Governor of Kano State, we are holding it at the Local Government level so that Kano residents will hold the managers of their funds accountable. As Nigerian Local Government autonomy is here to stay, this forum will support executives at the local level to ensure maximum utilization of people’s funds,” said Rabi’u Yusuf.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Ali Ben Umar, said the findings and recommendations contained in the Annual Report of the Auditor General are designed to strengthen Public Financial Management in the Local Government Councils of the State and help improve governance, accountability, transparency, and integrity in performance.

Ben Umar said the core objectives of the Annual Audit Forum include promoting transparency and accountability by ensuring that the Local Government Councils are accountable for their actions and use public resources responsibly; improving efficiency and effectiveness by identifying waste, promoting good practices, and evaluating performance; strengthening good governance by helping the Local Government Councils to improve service delivery; and enhancing public trust by instilling confidence among citizens and stakeholders that public resources are managed well and public services are delivered effectively.

Declaring the forum open, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Muhammad Fagge, assured the lawmakers’ commitment to supporting both state and local government auditors in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He said the Assembly will ensure standard practices of financial management, transparency, and accountability in running the affairs of the state.

 

News

JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

Advert

Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

Continue Reading

News

Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

Advert

“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

Advert

He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

Continue Reading

Trending