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Suspended Ogun LG Councillors Protest at Assembly Complex
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Local government councillors across Ogun State on Thursday occupied the premises of the state House of Assembly in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, protesting their suspension by the state lawmakers.
The Assembly had during plenary last week suspended all the 236 councillors in the state over allegations of financial misappropriation.
The councillors, who stormed the Assembly complex as early as 8am on Thursday, prevented lawmakers and workers from gaining entrance into the complex.
They were armed with placards with different inscriptions such as ‘The lawmakers are the lawbreakers’ ‘Respect Supreme Court on local government tenure,’ and ‘OGHA led by Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, don’t rubbish Dapo Abiodun’s administration through your selfishness,’ among others.
While the protest was ongoing, the convoy of the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, arrived the premises.
The protesting councillors immediately charged at his convoy and hurled abuses at him.
Adekunbi later disembarked from his vehicle and addressed the protesters.
He urged them to find a better way to present their grievances, saying calling him names would not solve the problem.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, a councillor from Abeokuta South East Local Council Development Area, Azeez Oloyede, told Adekunbi that they were surprised that the Assembly could take such a decision.
On the allegation of financial misappropriation, Oloyede said they did not receive any correspondence on the allegation before the decision was taken.
He said, “We heard the rumour that we were suspended; why is it that it is when the issue of local government autonomy is being addressed that you are suspending us from office?
“Till this moment, there is no allegation against us and before we can be suspended, is there any allegation against us? Not at all.
“We don’t even believe that because up till now, we have not received any letter to that effect and when we got to our various offices, we were being harassed by local government workers and career officers.
“As far as we are concerned, there is nothing like suspension. What is our offence that warrants this kind of rumour that we, the legislators and chairmen, are suspended?”
Adekunbi later told journalists that the Assembly acted within its power.
He claimed that the Assembly had received a lot of petitions against the administration of local government area in the state and that he had brought same unofficially to the notice of the chairmen.
The Punch
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
