By Adedapo Adesanya

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has promised to collaborate and tap from the wealth of experiences of all former Accountants-General of the Federation to improve the country’s treasury.

Mr Ogunjimi disclosed this while receiving two of his predecessors, Mr John Naiyeju and Mr Ibrahim Dankwambo, in his office in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ibrahim Dankwambo suggested upgrading the Treasury Academy, Orozo, owned by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to a degree-awarding institution.

Also, Mr Naiyeju charged the new Accountant-General to carry everyone along and advised him to make staff welfare his priority.

In a related development, Mr Ogunjimi expressed his willingness to work with all professional organisations for a positive development to the nation, especially, his professional and academy colleagues of the doctorate class.

Mr Ogunjimi called on his classmates to come up with ideas and suggestions that would enhance the management of the nation’s treasury that will positively affect the economy development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Forum of Doctorate Students, Mr Ibrahim Aliyu, said they were in the Treasury House to congratulate one of their own and assured him of their support towards his successful tenure.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Ogunjimi earlier this year. He was picked because of his over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

He was described as a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF),

“He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“A chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist, Mr Ogunjimi’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting,” a statement from the presidency added.

By Dipo Olowookere

The Deputy Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Oladipupo Oluwaloni, has taken over the affairs of the council, though in an acting capacity.

His elevation was approved by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, following the prolonged absence of the council chair, Mrs Bolatito Shobowale.

Business Post gathered that Mrs Shobowale has not been seen at the council for a long time, about six months.

She was not around when members of the Governor Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited the LCDA last year.

The team, led by a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, was welcomed by Mr Oluwaloni and other council staff.

She was also not available when the council held a graduation ceremony for some residents who underwent an empowerment training last month.

It was learned that her absence from work, based on health grounds, has made it impossible for the 2025 budget to be presented to the council’s lawmakers for approval.

To prevent the shutdown of the council, Mr Oluwaloni has been asked to take over as the chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.

He will be expected to quickly present the budget for approval to enable the council carry out critical projects for the benefit of residents of the area.

According to reports, Mr Oluwaloni, who intends to contest for the chairmanship position of the Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA later this year, has been given the go-ahead by the party leaders to lead the council.

Already, the state government, through the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Roberts, has issued a letter to the acting chairman to resume office with immediate effect.

“This is a great responsibility, and I am fully committed to upholding the trust placed in me. My focus will be on ensuring that governance at the grassroots remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the developmental agenda of our great state,” Mr Oluwaloni commented on his assumption of office.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on the Niger Delta state on Tuesday night.

In a statement, the Governor called for calm as he engages with relevant institutions to ensure that the nation’s democracy remains strong.

Recall that President Tinubu yesterday declared a state of emergency on Rivers State, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state’s administrator for an initial six-month period.

In a 12-paragraph statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Joe Johnson, the embattled Governor said he regretted the unfortunate moment in the state’s political history.

“Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

“This was why, immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners, who had previously resigned on their own volition.

“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement and immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy. These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear state,” he stated.

Mr Fubara explained that, “At every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult. Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.”

According to Mr Fubara, “We have political disagreements, but good governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”