Olumide Akpata said education is the cornerstone of progress and a key that unlocks the future of societies. He pledged that every child in the state would have access to quality foundational education if elected.

The former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) president promised that his administration, if elected, no child or community would overlooked in his education programme.

In a statement, on Saturday, published on his X handle, Akpate stated that his administration would empower teachers and redevelop the state’s education curriculum to create an environment where citizens can achieve their dreams.
He said, “Education is the cornerstone of progress, the key that unlocks a brighter future for our society. As a proud product of the Nigerian educational system, it’s time to pay it forward.

“My commitment is clear: every Edo child deserves the same, or even better, educational foundation that set me on the path to success.

“Under a Labour Party government, we pledge to ignite an educational revolution in Edo State. Our vision is clear: no child left behind, no community overlooked.

“We will invest in our schools, empower our teachers, improve pedagogy, and redevelop curriculum to create an environment where every young Edolite can dream big and achieve even bigger.

A former National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Festus Okoye, has asserted that no branch of government in Nigeria can claim complete autonomy.
Naija News reports that Okoye stated this in a recent discussion with journalists, where he shared his insights regarding the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Local Government Autonomy.

Recall that the Supreme Court had recently confirmed the local governments’ right to directly receive monthly funds from the federal account.

The highest court bestowed complete independence on the 774 local governments nationwide, as per the 1999 Constitution (revised).

In a unanimous verdict, the seven-member panel determined that it is unlawful and unconstitutional for state governors to keep or receive funds designated for local governments.

However, when asked about the potential for Local Governments to operate independently, Okoye stated, “In the unique context of Nigerian federalism, no branch or arm of government can assert absolute autonomy or independence. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) requires all governmental bodies to function both cooperatively and independently.”

Okoye emphasized that all levels and branches of government must uphold a constitutional and legal framework that ensures checks and balances, as they all wield the powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and are obligated to adhere to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.

“As clearly stated in Chapter II of the Constitution, it shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive, or judicial powers, to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter II of the Constitution.

“Furthermore, the powers listed in Part II of Chapter I of the Constitution are listed as the Powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These include legislative powers, executive powers, judicial powers, and Local Government System. So, there is nothing called absolute autonomy or independence.

The conduct of governorship and state Assembly elections ought to be within the remit of the states. However, the designers of the Nigerian Constitution felt strongly that it should be domiciled with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“The system of Local Government Administration ought to be domiciled with the state governments, which should be the ideal thing, but the Nigerian people feel that the states should not have absolute suzerainty over Local Government Administration and Finance,” the former INEC official told Daily Trust.

Here are seven action movies that are great to watch with friends:

1. Mad Max: Fury Road - A high-octane thrill ride through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, packed with stunning visuals and intense action sequences.

2. John Wick 4 - Keanu Reeves stars as a retired hitman seeking vengeance, delivering slick, stylish action with a unique world-building element.

3. Die Hard - The classic action movie featuring Bruce Willis as a cop who single-handedly takes on terrorists in a skyscraper, perfect for a fun and explosive movie night.

4. The Raid: Redemption - A relentless, high-energy Indonesian action film featuring some of the best hand-to-hand combat scenes ever put on film.

5. The Dark Knight - Christopher Nolan’s Batman epic combines intense action with a gripping storyline and unforgettable performances, particularly by Heath Ledger as the Joker.

6. The Avengers - Marvel’s superhero ensemble movie offers a perfect mix of action, humor, and character interactions that’s perfect for a group viewing.

7. Mission: Impossible Fallout - Tom Cruise delivers jaw-dropping stunts and intense action sequences, making it a thrilling watch for any action fan.

These movies combine intense action, memorable characters, and thrilling storylines, making them ideal for a fun night with popcorn and friends.