Politics
Why Oyo State cannot afford another 3 years of Makinde’s mismanagement of council funds
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state was in Ido town, headquarters of the Ido Local Government to campaign for himself on Monday.
Local Government Election have been slated for April 27 of this year and the Governor is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he is declared winner by OYSIEC.
Do I sound confusing? Definitely not.
Governor Makinde is the contestant for the position of Local Government Chairman in the 33 Local Governments in Oyo state.
Reason? The Governor doubles as the State’s Chief Executive as well as the de facto Chairman of the 33 Local Governments while the 33 clowns parading themselves as the Councils’helmsmen are just Chairmen de jure.
What the Yorubas call “Esin inu iwe”.
I will use two incidents that happened simultaneously today to prove what is already known and accepted by the general public, albeit, arguably.
While Governor Makinde was dancing to some Fuji music in Ido town during the campaign rally, the chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, one Hon. Kehinde Akande was in a live debate at Fresh FM with the APC candidate, Dr. Abogun and his statements were quite revealing.
A direct question regarding his view about autonomy and independence of Local Governments was put to him by the moderator, Isaac Brown and his response leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
The fellow, sadly and slavishly said that he has no problems with the decision of the Governor (Seyi Makinde) to directly monitor the expenditures of the Local Governments, since, according to him, it was for the purpose of probity and accountability!
This was coming from the Chairman of one of the most populous if not the most populous in Oyo state.
Like his peers who have one time or the other appeared on Radio, he could not point to any tangible project done by him and why would he?
The Governor calls the shots.
This is just on a lighter note, Hon. Kehinde Akande can not correctly identify the collation centre for ward 12 in a Local Government where he had been chairman for almost four years.
That underline the level of redundancy of this fellows parading themselves as Council Chairmen and on whose sake Governor Makinde incurred billions of Naira as judgment debts.
Now, to Governor Makinde’s campaign in Ido.
Is it not interesting that the Governor was in Ido and he didn’t Commission any project done by the Local Government?
In the times of his predecessors, such occasions were used to Commission projects done by the Local Government Chairmen but what will Governor Makinde Commission?
Nothing.
Nothing, because all the projects he mentioned during the campaign rally like the Omi Adio – Ido Road and others were attached to the state Government, even though, the funds were that of the Local Government.
Similarly, all the projects he promised to embark upon in the coming months within the Local Government like the modernisation of the Omi Adio market are projects he will usurp as usual, using the Councils’funds.
If not for the fact that Governor Makinde requires some pliant individuals who will sign out the Councils’funds for him to expend, I bet, there won’t be Local Government Chairmen during his tenure.
A lot of examples abound to confirm Governor Makinde’s illegal usurpation of the functions of the Local Government Chairmen.
Akesan Market is another typical example.
The April 27 Local Government Election is between Governor Makinde as grand Chairman of the 33 Local Governments and the opposition political parties.
The 33 gentlemen flying the tickets for the PDP are just necessary proxies.
I will not dissipate energy on the Governor’s uncharitable boasts that the opposition should wait for another three years, when he would still be the Governor to conduct another election.
I will rather call on the people of the state to be united in removing the “Ajeles” he has foisted on the Local Governments.
Oyo state can not afford another three years of Governor Makinde’s mismanagement of the Local Government resources.
He has bled the state enough through over bloated contracts and debts.
All residents of the state should consider the April 27 Local Government Election as an opportunity to at least salvage the 33 Local Governments from the suffocating hold of the Governor.
Like I said earlier, Oyo state can not afford another three years of continual looting of the Local Governments through the proxies of the Governor.
One would wonder what business the Governor has in the ” modernisation” of Omi Adio market.
Maintenance of the market is purely the responsibility of the Local Government Chairman but under Governor Makinde, even the Parks and abattoirs are directly run by the Governor.
That is the reason why the Local Governments have become comatose.
They have no means of generating IGR as all avenues have been taken away from them by the Governor.
Now, you tell me, Isn’t Governor Makinde not the one contesting on April 27?
Sola Abegunde writes from Oyo State
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, has marked the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir by distributing over 500 rams and cash gifts to Muslim constituents across his constituency.
He stated that the gesture was aimed at ensuring that his constituents, especially the less privileged ones, could celebrate Sallah with ease.
“This isn’t just about distribution; it’s about standing together as a community and assisting families celebrating Eid, particularly those in need. The welfare of my constituents is a top priority, and by the grace of God, I will continue to alleviate their burdens,” remarked the APC chieftain.
This heartfelt gesture not only honoured the religious festival but also strengthened community bonds among residents.
Oseni’s initiative, which included distributing sacrificial animals, cash, and essential items, received warm appreciation from beneficiaries across the constituency.
Amid prayers and festive cheer, constituents expressed gratitude for the lawmaker’s thoughtful outreach during this auspicious period.
Reflecting on the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasized unity and compassion as central to fostering harmonious coexistence within the constituency.
The lawmaker extended felicitations to the Muslim faithful and urged them to use the occasion to promote love and tolerance.
He emphasized that Eid-el-Kabir, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, serves as a powerful reminder of faith, obedience, and selflessness.
Oseni further highlighted sacrifice and duty as essential to nation-building, calling for collective purpose, will, and action to bring about significant change.
He also called on Nigerians to pray for continuous peace and stability in the nation.
Oseni, reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of all constituents, regardless of religious affiliation, and pledged continued support for community development initiatives.
The lawmaker wished all Muslim faithful around the world a blessed Eid filled with abundant blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
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As the countdown to the 2024 Ondo State governorship election intensifies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made public the definitive roster of candidates and their respective running mates slated to compete in the forthcoming electoral contest.
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, officially disclosed this development in a press release issued from the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
“The personal details of all candidates alongside their running mates have been officially published and are now accessible at INEC offices across both state and local government levels within Ondo State,” affirmed Olumekun.
He further elaborated that in adherence to Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political entities, namely the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted fresh primary elections to replace their previously nominated candidates and running mates.
This was done within the stipulated deadline of 10th June.
“With the conclusion of the nomination process, political parties have been authorized to commence public campaigning effective Wednesday, 19th June, extending through to midnight on 14th November,” stated Olumekun.
Emphasizing the regulatory framework governing campaign activities, he underscored INEC’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity.
“As political parties embark on this pivotal phase of the election, the Commission reiterates the imperative for all candidates, agents, and supporters to conduct their campaigns with utmost civility and decorum. This includes refraining from incendiary rhetoric, violence, voter inducement, and any other breaches as outlined in Sections 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” Olumekun reiterated.
The Ondo State Governorship Election is slated to be held on Saturday, 16th November 2024.
See the list of candidates below:
In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called for sustained civic engagement to uphold democratic values and foster development.
Oseni emphasised the pivotal role of democracy in nation-building, urging unity and collective efforts in addressing pressing issues facing the nation.
The lawmaker, in a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, stressed the importance of active participation in the democratic process, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles and contributing to the betterment of society.
“Democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in the affairs of their communities and nations. Nigeria is blessed with diverse talents and resources, and it is imperative that we harness these potentials through active civic engagement and collaboration,” remarked Oseni.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to civic participation and collective action for the progress of our constituency, state, and nation”, he continued.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) highlighted the significance of June 12 as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians, especially the late Chief M.K.O Abiola in the struggle for democracy, reiterating the responsibility of citizens to safeguard the gains of democracy through meaningful engagement.
He pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, while also encouraging constituents to play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
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