The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo state chapter on Monday called on Governor Seyi Makinde to cooperate with the elected council chairmen as they announced plans to resume immediately in obedience to the judgement of the Supreme Court and other Courts.
Oyo ALGON in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye in Ibadan, the state capital and made available to Mega Icon Magazine also disclosed that the association was fully aware of the letter the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), sent to the Oyo State Government through the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, calling the attention of Oyo State Government to its illegal and unconstititional act of dissolving democratically elected local government administration in the state.
He added that the AGF sited and relied on several subsisting court judgements including Supreme Court which is the highest court in the country.
The statement reads, “This has been our own position too in ALGON Oyo State that no governor or House of Assembly has the right to embark on a futile unconstitutional journey to tramp on the law in order to achieve a predetermined illegal act like what Governor Makinde had done.
“Democracy survives on the rule of law and strict adherence to democratic tenets. Democracy is sustained by rule of law and not rule or caprice of men. As the erudite late Lord Justice Denning posited: “Be ye never so high, the law is above you.
“In view of the latest positive development that definitely complement our resolute struggle to defend democracy and grassroots governance, we want to assure the governor and the good people of Oyo State that we as elected chairmen of local government and local council development areas are always ready to work with the state government to advance our dear state to greater height as soon as we resume duty .
“His Excellency, Governor Makinde has nothing to fear since we have no personal grudge against him or any official of his government beyond our principled stand that the constitution, rule of law and Supreme Court judgement which has a national jurisdiction must be obeyed at all times.
“We once again appreciate all our members who are steadfast to defend our democratically given mandate and grassroots democracy. Now that we are resuming, we appeal to our members including councilors to redouble their efforts in giving their utmost best immediately we resume.
“To the objective, nonpartisan and conscientious members of the media, we owe our gratitude. Our appreciation to discerning democracy loving Oyo State citizens across political divides for standing firm in support of our resistance to the breach of the Law. I thank you”, the statement concluded .
