The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter has condemned the suggestion by Governor Seyi Makinde to pay them off, describing the idea as antithetical to the war against corruption.
Contained in a letter written to the Counsel to the State Government, Mr Akin Onigbinde SAN by ALGON through its lawyer, Kunle Sobaloju Esq , the sacked elected chairmen said the suggestion is a disservice to the people of their local government and Oyo State to collect financial compensation in lieu of their constitutionally guaranteed tenure.
The Association also expressed appreciation to the government for recognizing and acknowledging their mandate as the democratically elected officials of the 33 Local Council and 35 local development areas respectively by offering to pay them their salaries.
“We refer to your letter dated 20th February, 2020 and have brought the contents of the said letter to the notice of our client which they have considered, and by this letter, we wish to communicate their response to you.
The letter reads, “We have our clients’ instruction to express their appreciation to his Excellency for recognizing and acknowledging our clients’ mandate as the democratically elected Chairmen and Councilors of the 33 Local Government Councils and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State by offering to pay them their salaries and allowances due.
“However, our clients consider it a disservice to the people of their respective Local Government Areas and the entire people of Oyo State to collect financial compensation as proposed by you in lieu of their constitutionally guaranteed election tenure.
“Our Clients are equally of the view that accepting financial compensation by way of your calculated salary and severance allowance would amount to aiding the breach of the constitution and may also lead to violation of anti-corruption laws by collecting salaries and allowances for a futuristic job tenure yet to be lived out.
“We therefore have our clients’ instruction to inform you that the financial pay off proposed is unacceptable to them.
“We appreciate your efforts towards the amicable settlement of issues between the parties and convey our professional regards of the highest esteem”, the letter concluded.
