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
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.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, reiterated his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, affirming his intention to spearhead campaigns across the 16 local government areas of the state in preparation for the forthcoming congresses.
Addressing a gathering of PDP stakeholders in Ado Ekiti at the NTS Events Centre, Fayose debunked speculations suggesting he had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He firmly stated his continued loyalty to the PDP and urged party members to desist from spreading unfounded rumors.
“I would never join APC,” Fayose emphasised, urging PDP members to refrain from tarnishing his reputation and to prioritise unity within the party.
He expressed appreciation for Governor Oyebanji’s efforts in the state, acknowledging the governor’s initiatives irrespective of political affiliations.
Reflecting on his past support for Asiwaju Tinubu in the presidential election, Fayose highlighted the importance of Yoruba unity while reaffirming his commitment to contesting against Governor Oyebanji in future elections.
Calling for unity among PDP members in Ekiti State, Fayose stressed the need to prevent factionalism within the party. He urged party members to work towards peace and cohesion to secure electoral victories.
“I have come to tell you that the PDP must not die in Ekiti State,” Fayose declared, pledging to commence campaigns in two local government areas and provide logistical support for the party’s election activities across all areas.
“I am not looking for opposition,” he asserted, warning skeptics that his influence would be evident during elections.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has voiced confidence in the imminent fruition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and policies, predicting positive results soon.
Oseni’s remarks come amidst heightened anticipation surrounding the president’s initiatives and their potential impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
The politician, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, in a statement on Wednesday, by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, highlighted the transformative potential of Tinubu’s reforms, emphasising their capacity to address pressing issues and stimulate progress across various sectors.
“I want to encourage Nigerians to face the present challenges before us as a nation with renewed hope. I am aware of the impact of the ongoing economic reforms of the federal government on the mood of the nation, but I am confident that President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians and that these reforms as well as his policies will sooner rather than later yield positive results.
“With May 29 serving as a symbolic marker for assessing the trajectory of these reforms, I want to express optimism about the forthcoming developments under Tinubu’s leadership,” the lawmaker remarked.
Oseni further lauded Tinubu’s strategic vision and track record of effective governance, citing his ingenuity, experience, and tenure as Governor of Lagos State as a testament to his leadership capabilities.
According to him, Tinubu’s experience in driving economic growth, infrastructural development, and social welfare programmes positions him as a formidable force in steering Nigeria toward prosperity.
As the nation awaits the realisation of President Tinubu’s agenda, Oseni called for unity and support from all stakeholders, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in translating policies into tangible outcomes.
He, however, urged fellow legislators and citizens alike to rally behind the president’s vision, recognising the potential for positive change that lies ahead.
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