The Ondo state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has faulted the claim that the monthly allocations accruing to them from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) are being tampered with by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
ALGON led by it’s State Chairman, Gbenga Fasua explained that contrary to the claims, the monthly funds meant for the local government are being managed directly by the local government chairmen for grassroots development, denying any interference from Governor Aiyedatiwa, The Nation reports.
Reports had claimed that the LG chairmen in the state were allegedly being stifled with funds by Governor Aiyedatiwa, who needed to adequately run their respective council areas despite the July 2024 ruling of the Supreme Court, which granted financial autonomy to local governments.
“It’s not true that the governor (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) is tampering or diverting LG funds from the federal allocations. How have we been able to embark on the level of development currently ongoing in our local governments?
“Local government administration is more effective and efficient today under the government of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. We, the chairmen, are fully in charge of our finances, and anyone saying otherwise is simply not telling the truth.
“Take Akure Local Government, for example. In just five months in office, I have procured 10 vehicles for our operations — something previous administrations could not achieve within the same timeframe,” he said.
The ALGON chairman, who is also the Executive Chairman of Akure South local Government, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership qualities, stressed that visible grassroots projects are proof that LG funds are being used for the people’s benefit.
He also listed several intervention projects, such as road construction, water supply schemes, drainage systems, and flood control interventions, as ongoing projects across various council areas.
“Across the LGAs in the state, projects are visible and ongoing: roads are being constructed, water projects are spread across communities, and essential services are being delivered directly to the people. These are clear results of prudent management of local government funds.
“If the governor were dictating or controlling our finances, how would we have been able to achieve these feats? People themselves are applauding the impact we are making.
“Right now, we have also deployed tractors to clear waterways to prevent perennial flooding — a proactive step that is being replicated in other LGAs across the state,” Fasua added.
Source: The Nation
