Oyo LG Chairmen Withdraw from ALGON, Opt for State Allocation
The 33 Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State have severed ties with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) following the Supreme Court’s judgment which granted financial autonomy to local governments nationwide.
The chairmen collectively signed a communique declaring their unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde.
This communique, representing a unanimous decision, reflects the chairmen’s alignment with the Governor’s vision and policies.
Ibrahim Akintayo, the Public Relations Officer for ALGON in Oyo State, explained that the chairmen’s stance is a show of solidarity with Governor Makinde’s recent position on local government autonomy as dictated by the apex court’s ruling. The chairmen expressed their loyalty to Makinde, praising his exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements since taking office.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, convened a meeting with various stakeholders to address the implications of the judgment on local government autonomy. During this meeting, the governor constituted committees to review the court’s ruling.
Makinde articulated his proactive approach: “I called this meeting because I felt that even though we have not seen the Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court, we have to be proactive and discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns financial autonomy of the local government councils because I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that we all swore to uphold.
“The law is the law, and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court. But it behooves on us to look for our own home-grown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer. This is because when two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that will suffer,” the governor stated.
The governor’s stance on the Supreme Court ruling has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some support his position, others have voiced their criticisms.
The communique issued by the chairmen outlines their reasons for moving to a new association, emphasizing the need to protect and serve the people in their respective local government areas effectively. They also announced plans to register the new association under the relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique reads: “At the general meeting of ALL the Local Government Councils of Oyo State, held on Saturday 3rd August 2024 at Ibadan, it was voluntarily agreed and resolved as follows:
“That in order to inter alia protect the interest of our people, we should forthwith form an umbrella association. Such organization will be registered under the relevant Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its membership shall be institutional-represented by the chairmen of respective local government councils.
“That the association shall remain committed to the democratic ideas of the system of Local Government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Furthermore, the association shall ensure the delivery of the real development in local councils in the overall interest of our people at the local level.”
This move signifies a new chapter in the governance of Oyo State’s local governments. The chairmen’s withdrawal from ALGON and their support for Governor Makinde’s policies stress a shift towards localized solutions aimed at enhancing transparency and development at the grassroots level.
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