The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he has no issues with the Local Government autonomy. This is even as he dismissed insinuations about his views on the development.
The Governor stated this apparent reaction to those who feels he’s not at home with the Supreme Court ruling on the freedom and independence of the third tier of government.
But reacting to the development, Makinde said he has no issue whatsoever with elected officials at LG ‘s performing their constitutional duties.
He, however, stressed that he is concerned about the lacuna created by the SC ruling where none existed.
Makinde made this disclosure while speaking at the official commissioning of the newly-built Local Government House and Staff Training School inside the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The Governor also approved the conversion of ad-hoc staff to permanent staff in the service of the 33 Local Government Councils. This he said is to fill the over 2,000 vacant spaces created by retirement and relocation factor among workers over the years.
He said, “This building is a start of the renovation of the buildings within the Secretariat. And the turning of our Secretariat into where productivity will reign supreme.
“What I will refer as an irony is the fact that, it is the same Local Government that people are going around town saying Seyi Makinde is trying to destroy the local government administration. Is it not ironic that this building we are commissioning is the first modern building for the LG family to stay in?
” Is this how to destroy something? Well, if that is the way to destroy something, we will continue to do this kind of a thing. So, that they will not have anything to say again around town.
“Let me say this. In a country where there is a trust deficit between the leaders and the led, it is no wonder that some people will always take advantage of situation. And to fan the flames of disunity or choose to push unintended narratives and perceptions.
“As I said in my last state broadcast, we must always remember who our real enemies are. So that we do not turn against our friends.
“I’m here to repeat myself unequivocally. I am not against elected representatives of the people carrying out their constitutional duties. But what I will speak up against is anyone trying to create a constitutional lacuna where none exists. Or to turn one arm of government against the other.”
The Governor added: “Here in Oyo State under my watch, we will continue to make decisions that will bring the full benefit of democracy to the good people of the State. And we are aware of the role that the Local Government authorities have to play in ensuring that democracy and its dividends reach people at the grassroot.
“In design, this is supposed to be the function of the Local Government Areas. But in practice, there have been several factors that have militated against Local Government Areas achieving this goal.
“When I came in here, the NULGE President representative said we have ad hoc staff. That they are pleading that about 2,000 Local Government workers have retired and they have not been replaced. And they suggested that we convert some of these ad hoc staff to permanent Local Government staff.
“Even with the autonomy, there will still need to be coordination. Who cares in Oyo State if a road is constructed by the Local, State or Federal Government? Just construct road for people to pass on, that is what people are interested in.
“So, we will continue to work and coordinate with the Local Government. So that with our visions at the State, we can also sell to the administrators at the Local Government level. And when there is synergy, we can achieve more.”
source: The Nation
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