Politics
Ogun LG funds allocation: The Facts and figures as against fallacy
Ogun LG funds allocation: The Facts and figures as against fallacy
By Funmi Branco
Sahara Weekly Reports That LOVERS of democracy and good governance must be troubled by the crisis in Ogun State over local government allocations. When the chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Hon. Wale Adedayo, accused the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, of diverting local government (LG) funds, there were not a few Nigerians who felt outraged because the allegation was such a weighty, damning one, and it is a fact that state governments had often been accused of strangulating local governments in the country. And so, naturally, many commentators hailed Adedayo for drawing attention to what they thought was the haemorrhage going on in Ogun State. However, as they waited for evidence proving the governor’s guilt, they got none. Instead, evidence from all quarters showed that the now suspended Ogun East LG boss had only aimed at creating chaos in the state by making false allegations against the governor and setting the people against their government.
First, Adedayo’s own colleagues not only debunked his allegations, they in fact undertook a peace mission to the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, to apologize for the embarrassment the rabble rouser had caused them, knowing that at no time had the state government tampered with their funds. Although the chairmen prostrating before the governor in line with Yoruba culture generated some hoopla, the fundamental question is whether the governor was guilty as charged or not. Alas, the governor’s innocence was demonstrated very clearly. Apart from the local government chairmen, members of the constitutional organ responsible for disbursing the funds in quesrion, the Ogun State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), debunked the allegation, saying that they had always received their allocations. If they stopped at that, the matter would have been finally laid to rest. But they did not. They went ahead to confirm the state government’s claim that rather than diverting local government funds, the state government had actually had to augment the funds during the COVID-19 crisis. Besides, the state government itself, giving a breakdown of the funds allocated to the 20 LGs since 2019, confirmed the figures rolled out by the National Bureau of Statistics.
With this barrage of unavailable evidences, it is most unconscionable for the suspended LG boss to still be inciting the public against the governor, seeking to upturn the prevailing atmosphere of peace in the state. And that is why the security agencies must be ready to unearth his true motivations and the brains behind him as he breaches public peace. After his release from DSS interrogation this week, the suspended chair, who is facing a barrage of allegations of financial sleaze from members of his own council, made inciting comments, disparaging Governor Abiodun and his government, and portraying himself as a people’s hero. Well, the man who accused his former boss, Gbenga Daniel, of running a killer squad as governor needs to mind the thorns as a hauls stones while inhabiting a glass house. Apparently, Wale Adedayo’s tactic is to turn his lie into truth through regurgitation. As a person who once claimed to have studied propaganda and public opinion manipulation while in school, it is clear that Adedayo’s interest is not just mischief but a calculated attempt to discredit Abiodun and bring down his government. Facts are facts and falsehood is falsehood. A situation where anyone is allowed to churn out deliberate falsehood against reality cannot and should not be tolerated in ANY democracy.
Wale Adedayo is doing the job given to him by political forces, but Nigerians thankfully have the opportunity of listening to the other side of the story. If you know the truth, the truth will set you free. Indeed, as many have asked, if the LGs had got no allocations since 2019, how then had they been paying teachers, healthcare workers, members of traditional councils, pensioners and local government workers? Why is it that Wale Adedayo has made damning allegations against Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chief Segun Osoba, Governor Dapo Abiodun and anyone that has helped him at one point or the other in his troubled odyssey? He once wrote a book alleging that his boss was sleeping with his wife, and that members of his family do not attain the age of 40, whereas he did so by appeasing to his gods.
The world must know that this guy is lying like Lucifer. He knows that people’s blood would boil when they hear of zero allocation to LG councils, but the people who took him serious are now regretting doing so. Available evidence indicates that in the last 26 months that he has been chairman, he attended JAAC meetings, where LG funds are disbursed after being received from the Federation Account, 15 times. If during all those times that he attended JAAC meetings, Ijebu East and other LGs had no allocations, then what was shared at those JAAC meetings? Why is he suddenly claiming zero allocation to councils in Ogun State after more than two years in office? Why do the records show that, like other LG chairmen, he has collected N3 million every month as imprest, while his council also shared from all the allocations given since 2019 when Governor Abiodun came on board, including the N5.1 billion allocation shared in August this year; the N4.4 billion shared in July, and the 5.1bn shared in June and the N4.5 billion shared in May? Is he saying that Ijebu East has not paid workers since 2019?
.
Rather than stealing LG funds, the state government has augmented their allocations to enable them meet their obligations. Let Wale Adedayo challenge the facts available to the public if he can: in 2020, N43.121 billion was budgeted for first line charges, while N34.750 billion was received from the federation account for the 20 LGs, leaving a deficit of N6.619 billion. In 2021, the LGs got N38.723 billion, while payment for first line charges was put at N47.845 billion. In 2022, the LGs got N48.074 billion from the Federation Account, whereas first line charges amounted to N54.182 billion, leaving a deficit of N17.4 billion by January 2023, covered by the state government. Adedayo lied like Lucifer just to stoke crisis in the Gateway State.
The fact, quite simply, is that Governor Abiodun is not a signatory to the LG accounts and could not have diverted any LG funds. During the COVID-19 crisis, most of the LGs did not pay PAYEE tax because of the shortfall in federal allocations, and deducting this tax after the crisis does not amount to diversion in any form. Wale Adedayo is desperately trying to plunge Ogun State into crisis. He must be taken to court very quickly, lest he set Ogun State on fire.
Branco wrote through [email protected]
Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat.
Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the Community Protection Guards, alongside the reconstruction of the Safe School in Anka, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure.
During the commissioning event, Governor Lawal highlighted that these projects are a fulfillment of commitments made during his campaign, aimed at transforming the local landscape by improving infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, bolstering public service efficiency, and enhancing the capacities of security agencies. He called for a collective effort from the community to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities, underscoring the shared responsibility in preserving public assets.
Governor Lawal shared that similar projects have also been inaugurated in Tsafe, with plans for upcoming projects in Kaura Namoda, Moriki, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi, all expected to be completed and inaugurated by the year’s end. This ambitious timeline reflects the administration’s urgency in addressing the development needs of various regions within the state.
In his remarks, the governor urged residents and local traditional institutions to collaborate closely in maintaining the newly commissioned structures and supporting the overarching objectives of his administration. “I stand here in Anka today to honor our commitments to the people of Anka Local Government and all of Zamfara State. The official opening of the new palace for the ‘Sarkin Zamfaran Anka’ and the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs is a significant milestone that wraps up today’s agenda,” he stated.
Governor Lawal emphasized the strategic importance of the Anka–Abbare Road, describing it as a critical artery that will not only enhance access to remote areas but also stimulate economic activities and generate multiplier effects throughout the local economy. He articulated the necessity of providing a conducive work environment for civil servants, affirming that the new local government secretariat and dedicated offices will significantly contribute to strengthening law and order within the state.
“Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. Our focused initiatives are oriented towards fostering a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students. I am also proud to announce the completion and commissioning of the reconstructed SAFE School Anka today,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education.
The governor further noted that the commissioning of the Emir’s Palace serves to restore the historical prominence of traditional institutions, which he regards as pivotal custodians of the region’s culture and heritage. He underlined the administration’s awareness of the invaluable role that these institutions play in fostering the state’s growth and emphasized the necessity of aligning development projects with cultural values.
In conclusion, the governor mentioned that after the successful commissioning in Anka and Tsafe, future projects in Kaura Namoda and Moriki will follow suit, while those in Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi remain on track for completion and official commissioning before the year concludes.
news
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has extended its warm congratulations to His Excellency, Mallam Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, following his recent appointment as a Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This felicitation was formally conveyed in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and disseminated to the press.
The statement highlighted that the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI, His Excellency General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received the news of the appointment with great pride but without surprise. According to the statement, General Musa expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s proven capability and salient leadership qualities, affirming that the Governor is eminently equipped to deliver on every task entrusted to him.
The Grand Patron further extended profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognising and finding Governor Uba Sani worthy of this critical national assignment. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, was made by the President in his capacity as the leader of the APC, citing the Governor’s exceptional organisational abilities and strategic acumen.
In his new role, Governor Sani is tasked with working in close collaboration with the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the party hierarchy, including the National Chairman of the APC. His primary mandate is to ensure harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across all levels of the party’s mobilization and engagement architecture, a vital function for advancing the political agenda.
Demonstrating its commitment to national service and effective governance, the GCGMSI, under the direct directive of its Grand Patron, General Musa, has officially mobilised its formidable structure. The Initiative has pledged the full deployment of its extensive network, seasoned personnel, and robust operational framework to assist and support Governor Uba Sani in the successful execution of his new responsibilities.
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative, renowned for its disciplined organisation, widespread grassroots penetration, and capacity for large-scale civic mobilisation, stands ready as a pivotal force. This move underscores the GCGMSI’s pivotal role as a key support system for national development initiatives and its unwavering dedication to fostering unity and progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Says PDP Will Retain Power
…..Tasks PMS To Remain United, Peaceful
A leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged the people of Oyo State to remain steadfast, saying they will continue to enjoy good governance because the PDP will produce the next governor in the 2027 general elections.
Ajadi, who made this known while addressing transport unions under the Park Management System (PMS) at their headquarters, New Garage, Ibadan, on Tuesday, urged the park managers to remain united and maintain the love and peace currently prevalent among them.
According to him, “My advice to the Park Managers and the commercial drivers in Oyo State is that they should continue the love and peaceful attitudes. They should remain united. They should not ‘scattelegs’.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you, remain steadfast. Let me assure you that our party, the PDP, will produce the next governor come 2027,” Ajadi said.
He said he came to the PMS headquarters to meet with transporters and park managers to inform them of his aspiration to serve the people of Oyo State as governor come 2027.
“Today I joined my people, the park managers in Oyo State, to familiarize myself with them and inform them of my intention to serve the people of Oyo State as the next governor by the Grace of God.”
On the plans for the transporters, Ajadi said he first wants to change the look of the City Cabs, which will be done in collaboration with the Park Management System.
He also plans to increase the number of Mass Transit buses and make them available in all locations of the State.
He said the Mass Transit buses will operate in partnership with the Park Managers.
Ajadi, who commended Governor Makinde on the newly established bus terminals in the State, said his government will ensure adequate usage of the facilities.age of the facilities.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING