APC, SDP trade words over Ondo LG funds

The Ondo State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Social Democratic Party clashed on Sunday over local government funds from the Federal Government.

The SDP had earlier accused the government of collecting the federal allocation meant for the local government development, which according to the opposition, was against the principle of local government autonomy.

In a statement issued by the state SDP chairman, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, the opposition party alleged that it had information that the ruling party was diverting the LG funds to another use different from the purpose for which it was meant.

The statement read, “We have credible information that federal allocations meant for local governments are being collected by the state government.

This revelation raises serious concerns about fiscal federalism, local autonomy, and the principles of democracy.

“It is unconscionable that funds intended for grassroots development and service delivery are being siphoned off, depriving local communities of essential services and infrastructure.

“The implications of this action are far-reaching. Local governments are being denied the resources they need to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and security.

“This not only undermines the effectiveness of local governments but also erodes trust in the system and perpetuates underdevelopment.”

The party condemned the practice in the strongest possible terms and demanded that the state government cease this unlawful collection of local government funds.

“It is imperative that the state government prioritises transparency and accountability in the management of local government funds and ensures that allocations are released to their rightful recipients,” the statement added.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the APC, Mr Steve Otaloro, in a counter-statement, described the allegations of the opposition as falsehoods meant to mislead the public.

Otaloro said, “The APC in Ondo State categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the SDP regarding the diversion of local government funds by the state government.

“These claims are nothing short of a blatant lie from the pit of hell, aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension in our polity.

“We urge the SDP, led by Gbenga Akinbuli, to exercise caution in its statements and to conduct proper investigations before issuing such unfounded press releases.

The truth is that local government funds are released strictly upon allocation from the federation accounts, and at no point has the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa interfered with or misappropriated these funds.”

The party said since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa had maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils functioned effectively even in the absence of elections. “This approach is designed to prevent any vacuum in governance at the grassroots and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency,” the statement added.

Recall that the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy was delivered on July 11, 2024.

The landmark ruling affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, recognising them as the third tier of government.

The judgment stemmed from a suit filed by the Federal Government, challenging the practice of state governors dissolving elected councils and setting up caretaker committees.