The African Action Congress (AAC) has demanded the immediate resignation of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for publicly rejecting local government financial autonomy.
The AAC made the call in a press statement issued by the party’s Oyo Chairman, Kayode Babayomi as a response to Makinde’s reaction to the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld financial autonomy for all the 774 councils in Nigeria.
Governor Makinde had stated that a lacuna was created between the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local government councils and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He had emphasised that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) would continue to deposit local government allocations into the States/Local Governments Joint Account as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks on the issue, the AAC Chairman said Makinde was worried because the apex court judgement would stop him from allegedly stealing money meant for the councils in the state.
He wrote: “Makinde’s worry about local government financial autonomy shows his administration lacks transparency and is corrupt.
“Makinde should resign from office if local government autonomy doesn’t align with his corrupt governance style. We in the African Action Congress are not surprised by Makinde’s reaction from the day the Supreme Court granted local government financial autonomy. It’s obvious Makinde’s government lacks accountability and transparency in its dealings, which is why you see him ranting all over the media in the past days.
“Makinde’s headache is the local government funds. He knows the grassroots people will begin to demand better governance from their local administrators. Makinde is scared of being exposed, but it’s too late for him, which is why he wasted taxpayers’ money on organising a selection process in the last local government elections.
“Makinde will not cease to frustrate anything that concerns the local government because he knows that’s where the bulk of their money comes from. His administration lacks accountability and transparency, choosing media packaging and propaganda over good governance. He should abide by the judgment and follow all due processes.
“Any kangaroo committee at the local government level to deceive the good people of Oyo State will not be tolerated. The people of Oyo State are well aware of the dividends of democracy that are about to happen if they can hold the elected chairmen and councillors accountable. Makinde should abide by the law and stop interfering with local government funds.”
Sahara Reporters
