Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed notions and insinuations about his views on the ongoing local government autonomy debate in the country.
Apparently reacting to those who feels he’s not at home with the freedom and independence of the third tier of government, Makinde said he has no issue whatsoever with elected officials performing their constitutional duties but would continue to speak against lacuna created where none existed.
Makinde spoke 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 to fill the over 2,000 vacant spaces created by retirement and relocation factor among workers.
According to him: “This building is a start of the renovation of the buildings within the Secretariat and turning 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 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.”
He 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 Oyo 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.
“But, 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. 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 of 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 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.”
