Following a directive from the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ( ALGON) , Oyo State chapter, Hon. Ayodeji Aleshinloye, asking the sacked council bosses to take over the affairs of the councils today, fear has gripped workers at local government councils across Oyo State.
The directive, it was learnt, was sequel to the move by Governor Seyi Makinde to appoint caretaker chairmen into local government and LCDAs in the state, despite court orders.
The workers, scattered all over the 33 local government areas and 35 Local Council Development Authorities ( LCDA) were said to be disturbed over the safety of lives and property with a possible clash between the loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government and the opposition All Progressives Congress.
Both the sacked council chairmen under the association and the state governor have been at loggerheads over the unceremonious removal of the council bosses by the governor.
Speaker of the state House of Assembly on Monday read the names of all the nominees before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, while also directing the committee to submit its report on Wednesday for consideration and possible approval by the lawmakers.
The plenary was held amid tight security with many stakeholders, including observers and party supporters were shut out of the Chamber while the plenary lasted.
In a statement made available to newsmen by ALGON Chairman, Aleshinloye , the association said the directive was reached after the general and emergency meeting held at its Secretariat in Ibadan.
The ALGON statement reads: “Having explored all the legal means and following what the Supreme Court says in respect of the inability of either the state governor or the state House of Assembly to dissolve the democratically elected Local Government Chairmen and Councilors, we hereby direct that all the local government chairmen and councilors that are democratically elected resume to their duty post and respective offices, tomorrow Wednesday 18th December, 2019.
“Any caretaker, who is poised to forcefully take over their right of place should not be given chance.”
“No one should entertain any form of fears as all the security agents who have the mandate to protect lives and properties are have been informed.”
Credit: The Nation
