AKURE – Social Democratic Party (SDP) has alleged Ondo State government of diverting federal allocations meant for the 18 local government areas in the state.
State Chairman of SDP in Ondo State, Gbenga Akinbuli made the allegation on Sunday in a statement made available to journalists in Akure.
Akinbuli, a legal practitioner, claimed that he has credible information that the federal allocations meant for the local governments were being allegedly collected by the state government, saying it raises serious concerns about the fiscal autonomy of the local councils.
The statement reads: “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.”
Condemning the act, SDP, therefore, said the state government should stop the alleged diversion of the local councils’ allocations.
According to the statement, “We condemn this practice in the strongest possible terms and demand that the state government ceases this unlawful collection of local government funds.
“It is imperative that the state government prioritizes transparency and accountability in the management of local government funds and ensures that allocations are released to their rightful recipients.
“We urge the state government to respect the principles of fiscal federalism and local autonomy, and to recognize the constitutional rights of local governments to receive and manage their own funds. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a dereliction of duty.
“We also call on the Attorney General of the Federation, who has been a vocal advocate for local government autonomy, to take note of this development and ensure that his efforts to promote local government autonomy are not undermined by the actions of state governments.
“It is particularly concerning that despite the Attorney General’s efforts, some state governments, including Ondo State, continue to disregard the principles of fiscal federalism and local autonomy.
“Furthermore, as an opposition party, we cannot help but note that the state government’s actions are consistent with their efforts to suppress the will of the people.
“The doctoring of election results in the last state and local government elections to prevent opposition party members from holding major government positions is a clear indication of their intentions to maintain control and carry out their atrocities without accountability.
“We demand that all future allocations meant for local governments should remain with the local governments to enable them carry out their elective functions without interference or reimbursement to the state government. The people deserve better governance, and it’s time for the state government to prioritize their needs.”
Reacting to the allegation, the Director, Media and Publicity, All Progressives Congress (APC), Steve Otaloro dismissed the claim of SDP as spurious and baseless.
Otaloro in the statement said: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the Social Democratic Party (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 Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli, to exercise caution in their 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.
“Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils function 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.
“It is apparent that Barr. Akinbuli is more concerned with creating sensational headlines to distract from the internal issues plaguing the SDP, including its national leadership struggles and corruption, rather than focusing on the real challenges facing his party.
“His attempts to meddle in local government affairs, of which he seems to have little understanding, are misguided.
“The local government chairmen, who are the elected representatives of the people, are in the best position to report on the developments within their jurisdictions.
“As a political party, we take pride in the progress reports we receive from local government leaders, who are diligently working to implement our ‘Our Ease’ policy under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. We encourage them to continue their efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.
“We, therefore call on the SDP to focus on their internal challenges rather than spreading falsehoods that could destabilize our state. The APC remains committed to fostering a transparent and accountable governance structure that prioritizes the needs of the people.”
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