Contrary to hints about his views on the ongoing debate on local government autonomy in the country, Oyo State Governor Enguru Seyi Makinde has said that he is not opposed to local government autonomy as a third tier government. He said no.
Governor Makinde seemed to be reacting to those who felt uncomfortable with the independence of local governments, saying that while there is nothing wrong with elected officials discharging their constitutional duties, He said he would continue to oppose any omissions.
Governor Makinde made this disclosure while officially commissioning the new local government building and staff training school within the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
“What I refer to as ironic is the fact that it is the same local government where people are walking in the streets saying that Seyi Makinde is trying to destroy the local government administration.
“Isn’t it ironic that this building we’re commissioning is the first modern building in which local government families will live? Is this a way to destroy something? If it’s a way to destroy something, we’ll continue to do this kind of thing so they don’t say anything again in the city.
“Let me say this: In countries where there is a lack of trust between leaders and those being led, there is always a tendency to take advantage of the situation to fan the flames of discord or impose unintended narratives and perceptions. No wonder some people do.
“I am here to repeat the obvious: I am not opposed to the elected representatives of the people carrying out their constitutional duties. Those who raise the bar are those who create constitutional gaps where none exist or seek to redirect a branch of government against their opponents.
“Here in Oyo State, under my watch, we will continue to take decisions that bring the fullest benefits of democracy to the good people of Oyo State. And we will ensure that democracy and its benefits reach the people at the grassroots. We are aware of the role that local government authorities must play to ensure that the most people are reached,” Governor Makinde said.
He insisted that the public “must always remember to identify the real enemy so as not to turn against our friends.”
“However, although by design this is supposed to be the role of local authorities, in practice there have been several factors that have prevented local governments from achieving this goal.”
“When I came here, the representative of the NULGE chairman said that we have temporary staff. They complain that about 2,000 local government employees have retired and are not being replaced. , we have proposed converting some of these temporary staff into permanent staff on the ground.”Government officials.
“So we continue to collaborate and coordinate with local governments to ensure that we can sell our vision in the state to local level managers as well, so that we can achieve even more if there are synergies.” I’m going.”
The governor then directed 33 local governments in the state to convert temporary workers to permanent workers.
“So for you temporary workers, we still have the power to make decisions and I’m sure the local government people will be happy to accept that, so you’ll have a change of heart.
“I will give the Secretary of State for Local Government and Mayors about four weeks to follow due process, interview people and employ them to fill the gap.” he added.
