LAGOS: 57 Councils fault Ogunlewe over alleged deductions

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The Conference of 57 Local Government Executive Secretaries in Lagos State has described as untrue the statement by the former Minister of Works and chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Adeseye Ogunlewe accusing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of deducting 80 per cent from funds accruing to Local Governments in the state.

The Executive Secretaries, debunked the claim by Ogunlewe yesterday, describing it as a blatant falsehood which was nothing short of an “act of gross irresponsibility and a clear evidence of desperation of a man whose political diminution has inflicted an advanced state of abnormal behaviour”.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Executive Secretary of Bariga Local Council Development Area, LCDA and Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Alabi Kolade David, said; “In the last five months, they have had the opportunity of working with Ambode, whose deep passion for the autonomy of the Local Government is immeasurable, adding that the respect which the governor has for the political and administrative personnel is equally exemplary.’’

While urging the public to disregard the allegation, the Executive Secretaries said rather than deduct from the funds of LGs, Ambode elected to empower the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the state.

While assuring that the LGs and LCDAs are up to the task of speeding up development and responding to the demands of residents, the council bosses emphasised that it is on record that since the administration of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos has never defaulted in salaries payment to all teachers and staff.

Meantime, Governor Ambode yesterday, said the agribusiness sector remains one of the most viable areas that the Federal and State Governments must begin to pay serious attention to boost its revenue generation in the wake of dwindling oil prices.

He spoke at the 4th European Union-Nigeria Business Forum 2015 holding at the Eko Hotels and Suites said the harsh times in the oil sector and its attendant impact on government revenue makes it imperative to look inward for creative ways of growing the economy of the country and boosting gross domestic product.

“To this end, he said the agricultural sector serves as a ready alternative source of revenue generation not only to governments but also to individuals and private organizations through the various agro allied value chains.

He commended the organisers for the theme of this year’s forum, “Unlocking Opportunities for Diversification”, saying it was apt as it would afford participants focus on addressing the obstacles to the effective development of the agricultural value chain.

He however said that for the sector to achieve its full potentials, the task could not be left to the government alone, stressing that it would require private sector capital, entrepreneurial approach, innovativeness and managerial efficiency as well as the critical role of international partners and investors into the sector.

Source: Vanguard