The Ondo State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have gone head-to-head over the local government funds from the Federal Government.
The SDP had earlier claimed that the State Government had received the federal allocation meant for the local government development, which goes against the principle of local government autonomy.
The SDP chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, in a statement, alleged that that it had information that the ruling party had siphoned the LG funds
The statement read, “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.”
Responding to the allegation, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, insisted that the opposition’s claim was untrue.
Otaloro said, “The APC in Ondo State categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the 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 Gbenga Akinbuli, to exercise caution in its 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.”
The party said that since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa had maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils functioned 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,” the statement added.
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