NB247
The Ondo State Government has challenged the Social Democratic Party to support its allegations of diversion of local government funds with concrete with concrete evidence
SDP Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, began the controversy on Saturday, when he alleged that his party had “credible information” that federal allocations meant for local governments were being collected by the state government.
Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the SDP had no evidence to back its claims of funds diversion.
“We don’t normally respond to this kind of stuff because these people just want to be in the news to be noticed,” he said.
“Well, no LG worker is being owed salary. No primary school teacher is being owed. No LG chairman has complained of not having funds to run their LG.
“If they have any evidence let them bring it forward.”
The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State also disagreed with the SDP on the allegation of non-release and diversion of funds meant for local governments in the state.
“This revelation raises serious concerns about fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, and the principles of democracy,” Mr Akinbuli said in a statement.
“It is unconscionable that funds intended for grassroots development and service delivery are being siphoned off, depriving local communities of essential services and infrastructure.”
According to him, local governments are being denied the resources they need to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and security.
He said the action of the state government undermines the effectiveness of local governments but also erodes trust in the system and perpetuates underdevelopment.
“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,” he said.
The SDP Chairman further urged 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,” he added.
However, the APC has rejected and denied the allegations that the funds meant for the councils were diverted.
“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,” the APC said in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Steve Otaloro.
The APC says Mr Akinbuli is concerned with creating sensational headlines to distract from the internal issues plaguing the SDP, including its national leadership struggles and corruption.
While describing the SDP allegations as misguided, the APC noted that the opposition party has no knowledge about LG administration.
“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,” said the APC.
“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 APC urged the SDP to focus on its internal challenges rather than spreading falsehoods that could destabilize Ondo State.
“The APC remains committed to fostering a transparent and accountable governance structure that prioritizes the needs of the people,” he added.