The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has expressed concern over the growing pressure on its elected officials, federal appointees, and other prominent members caused by what it describes as Governor Seyi Makinde’s mismanagement of local government allocations.
The party has urged residents to demand accountability for funds meant for the 33 local government councils since May 2019.
The APC claims the joint account arrangement between the state government and the 33 local governments has stifled the third tier of government. According to the party, local government officials have been unable to effectively manage monthly allocations from the federation account, thereby hindering development at the grassroots level.
In a statement issued Thursday in Ibadan, the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, criticized the State House of Assembly for failing to hold Governor Makinde accountable. He alleged that the Assembly has been unable to ensure the release of funds to lawmakers for empowering their constituents, a practice common in most states before 2019.
“We have observed the current situation across the state and realized the immense pressure on all elected officials, particularly serving members of the National Assembly,” Sadare said. “Our federal lawmakers are bearing the brunt as residents demand more grassroots development, which should ordinarily be the responsibility of local government councils.”
Sadare blamed the governor for monopolizing funds meant for local councils, rendering them ineffective. “In the past 68 months, no single local government in Oyo State has been able to deliver essential services to residents. Unfortunately, many citizens fail to differentiate between the responsibilities of the three tiers of government, often blaming federal representatives for issues caused by the state’s mismanagement.”
He explained that constituents often demand infrastructure projects, such as electricity transformers, streetlights, boreholes, and road repairs, from federal lawmakers. “These requests stem from ignorance about the primary responsibilities of lawmakers in Abuja and the neglect by the local councils,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Sadare commended APC lawmakers for their efforts to fill the gap. “Our senators and representatives in the Green Chamber have consistently supported communities by providing infrastructure, facilitating youth employment, sponsoring overseas education, and offering training opportunities.”
He highlighted their contributions to food security, such as training farmers in modern agricultural practices and providing tools, seeds, fertilizers, and grants. “In education, APC lawmakers have constructed ultra-modern classrooms and ICT centers while offering financial empowerment and palliatives to the people regularly.”
Sadare concluded by applauding the resilience of APC lawmakers, stating, “They remain committed to improving the lives of the people, even under challenging circumstances.”
