Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
November 05, 2015 – Conference of Local Government Executive Secretaries in Lagos State has called on the National Assembly to grant local governments autonomy to enable them fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
Executive Secretary of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Chairman of Conference of Local Government Executive Secretaries, Hon. Alabi Kolade David made the revelation while speaking at a press conference in Lagos.
He called on the lawmakers to grant special status to Lagos by making sure that 1 percent of total budget is allocated to the state, which is seen as home for all.
He debunked allegations by chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Adeseye Ogunlewe accusing the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of causing under-development in the grassroots by deducting 80 percent from funds accruing to Local Governments in the State.
“The allegation by Ogunlewe is blatant falsehood and is 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”, he said.
“For the information of teeming Lagosians, it is on record that in 1999, the people of Lagos East Senatorial Constituency voted Senator Seye Ogunlewe on the platform of the progressive party, Alliance for Democracy. In a classic case of betrayal of trust, he crossed to the rival PDP and became the Minister of Works”.
“As Minister, Senator Seye Ogunlewe actively conspired with other members of the PDP to withhold the funds due to the Local Governments of Lagos State for 23 months in violation of an order of the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land.
“Through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, he (Ogunlewe) unleashed mayhem on Lagos motorists and engaged our Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in a war from which many still carry the scars till today,” David recalled.
