Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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The Ekiti State House Assembly yesterday placed the16 local government chairmen and their 177 councilors as well as other top political officials of the councils on indefinite suspension over alleged misappropriation of funds.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elected officials were inaugurated into offices on December 19, 2017 under the administration of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

This resolution was reached at the assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker of the  House, Mr Adeniran Alagbada, where it was resolved that the auditor general of the local government must begin forensic audit of all accounts in order to pave way for more actions by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on the resolution  of the House, the Chairman House committee on Information and Leader of Government Business, Mr Gboyega Aribisogan, said the action was taken in line with Section 7 of the 1999 constitution and Section 82 of the Assembly’s Standing Order.

Aribisoga revealed that the reports submitted by Public Accounts Committee saddled with the responsibility of probing the finances of the councils , in line with Section 82 of the 1999 constitution contained alleged infractions in form of misappropriation , diversion and contract inflation , which he said the House can’t overlook.

“We worked on the documents and we realized that the council bosses went on their way to use direct labour for projects that go beyond their approval limits making them conduit pipes to massively loot the third tier of government.

“The ineptitude, corruption, misappropriation, diversion and outright looting discovered in the reports saddened us that the third tier of government was badly managed by these local government elected officials. They showed that they were there to fend for themselves and not the people.

“Section 7 of the 1999 constitution stipulated that the House of Assembly shall make laws for the good governance and operations of the councils, including agencies not contained on the exclusive list.

“We hereby resolved that the chairmen of the 16 local government councils, their appointed officials and all councilors be placed on an indefinite suspension to pave way for a forensic audit of the accounts for their continued stay in office will obstruct the course of investigation.

“The suspended officials should hand over government properties in their possession to the Directors of Administration.

He added further: “We saw cases of over invoicing and contract inflation and there were evidence of how they awarded contracts were awarded to families and their cronies .

He dispelled the insinuation that a sum of N8 million bribe was offered to the House by the council bosses to stave off suspension, saying only the members of the committee carried out the oversight function.

Ilaje LG boss seeks workers cooperation

Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

The newly-appointed Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Mr Otito Atikase,  has called for the cooperation of the council workers, political office holders and technocrats in developing the local government.

Atikase made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Igbokoda, Ondo State on Tuesday.

He said that such cooperation would go a long way for the indigenes to enjoy developments and dividends of democracy.

“The essence of governance is to solve people’s problems and enjoy development and the dividends of democracy.

“I urge council workers, political office holders and technocrats to cooperate with me so that we can move the council to a greater height,” Atikase said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo State House of Assembly had on Oct. 18 during plenary dissolved the 18 LGAs Caretaker Committee Chairmen after their tenure was extended twice.

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, had on Dec. 13, announced the appointment of new Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the 18 LGAs sequel to the ratification of the list by the House of Assembly.

They include: Rafiu Eniayewu for Akoko North-East; Yomi Babatunde for Akoko South-East; Ayodele Akande for Akoko North-West; Augustine Olatunji for Akoko South-West; Adebayo Benjamin for Owo; and Agboola Ajike for Ose.

Others are: Gbenga Michael for Akure South; Gabriel Ogbesetore for Akure North; Alex Oladimeji for Ifedore; Biyi Ayannuola for Idanre; Akinkuote Augustine for Ondo East; and Ebenezer Akinsulire for Ondo West.

He also mentioned Samuel Ikumawoyi for Odigbo; Michael Akinsuroju for Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo; Omolewa Ojo for Ese Odo; Otito Atikase for Ilaje; Morenike Alaka for Okitipupa; and Gbadebo Odimayo for Irele.