A Public Accountability Group, the Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), has raised concerns regarding the recent allegations made by Mr. Wale Adedayo, the suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area in Ogun State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Mr. Adedayo claimed that since the current local government executives assumed office in 2021, there has been no federal allocation to any local government, and the constitutionally mandated 10% of the state’s internally generated revenue for local governments has not been provided since Governor Dapo Abiodun took office.
In response to these allegations, CPA acknowledges the seriousness of the claims but emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and questions the veracity of Mr. Adedayo’s assertions.
It is crucial to provide context to this situation, considering that local government areas play a vital role in bringing governance closer to the grassroots and providing essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation programs.
One of the primary concerns raised by CPA is the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to ensure the proper utilization of funds allocated to local governments in Ogun State.
They questioned whether Mr. Adedayo has been transparent in managing the resources allocated to Ijebu East Local Government and whether there is full disclosure of how these funds were utilized.
CPA noted that significant sums have been allocated to local governments in recent months, and they inquire about the fate of the funds allocated to Ijebu East.
Furthermore, CPA seeked to establish whether there are financial records and audits that can substantiate Mr. Adedayo’s claims of non-remittance.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining proper financial records and accounts to confirm or refute the allegations.
While acknowledging the Ogun State Government’s efforts to respond to these allegations, CPA urges the citizens of Ogun State to consider the essence of the allegations against the governor.
They emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Mr. Adedayo’s tenure as the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government and call on relevant government agencies, including the Ogun State House of Assembly, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
CPA concluded by highlighting that the primary beneficiaries of good governance and effective local administration are the citizens and emphasizes the duty of civic-minded individuals and organizations to ensure that these allegations are addressed promptly and transparently.
They implored the Ogun State government to prioritize the welfare of the people and promote accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery.
