…as 30 LGAs receive over N96bn between Jan – Nov 2024
Osun LG polls: Insight Initiative calls for protection of public interest as parties clash over legality
A Non-governmental Organisation in Osun State, Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development has called for the protection of public interest as parties clash over legality.
According to the statement signed by the senior programmes officer on Friday, the political violence that has distorted the peace of Osun State in the last few days over the control, administration and management of local government areas in the state.
The statement further reads, “While the political parties have continued to provide various interpretations to the February 10 Court of Appeal judgement on the legality of the October 15, 2022 council poll, our organisation condemns the wanton killings that have plunged the state into a heavily policed situation sparking palpable fear in the minds of the people ahead of Saturday’s election.
“Understandably, politicians are always noted for politicking to outsmart each other to gain power but must do with the utmost level of sincerity, caution and respect for the interest of members of the public they seek to serve.
“Available data from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the 30 local government areas and Area Office, Modakeke received a total sum of ₦96,417,225,773.8 between January and November 2024 from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Below is a breakdown:
BREAKDOWN OF FAAC ALLOCATIONS TO OSUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS FROM JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 2024
1. January 2024 – June 2024: ₦48,473,108,009.59
2. July 2024: ₦9,405,604,655.54
3. August 2024: ₦9,785,681,868.47
4. September 2024: ₦8,805,876,462.03
5. October 2024: ₦9,416,952,314.02
6. November 2024: ₦10,530,002,464.15
TOTAL: #96,417,225,773.8
Source: OAGF FAAC Reports
“The July 11, 2024 landmark Supreme Court Judgement granting financial autonomy to local government areas in Nigeria presents an opportunity for massive development that has eroded grassroots for close to two decades. From our analysis, the monthly allocation to council areas particularly in Osun has risen by over 200% between May 2023 and July 2024. We also note that since July 2024, the administration of LGAs in Osun has been in the hands of technocrats and civil servants.
“As stakeholders prepare for the February 22, 2025, local government election in Osun State, citizens have a duty to further probe into the hearts and minds of those seeking to govern them. Whether those to be produced in February 22 election or those said to be reinstated by the February 10 Court of Appeal judgement later take charge of our local governments, they must remember that service to the people is their first assignment. They must do everything to provide to the citizenry services that will aid the prosperity of Osun.
“On our part, Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) through our Osun Open Local Government Project (OsunOpen LG) will continue to demand transparency, accountability, good governance and grassroots development from those in offices. We want players in Saturday’s process to play by the rules and remember that no life is worth the blood of any citizen of Osun”, the statement read.
The organisation called on the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to be fair to all parties and midwife a credible, transparent and hitch-free process.
While also appealing to security agencies to be professional in the discharge of their constitutional mandate.
