Why full LG Autonomy may not work in Ondo

Officials of the Ondo State government have explained why it might not be possible for Local Government Councils to have full autonomy.

The officials, who pleaded anonymity, said certain laws need to be amended for Local councils to enjoy full autonomy.

They said the State gyovernment has been complying with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit laws in the administration of local government funds.

One of the officials insisted that the present administration, since the days of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, never tampered with local government allocation from the federation account.

He said the law setting up the Joint Allocation Committee has not been abolished 

Another official said the State Government ensured local government funds are distributed to certain areas like security, pensions and gratuities, traditional rulers, and others.

According to him: “We have no option than to respect the laws. The incoming elected Chairmen will enjoy autonomy. The federal government set-up a committee on the implementation of those judgement but the federal government needs to do something in the implementation of the judgment.

“Some laws need to be amended for states to start implementing. 

“The state only act like the central body for distributing money to the local government. There are lots of things that bind us together. We have to ensure the running of the local government is seamless and that funds for the training school, pension board. Attorney-General, security, traditional rulers are made available.”

Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, could not be reached for comments.

Source: The Nation