Osun State’s national and state assembly representatives, who were elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the “illegal occupants” in the state’s local government areas to leave right away in order to prevent a crisis.
On behalf of the PDP National and State Assembly members from Osun State, a statement released and made available over the weekend at the conclusion of the stakeholders’ meeting of the members, headed by Sen. Lere Oyewumi, stated that the PDP as a party and the state government are law-abiding, which is why they have chosen the path of peace and law rather than putting the state in crisis.
In addition, they urged the president to make sure that all federal agencies and institutions operate strictly within the parameters of the constitution and that local governments receive their funds directly into their (LG) accounts, which are opened and run by career officers—not political office holders—as required by the constitution.
The press release further emphasized that “we found that police officers are, regrettably, aiding the illegal occupation in the local governments by converting local government areas into police stations.” Thus, we demand that the Inspector General of Police (IG) order his officers to return to their posts and that legitimate individuals be permitted to occupy the local government offices.
The members of the PDP National and State Assembly in Osun State also requested the Inspector General to make sure that the Nigeria Police Force handles issues pertaining to local government administration in Osun State in a neutral, professional, and law-abiding manner.
“Local government administration and the management of LG funds must strictly comply with the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, existing court judgments, and extant laws of Osun State enacted pursuant to Section 7 of the Constitution,” it emphasized. No one has the power to overturn court rulings or meddle with local government finances, regardless of their position or prior office.
“That we all reaffirm our shared commitment to constitutional order, legislative oversight, public fund management accountability, and democratic institution protection.”
The statement also praised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his dedication to the welfare of workers and citizens in spite of the financial difficulties brought on by the local government crisis, stating that his efforts to maintain local government salary payments and ongoing development projects throughout the state show responsible and caring leadership.
“After reviewing the governor’s performance in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability, we unanimously endorse and give our total support to Governor Ademola Adeleke, for a second term in office in the interest of continuity, stability, and sustained progress for Osun State,” the members stated.
“That we looked at our party’s recent progress in the state, led by Hon. Sunday Bisi.” We approved his leadership, the State Working Committee’s performance, the party’s leadership in each of the state’s 332 wards, and the party’s leadership in each of the 30 local government area offices. We firmly assert that they continue to serve as the party’s executives in Osun State.
They further underlined that every member of the national and state assemblies opposes the unlawful transfer of public cash into private accounts.
Members asserted, however, that “teachers, nurses, healthcare professionals, local government civil servants, retirees, and traditional institutions at the grassroots are suffering needlessly as a result of the ongoing withholding of local government allocations due to Osun State.” Funds intended for the general public must not be politicized or the target of unnecessary meddling.
