Local Government Employees Union Calls for Probe of Allocations, Infrastructure in Local Councils

The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged for a thorough investigation into and monitoring of statutory allocations granted to local government councils in Nigeria. Expressing concern over inadequate infrastructure and development in the local councils, NULGE’s National President, Hakeem Ambali, called for increased oversight to ensure proper utilization of allocated funds for grassroots growth.

Ambali made these remarks in Abuja during an interview, in light of a petition filed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) by the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo. Adedayo accused Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting local council allocations for personal use.

The NULGE president reiterated his union’s support for local government autonomy and called for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the situation. Ambali clarified that NULGE is awaiting the report on the controversy before taking any action.

Highlighting past investigations by the EFCC that revealed misappropriation of local government funds, Ambali suggested establishing an oversight committee within the National Assembly to monitor and investigate allocations to local governments. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

Adedayo’s petition against Abiodun alleges the diversion of over N10 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, as well as the denial of ecological funds and other entitlements to local government chairmen. He also claims that constitutionally mandated revenue shares have not been distributed to local governments during Abiodun’s tenure.

In response, some local government chairmen in Ogun State appeared in a viral video apologizing to the governor, leading to skepticism from Adedayo and other residents. Despite the apologies, Adedayo maintains his petition and calls for the intervention of anti-graft agencies.

Otunba Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, called for President Bola Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the allegations against the governor. Showunmi criticized the prostration of local council chairmen as an attempt to undermine the constitutionally vital third tier of government.

Residents of the state are also demanding transparency. They are urging Governor Abiodun to publish records detailing how funds were allocated to the 20 local governments over the past two years. The public is also encouraging the Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly to thoroughly investigate the allegations made by the council chairman to clarify the situation.