By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said on Friday that the refusal of the people to rise against the scrapping of the Local Council Development Areas, (LCDA) he created during his first tenure made the last administration went away with its action.
The Governor, while signing into law, six newly passed bills by the state House of Assembly in Ado Ekiti explained that on assumption of duty during his second term, he decided to resuscitate the LCDAs because the people yearned for them.
“It will be recalled that this process began during my first term in office. Indeed the then newly created LCDAs had begun functioning before the end of that term.
“Regrettably this initiative was abandoned by the subsequent administration. We are now resuscitating the LCDAs again. Let me immediately say that the decision to revive the creation of LCDAs was not taken lightly.
“Aside from concerns about funding, there are many who have questioned the desire of our people for LCDAs citing the manner in which the previous administration abandoned the idea with little protests from the beneficiary communities.
“I am of the firm opinion that the creation of LCDAs is necessary and important to the socio economic and political development of Ekiti St
“While I recognize the concern about sustainable funding, it is my view that given the efficiency with which we have managed state resources thus far, we will be suitably positioned to lay a solid foundation for the take off of the LCDA.
“What is important at this moment is that the beneficiary communities of the 19 newly created LCDAs work with government to ensure that we make a success of this initiative.
“For emphasis, achieving the efficient functioning of the LCDAs cannot be the exclusive responsibility of government.
“Beneficiary communities must see themselves as active partners in the development of the LCDAS. After signing this into law, the next stage is to formalize the institutional delivery of the 19 LCDAS.
“The State Executive Council constituted a Committee on the Implementation of LCDAs with the following members:
The Honourable Attorney- General & Commissioner for Justice (Chairman); Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development; Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development; Honourable Commissioner for Local Government Affair, DG Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery; Chairman ALGON, Ekiti State and Chairman, Local Government Service Commission.
“This committee will continue to oversee the process for the establishment of the LCDAS.”
Other bills signed into law are Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi today signed the following bills into law; Financial autonomy for Judiciary 2021; Financial autonomy for Legislature 2021; Consumer Protection 2021; Economic Development Council 2021 and Attorney General’s Office 2021.
On consumers protection law, the Governor pointed out that it became imperative as a result of continued rise in prices of goods and services in the state, saying the law would protect consumers.
“We have listened to the complaints by our people about the unwholesome practices that often characterize the sale of good and services in the state.
“The state government has at various times responded to unfair and unjustified increase in the prices of goods and services. The consumer protection law will promote and protect the rights of consumers in Ekiti State.
“It is noteworthy that the law provides a framework for aggrieved citizens to seek redress against unfair trade practices and the unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
“Let me use this opportunity to direct the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries to immediately put in place modalities for the implementation of this law.”
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