By Ayodele Oni
There are indications that Local Governments’ Development Councils abolished in Ekiti state, during the immediate past administration of Governor Ayo Fayose, may return.
At the twilight of his first term, Governor Kayode Fayemi, approved the creation of additional local government development councils which took off, but were scrapped at the inception of the administration of Fayose in 2014.
Again, on Monday, Dr Fayemi approved the setting up of a committee to look into the creation of Local Government Councils Development Areas in the state.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, this is in a bid to bring government nearer to the people, and ensure more rapid development in the rural areas in line with the administration’s five- pillar development agenda.
The 13-Member Committee has Mr. Segun Oluwole as Chairman, with representative of National Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), and Ministry of Justice as members.
The Committee’s Terms of Reference include the review of the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State 2014, and make recommendations on its relevance in view of current legal developments in Ekiti State
It will consult extensively with the communities where LCDA Secretariats were created by the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State, 2014, and make recommendations on their current economic viability and suitability with a view to ensuring uniformity, equity, fairness across the Local Government Areas.
According to the statement, it is expected to recommend to the state government practical steps for the creation of Local Council Development Areas out of the existing 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State .
The Committee has three months to submit its report to the Governor.
