Gov Akeredolu Threatens To Stop Take Off Of Newly Created LCDAs In Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Despite signing the bill creating them to law, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has threatened that some newly created Local Council Development Authority, (LCDA) may not take off.

Governor Akeredolu explained that areas where there is crisis over the LCDA may not witness their takeoff stressing that unity, is the prerequisite for the take off of newly created LCDAs.

The Governor disclosed Government position to stakeholders, as he embarked on a tour of the Northern Senatorial District of the State, to inspect facilities on ground for the take off of the newly created LCDAs, as well as assess the level of preparedness of stakeholders.

The new LCDAs whose bill was signed into law by Governor Akeredolu in Ibadan, Oyo state on his return from medical leave abroad, have been finding it difficult to take off following disagreement among communities either on the headquarter or their name.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, led a team on an inspection of newly created LCDAs in the Northern Senatorial District.

Akeredolu pointed out that his intention of creating the LCDAs was not to put division among the people, but to bring government closer to them and make the State develop faster, through local government administration.

He maintained that unity among the communities which make up the LCDAs, as mandatory for their take off, as the government will not tolerate any turbulence arising from creation of LCDAs.

According to him, no meaningful development can take place if stakeholders do not put aside selfish interests and come together in the interest of their communities.

The Governor said in response to the yearnings, agitations and aspirations of his people, he had to take the bull by the horn, to ensure that the newly created LCDAs see the light of the day.

He added that the Bill that created the LCDAs had been passed into law, accented to and sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for implementation.

The Governor said if stakeholders are ready and willing to do the needful, the LCDAs could take off in the next few days.

While seeking the continued support and collaboration of stakeholders, the Governor thanked them for their prayers and for standing by him when it seemed all hopes were lost.

He reiterated commitment to the continued provision of amenities and infrastructure to make life better for the people.

Akeredolu sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity in the state and making it a safe heaven for all and sundry.

At Oredegbe and Arigidi/Erusu LCDAs, there was disagreement on the location provided for permanent sites and name of the LCDA, the Governor apart from listening to all argument on the merit and demerits of the locations, he visited the sites for an on the spot assessment .

He then promised to invite the different interest groups to a meeting, with the view to resolving amicably, areas of differences.