No diversion of LG funds in Ondo, ALGON chairman insists

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the All Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Donald Fasua, has denied claims by some council chairmen that the state government was diverting local government funds.

Some council bosses had alleged that they were receiving only N4 million from the N600 million monthly allocation due each council from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), limiting their ability to implement projects.

In an interview on Friday, Fasua, who is also the chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, described the allegations as false.

He said local governments are fully responsible for their allocations and have been using the funds for development.

“It is not true. The governor is not diverting our funds. Since we got to office, we have begun the necessary development in the local governments. For instance, in my local government of Akure South, I bought 10 vehicles in my five months in office, unlike other previous administrations.

“Go to the local government and see the projects that are ongoing in the LGAs of the state. Road and water projects are scattered everywhere in the local government areas of the state. When it comes to LG administration, we are solely the ones in charge of our funds, and that is the truth.

“So, if the governor is the one dictating our funds, how come we’re achieving this much, and people are applauding us for the things we have been able to do with the funds? There is so much we have been able to do. We have achieved a lot, and we can begin to count. We are the ones in charge of our finances.”

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro, also criticised the council chairmen for insincerity, stressing that the funding arrangement was agreed collectively.