Segun Showunmi in Ibadan
The former local government chairmen in Oyo state said they would have been happy if the Supreme Court rule had rule that, Governor Seyi Makinde should pay them their outstanding salaries and entitlements from his private purse, in addition to the judgement against their illegal suspension by the Governor
Penpushing reports that ,it is recalled that the chairmen under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), association had being at loggerhead with the current administration in the state led by Governor Seyi Makinde over their dissolution from office without completion of tenure before the Supreme Court on Friday declared the dissolution as lawlessness and illegal.
“We would have loved their Lordships to order the Governor to pay us from his personal and business accounts for his lawlessness, arrogance of power and impunity notwithstanding his immunity. Now our state will bear the financial brunt of the Governor’s executive rascality.”
“We accept this condition but with sympathy to our dear pacesetter state which financial resources are now put in jeopardy because of the executive rascality of the governor who will now pay us and continue to pay the illegal caretaker contraption he unleashed on local government councils.”
“It’s a case of paying two sets of workers for the same position. This is how the state resources are being wasted under this government to fund impunity, lawlessness, political thuggery and white elephant projects when social infrastructures are in serious deficit.”
The Association Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye at a press conference in reaction to the judgement further stated that the body has dedicated the court victory to late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Penpushing also reports that, he pointed out that, the late Ajimobi advised the body to always abide with the rule of law, adding that their agitation was not about their reinstatement back to office, but laying precedent for others who will later be in the office
The association lamented that its unfortunate that Ajimobi was not alive again to witness the victory, saying that he(Ajimobi) advised the body not to engage in thuggery, but to approach court for their agitations.
Penpushing reports that, the body stated that the agitation is beyond reinstatement, but making sacrifice and defend democracy at the grassroot, scolding Governor Makinde and his government for flouting the constitution with impunity.
The Chairman, however appealed to the courts to make future law breakers who are conscious of the illegality of their actions while in official position to be personally liable, adding that this will teach many anti-local government autonomy governors big lesson.
Penpushing also reports that Abass-Aleshinloye therefore appreciate people of the state, traditional rulers, progressive media, and political party for their support and steadfastness towards the victory.
The Chairman All Progressive Congress (APC) Chief Akin in his remarks commended members of the association for their steadfastness and loyalty to the party despite all intimidation, describing the victory as victory for everybody and not for money but a fight of democracy.
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