Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-Commend Tinubu over council autonomy
Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in all the 57 Local Government Area in Lagos State, during the week, converged on Ikorodu to appraise the situations within the ruling party in various councils and the state at large.
The party chairmen, who met at the APC Secretariat in Ikorodu, expressed their satisfaction with activities around the councils in Lagos State, stating that there has been peaceful co – existence and good governance at the grassroots level.
The Ikorodu Divisional LGA Chairman, Otunba Olasunkanmi Tijani, who addressed journalists after their deliberations, said that the meeting afforded the ruling party’s chairmen at the grassroots, to review the happenings across the 57 LGAs and assist the party in charting way forward.
“As you all know, this is the second in the series of this meeting when we come together to exchange ideas and views, and to discuss matters of common interests as it impact our respective LGAs and the state in general”.
He thanked Senator Mikhail Abriu (the always doing good Senator), Honourable Babajimi Benson, Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Bisola Olusanya, the Special Adviser to His Excellency in the Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje and the two members of the Lagos State House of Assebly in Ikorodu representing constituency 1and 2; Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye and Hon. Moshood Aro respectively, for their support and contributions to the development of the party.
He extended the appreciation to the six council chairmen in Ikordu Division.
In a chat after the meeting, Otunba Tijani further stated and emphasized that the meeting also allowed them to start planning in earnest towards the local government and the next general elections.
He welcomed the local government autonomy, adding that it would allow for development at the grassroots.
“We usually come together to brainstorm and look at the way forward for the party, regarding the local government elections coming up next year, and the general elections in 2027.
“The autonomy is right. It puts the council chairmen on good footing. It gives them control over their resources and we expect them to expend them judiciously.
“We are carrying the youths along and allow them to contest, especially at the council and state levels. They have been well taken care of, both at the state and national levels, in terms of appointment.
“So, don’t forget that we had a little challenge at the last general elections, and as a result, we are not giving any more chances. That is why we are ensuring that necessary things are done across the board”, he added.
The Chairman of the Conference 57 APC LGA Chairmen, Mr Mayegun Dali Adeokun, who is the Chairman, APC Ikeja LGA, reiterated that the meeting was to reappraise the party.
“The purpose of the meeting was to appraise the party in each of the 57 local governments in Lagos State.
“We are satisfied with what is going on and we have noted the progress report from all the LGA chairmen concerning their local governments as well as the state”, he said.
Speaking on the judgment of the Supreme Court on the local government autonomy, the Chairman of the 57 LGA Chairmen, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, for the autonomy granted the councils, but added that local government in the state have been operating freely.
“We must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on this autonomy, even though in Lagos State, councils have been operating freely. What is happening in Lagos State is different from other states. In Lagos, all the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs are performing their functions without any restriction”, he said.
“I can say with confidence that there are progress being made by council chairmen in all the local government areas in Lagos State”.
He said that youths are being encouraged to join the party and contest for the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions.
He appealed to Nigerians to give President Tinubu time and support his administration towards a better country.
Alhaja Iyabo Aminat Akerele, LGA Chairman, Onigbongbo LCDA, also emphasized that the forum is being used to appraise situation in all the council areas and collectively resolve any problem when it arises in any of the councils.
She also welcomed the local government autonomy as pronounced by the Supreme Court, stating that it would aid the council chairmen to perform better.
