The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has alleged that governors across Nigeria are diverting and misappropriating local government allocations.
He pledged that if elected governor of Ogun State, he would grant full financial autonomy to local governments.
Adebutu made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta, where he sought the blessings and support of traditional rulers for his governorship ambition.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo; the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo; the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; and other party leaders.
Speaking before the monarchs, Adebutu said ensuring financial independence for local governments would be one of the defining policies of his administration.
“I will do something that will stun this nation and put us in the right direction. Local governments shall get their own money,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate stressed the need for genuine local government autonomy, adding that he had maintained a clean record while serving in the National Assembly.
“We must ensure we get local government autonomy. I have been reiterating to you that I, Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, was at the National Assembly twice, and I can boast that I did not embezzle public funds. How many politicians can say this?” he asked.
He further alleged that governors, irrespective of political affiliation, were misappropriating local government funds.
“It’s not a party thing. Both APC and PDP governors are embezzling local government allocations. It’s not a secret,” he said.
Adebutu argued that local governments would be better positioned to deliver development if they had direct access to their statutory allocations.
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