Chairmanship candidate of Action Alliance in Ijumu local government of Kogi State, Hon. Musa Olumayowa Yakubu (MOY), has warned the electorate on the dire consequences of supporting imposed candidates in the October 19 council polls.
In a statement on Wednesday, MOY noted that sequel to the recent prohibition of the local government caretaker committee in Nigeria, state governors are actively striving to install their loyalists as chairmen of local government councils within their jurisdictions.
He waned that if the situation is not adequately checked, the detrimental practices associated with the caretaker committee may persist, as the State Internal Electoral Council (SIEC) could be manipulated to indirectly obstruct the electorate’s ability to democratically select their Chairmen and Councilors in a free and fair manner.
He noted that a candidate imposed upon the people by the state government is likely to exhibit loyalty to the state governor, thereby subtly reinstating the neocolonial dynamics of the caretaker committee.
However, he said the scenario will definitely not to happen under the his administration as the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area.
He said, in accordance with constitutional mandates, the interests of the Ijumu community will be prioritized.
“I will make decisions and take actions independently of the State Government’s approval.
“To enhance the autonomy of Ijumu LGA and ensure direct accountability to the electorate, I will oversee local government finances, manage revenue collection, and allocate resources without interference from the state government.
“My focus will be on delivering essential services and development initiatives that foster improved governance and accountability. Grassroots development will undoubtedly be my primary concern, rather than conforming to the state government’s demands that contradict the wishes of the people.
“I will emphasize projects and programmes that directly benefit the residents of Ijumu, thereby fostering good governance and grassroots development,” he promsied.
The Action Alliance candidate said his administration will not pay lip service to the security challenges faced by Ijumu LGA.
“It is evident that the mismanagement of security funds by state governors has exacerbated insecurity at the local government level. With financial autonomy for local government, this issue will be effectively addressed in Ijumu LGA under my leadership. I will diligently adhere to constitutional provisions rather than the anti-people policies of the state government.
“I am committed to safeguarding the political and economic interests of the Ijumu People. There will be a cessation of political interference from the State government. I will unequivocally prevent any negative influence from the state government on local government decisions, thereby fostering local autonomy.
“Additionally, I will enhance service delivery. During my tenure, the Ijumu LGA will prioritize the provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure development, free from State Government interference,” he said.
Hon Musa said his candidacy represents a mass movement, and called on every responsible resident of Ijumu LGA to support his aspiration.
